Somewhere Up In Queensland

By Henry Lawson

Ballad
    He's somewhere up in Queensland,     The old folks used to say;     Hes somewhere up in Queensland,     The people say to-day.     But Somewhere (up in Queensland)     That uncle used to know,     That filled our hearts with wonder,     Seems vanished long ago.     Hes gone to Queensland, droving,     The old folks used to say;     Hes gone to Queensland, droving,     The people say to-day.     But gone to Queensland, droving,     Might mean, in language plain,     He follows stock in buggies,     And gets supplies by train.     Hes knocking round in Queensland,     The old folks used to say;     Hes gone to Queensland, roving,     His sweetheart says to-day.     But gone to Queensland, roving     By mighty plain and scrub,     Might mean he drives a motor-car     For Missus Moneygrub.     Hes looking for new country,     The old folks used to say;     Our boy has gone exploring,     Fond parents say to-day.     Exploring out in Queensland     Might only mean to some     Hes salesman in the drapery     Of a bush emporium.     To somewhere up in Queensland     Went Tom and Ted and Jack;     From somewhere up in Queensland     The dusty cheques come back:     From somewhere up in Queensland     Brown drovers used to come,     And someone up in Queensland     Kept many a southern home.     Somewhere up in Queensland,     How many black sheep roam,     Who never write a letter,     And never think of home.     For someone up in Queensland     How many a mother spoke;     For someone up in Queensland     How many a girls heart broke.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem employs a sense of nostalgia and longing, creating a narrative which focuses on the themes of change, distance, and the passage of time. The repetition of "somewhere up in Queensland" serves to emphasize both the physical and emotional distance that has grown between the speaker and the individuals who have journeyed to Queensland. This refrain also imbues the poem with a rhythmic and melodic quality, mirroring the traditional oral storytelling techniques.

The tone of the poem is reflective and somewhat melancholic, as the speaker contemplates the changes that have occurred over time. The dichotomy of the old and the new, the past and the present, is a recurring theme. The speaker contrasts the romanticized, adventurous image of Queensland with its modern, less glamorous reality, suggesting a sense of disillusionment and loss. Notably, the poet uses the literary device of juxtaposition to highlight this contrast, as seen in the verses about droving and roving.

Furthermore, the poem utilizes the motif of Queensland as a symbol for transformation and evolution. Each stanza describes a different perception of Queensland - for some, it's the land of exploration and adventure, for others, it's a place of hard work and struggle. This versatility mirrors the complex, multifaceted nature of human experience and growth.

Lastly, the poem underscores the emotional impact of separation on those left behind – the parents, the sweethearts, and the friends. The final stanzas, touching on the subjects of maternal worry and broken-hearted girls, bring a poignant, human element to the narrative, reminding readers of the personal stories and sentiments that exist within the grander narrative of change and progress.

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.