Wholl Wear The Beaten Colours?

Author: Henry Lawson

    Wholl wear the beaten colours, and cheer the beaten men?
    Wholl wear the beaten colours, till our time comes again?
    Where sullen crowds are densest, and fickle as the sea,
    Wholl wear the beaten colours, and wear them home with me?

    We closed the bars and gambling dens and voted straight and clean,
    Our women walked while motor cars were whirling round the scene,
    The Potts Point Vote was one for Greed and Ease and Luxury
    With all to hold, and coward gold, and beaten folk are we.

    Wholl wear the beaten colours, with hands and pockets clean?
    (I wore the beaten colours since I was seventeen)
    I wore them up, and wore them down, Outback and across the sea,
    Wholl wear the beaten colours, and wear them home with me?

    We wore them back from Ladysmith to where the peace was signed,
    And wore them through the London streets where Jingoes howled behind.
    We wore them to the Queens Hall, while England yelled Pro-Boers!
    And sat them over victory while London banged the doors.1

    We wore them from Port Arthur round till all sunk in the sea,
    (Wholl wear the white mans colours, and wear them home with me?)
    Ive worn them through with gentlemen, with work-slaves and alone,
    Wholl wear the beaten colours, boys, and wear them on his own?

    Theres one would look with startled eyes and shrink while I caressed,
    Came I not with the colours of the conquered on my breast.
    And twenty thousand Bushmen would stand with hands behind
    And scorn in all their faces for the coward of his kind.

    Wholl wear the beaten colours and raise the voice they drowned,
    It may be when we march again, theyll bear some other sound,
    Wholl pin the beaten colours on and drive the beaten pen,
    It may be other steel and ink when we march out again.
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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 is a stirring exploration of resilience, solidarity, and resistance. The recurrent theme is the 'beaten colours', a symbol of both defeat and a steadfast refusal to surrender, regardless of societal pressure or scorn. The repetition of the question "Who'll wear the beaten colours, and wear them home with me?" throughout the poem serves to reinforce this defiance and firm commitment to their cause. The use of first-person narrative voice enhances the poem's personal and emotive tone, adding to its impact.

The structure of the poem, with its repeated refrains and rhythmic cadence, gives it an almost song-like quality, adding a layer of solemnity and dignity to the recounted struggle. The poet utilizes a variety of vivid imagery, such as the 'sullen crowds', the contrasting scenes of 'women walking while motor cars were whirling', and the 'startled eyes' of a loved one witnessing the 'colours of the conquered', to portray the societal reactions to their resistance.

The poem also delves into historical references, indicating a broad context for this struggle that spans various locations and times, from Ladysmith to London. This, combined with the poet's use of colloquial language and references to 'work-slaves' and 'Bushmen', suggests a class struggle, where the 'beaten' are those marginalized and oppressed by the powerful. The ultimate tone of the poem, however, is one of hopeful resilience, suggesting that change might come 'when we march out again'.

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.