Old Tunes

By Henry Lawson

Ballad
    When friends are listening round me, Jack, to hear my dying breath,     And I am lying in a sleep they say will end in death,     Dont notice what the doctor says, and let the nurse complain,     Ill tell you how to rouse me if Ill ever wake again.     Just you bring in your fiddle, Jack, and set your heart in tune,     And strike up Annie Laurie, or The Rising of the Moon;     And if you see no token of a rising in my throat,     Youll need to brace your mouth, old manIm booked by Charons boat.     And if you are not satisfied that I am off the scene,     Strike up The Marseillaise, or else The Wearing of the Green;     And should my fingers tremble not, then I have crossed the line,     But keep your fingers steady, Jack, and strike up Auld Lang Syne.

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

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

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 poignant narrative poem delves into themes of mortality, friendship, and the healing power of music. Its conversational tone enhances the personal, intimate atmosphere, as the protagonist directs his friend Jack on how to discern his impending death. The poem constructs a vivid picture of the protagonist's final moments, emphasizing a sense of calm acceptance and peace rather than fear or regret.

The poem's structure and rhythm, reminiscent of a ballad, lend a musical quality that aligns with the recurring motif of music as a means of emotional expression and connection. Notably, the speaker references specific songs, such as "Annie Laurie," "The Rising of the Moon," "The Marseillaise," "The Wearing of the Green," and "Auld Lang Syne," each with their own historical and cultural significance, adding layers of meaning to the poem. This strategic use of allusion serves not only to evoke nostalgia and a sense of shared history, but also to underscore the protagonist's journey as universal. The use of Charon's boat as a metaphor for death is another effective allusion, drawing on ancient Greek mythology to symbolize the passage from life to the afterlife. Through these techniques, the poet deftly explores the poignant intersection of life, death, friendship, and the power of music.

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.