A Mate Can Do No Wrong

By Henry Lawson

Ballad
    We learnt the creed at Hungerford,     We learnt the creed at Bourke;     We learnt it in the good times     And learnt it out of work.     We learnt it by the harbour-side     And on the billabong:     "No matter what a mate may do,     A mate can do no wrong!"     Hes like a king in this respect     (No matter what they do),     And, king-like, shares in storm and shine     The Throne of Life with you.     We learnt it when we were in gaol     And put it in a song:     "No matter what a mate may do,     A mate can do no wrong!"     Theyll say he said a bitter word     When hes away or dead.     Were loyal to his memory,     No matter what he said.     And we should never hesitate,     But strike out good and strong,     And jolt the slanderer on the jaw,     A mate can do no wrong!

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Ballads
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem provides a deep exploration of friendship and loyalty, especially within challenging situations. The repetition of "We learnt the creed" underscores the lessons derived from various experiences, from hardships in Hungerford and Bourke to imprisonment—suggesting that this creed of unwavering loyalty is a universal truth in the speaker's world. The repeated phrase "A mate can do no wrong!" serves as an anthem throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's commitment to this creed.

The tone is both defiant and celebratory, highlighting the enduring bond of mateship. This is further reinforced by the comparison of a mate to a "king," sharing the "Throne of Life" with the speaker, symbolizing a shared experience and equality between friends regardless of circumstances. The poem's structure, consistent in its rhyming scheme and regular rhythm, conveys a sense of stability and unwavering dedication, mirroring the theme of loyalty. Lastly, the poem's vivid use of language, coupled with its specific geographical references (Hungerford, Bourke, harbour-side, billabong), suggests a uniquely Australian context, rooting this expression of loyalty and friendship in a particular cultural milieu. The poem is a powerful testament to the value of steadfast friendship and loyalty, no matter the circumstances.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.