One-Man-One-Vote

By Henry Lawson

Ballad
    ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE! You hear the people shouting.     The walls of Mammon tremble ere they fall.     ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE! Is this a time for doubting?     The poets have been prophets after all.     ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE! The cry is growing stronger!     ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE! It echoes oer the wave!     ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE! The Wealthy dead no longer     Shall rule us through their children from the grave!     ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE! The knell of Retrogression!     The greatest triumph of the tongue and pen!     ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE! The right of long possession     Is right no longer in the minds of men!     ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE! Theres lightning in the thunder!     ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE! The reign of Greed is oer!     ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE! The cursed Vote of Plunder     Shall rule the plundered slaves of earth no more.     ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE! Were waking from our slumbers,     ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE! To rule the fields we farmed!     If thus we triumph with diminished numbers,     What will the triumph be when all are armed?

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a potent exploration of democracy and the power of the individual voice within a societal structure. The recurring phrase "ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE!" serves as a rallying cry, conveying the urgency and importance of each individual's right to participate in the political process. The poem's tone is impassioned and resolute, reflecting the firm belief in the necessity and inevitability of equality in voting rights.

The poem employs personification and metaphor to illustrate the struggle between the common people ("one-man") and the forces of wealth and power ("Mammon", "Wealthy dead", "Greed"). The use of exclamation marks throughout the text amplifies the impassioned tone and the urgency of the message. The structure is consistent, with the phrase "ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE!" initiating each stanza, emphasizing the central theme of individual political empowerment. The last stanza suggests a hopeful future where all individuals are empowered and engaged, making the poem a call to action. The final line, "What will the triumph be when all are armed?" is a powerful declaration of the potential strength of unified democratic action, making this poem a passionate ode to the power of democracy.

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.