War Against Babylon. (Air.--Novello.)

By Thomas Moore

Ballad
    "War against Babylon!" shout we around,         Be our banners through earth unfurled;     Rise up, ye nations, ye kings, at the sound--         "War against Babylon!" shout thro' the world!     Oh thou, that dwellest on many waters,[1]         Thy day of pride is ended now;     And the dark curse of Israel's daughters         Breaks like a thundercloud over thy brow!             War, war, war against Babylon!     Make bright the arrows, and gather the shields,[2]         Set the standard of God on high;     Swarm we, like locusts, o'er all her fields.         "Zion" our watchword, and "vengeance" our cry!     Woe! woe!--the time of thy visitation[3]         Is come, proud land, thy doom is cast--     And the black surge of desolation         Sweeps o'er thy guilty head, at last!                 War, war, war against Babylon!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, with its rallying cry of "War against Babylon!", is a powerful call to arms, steeped in strong religious and historical allusions. With its references to "Babylon," a symbol of decadence and corruption, and "Zion," a symbol of hope and a promised land, the poem's theme is a struggle between good and evil, justice and corruption. The narrative voice invites nations and kings to join the fight, weaving a sense of unity and common purpose against a shared enemy.

The poem's structure, with its repetitive and insistent cry of "War, war, war against Babylon!" underscores the urgency and intensity of this struggle. The tone is resolute and vengeful, reflecting the poet's conviction in the righteousness of the cause. The poem also uses vivid imagery and metaphors, such as "the dark curse of Israel's daughters" and the "black surge of desolation", which paint a stark picture of the destruction that awaits Babylon. Meanwhile, "Make bright the arrows, and gather the shields" adds a martial, heroic edge to the poem. In essence, this poem is a compelling blend of religious allegory, martial fervor, and poetic imagery, all wrapped around a core theme of a righteous struggle against corruption.

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.