Author: Henry Lawson
They cant hear in West o London, where the worst dine with the best, Deaf to all save lies and laughter, they cant hear in London West, Tailored brutes and splendid harlots, and the parasites that be, They cant hear the warning thunder of the Drums of Battersea. More drums! War drums! Drums of Misery, Beating from the hearts of men, the Drums of Battersea. Where the hearses hurry ever, and where man lives like a beast, They can feel the war-drums beating, men of Hell! and London East. And the far-off foreign farmers, fighting fiercely to be free, Found new courage in the echo of the Drums of Battersea. More drums! War drums! Beating for the free, Beating on the hearts of men, the Drums of Battersea. And the drummers! Ah! the drummers!, stern and haggard men are those Standing grimly at their meetings; and their washed and mended clothes Speak of worn-out wives behind them and of grinding poverty, But the English of the English beat the Drums of Battersea! More drums! War drums! Drums of agony, The big bruised heart of Englands in the Drums of Battersea. Where in fields slave Englishwomen, Oh! the sound of drums is there: I have heard it in the laughter of the nights of Leicester Square, Sailing southward with the summer, London but a dream to me, Still I feel the distant thunder of the Drums of Battersea! More drums! War drums! Drums of Liberty, Rolling round the English world, the Drums of Battersea. Oh! I heard them in the Queens Hall, aye! and London heard that night, While we formed up round the leaders while they struck one blow for right! And the old strength, that old fire, that I thought was dead in me, Blazed up fiercely at the beating of the Drums of Battersea! More drums! War drums! They beat for victory, When above the roar of Jingoes rolled the Drums of Battersea. And whereer my feet may wander, and howeer I lay my head, I shall hear them while Im dreaming, I shall hear them when Im dead! For they beat for men and women, beat for Christ, and you and me: There is hope and there is terror in the Drums of Battersea! More drums! War drums! Drums of destiny, Theres hope!, theres hope for England in the Drums of Battersea.
Type of Poem: Ballad
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poem presents a powerful commentary on the socio-economic divide and the struggle for equality and justice, using the metaphor of the "Drums of Battersea." The poem is structured in a repetitive rhythmic pattern, mirroring the ceaseless beat of drums, and the refrain "More drums! War drums!" adds to its percussive force.
The poem's setting shifts between the affluent West London, where the privileged are deaf to the cries of the poor, and East London, where the oppressed can feel the beat of the drums. This juxtaposition underscores the theme of socio-economic disparity. Throughout, the drums are associated with various emotions and concepts — misery, freedom, agony, liberty, victory, and destiny — reflecting the multi-faceted struggle of the disenfranchised.
The poet introduces the drummers as "stern and haggard men," their worn clothes speaking of "grinding poverty." Yet, it is these individuals who beat the "English of the English," symbolizing resilience and strength in adversity. The motif of the drums is heard in various places — in the fields, in laughter, in dreams — indicating the pervasive and persistent demand for justice.
The drums also symbolize hope, terror, and destiny, illustrating the complexity of the struggle and the potent emotions it invokes. It suggests that hope for a better future lies in the continuous struggle embodied by the drums. The tone is both somber and inspiring, capturing the harsh reality of the socio-economic divide while offering a rallying cry for change. The poem's vivid imagery and powerful metaphor of the drums make it a compelling call to action for social justice.
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:
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.