Ye Frog & Ye Crow

By Walter Crane

Ballad
1.     A jolly fat frog lived in the river swim, O!     A comely black crow lived on the river brim, O!     "Come on shore, come on shore,"     Said the crow to the frog, and then, O!     "No, you'll bite me, no, you'll bite me,"     Said the frog to the crow again, O! 2.     "O! there is sweet music on yonder green hill, O!     And you shall be a dancer, a dancer in yellow,     All in yellow, all in yellow."     Said the crow to the frog, and then, O!     "All in yellow, all in yellow,"     Said the frog to the crow again, O! 3.     "Farewell, ye little fishes, that in the river swim, O!     I'm going to be a dancer, a dancer in yellow."     "O beware! O beware!"     Said the fish to the frog, and then, O!     "I'll take care, I'll take care,"     Said the frog to the fish again, O! 4.     The frog began a swimming, a swimming to land, O!     And the crow began jumping to give him his hand, O!     "Sir, you're welcome, Sir, you're welcome,"     Said the crow to the frog, and then, O!     "Sir, I thank you, Sir, I thank you."     Said the frog to the crow, again, O! 5.     "But where is the sweet music on yonder green hill, O?     And where are all the dancers, the dancers in yellow?     All in yellow, all in yellow?"     Said the frog to the crow, and then, O!     "Sir, they're here, Sir, they're here."     Said the crow to the frog--[A]

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Ballads
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem at hand is a delightful narrative that employs anthropomorphism to explore themes of trust, deception, and the allure of promises. The two main characters, a 'jolly fat frog' and a 'comely black crow,' represent two distinct personalities - one innocent and gullible, and the other cunning and manipulative. The recurring use of the exclamation 'O!' conveys a sense of urgency and intensifies the dramatic interaction, while the repeated phrases create a rhythmic, song-like quality.

The structure of the poem is consistent, with each stanza following a dialogue format between the characters. The first and fourth lines of each stanza set the scene or introduce a proposition, followed by a response in the subsequent lines. The crow's deceptive promise of 'sweet music' and 'dancers in yellow' lures the frog away from the safety of the river, a situation that serves as a metaphor for the dangers of naivety and the persuasive power of false promises. The suspenseful ending, where the frog questions the crow's promise, leaves the reader in anticipation of the outcome, highlighting the powerful effect of narrative poetry.

In terms of literary devices, the poem makes effective use of repetition, particularly in the phrase 'all in yellow,' which not only contributes to the poem's rhythm but also emphasizes the tantalizing promise that ensnares the frog. Furthermore, the use of direct speech brings the characters to life, making the narrative feel more immediate and engaging. All in all, this poem combines simple language, rhythmic repetition, and engaging narrative to convey its themes in an accessible and entertaining way.

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.