A National Song For Australia Felix

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
    Dark over the face of Nature sublime!     Reignd tyranny, warfare, and every crime;     The world a desertno oasis green     A man-loving soul on its surface had seen;     Then mercy above a mandate sent forth     An Eden to forma refuge for worth.     From the ocean it came, with halo so bright,     Want, strife, and oppression were lost in its sight.                                              Chorus          First isle of the seabrightest gem of the earth          In thee every virtue and joy shall have birth.          A land of the just, the brave, and the free,          Australia the happy, thou ever shalt be.     So earth in the flood no place for rest gave,     At length a green isle arose from the wave;     The dove oer the waters the olive branch bore,     To show that one spot was coverd no more;     Australia thus shall be sounded by fame,     And Europe shall echo the glorious name;     The brave, wise, and good, wherever oppressd,     Shall fly to thy shores as a haven of rest.          Chorus: First isle of the sea, &c.     Land of the orange, fig, olive, and vine;     Midst earths fairest daughters the chaplet is thine;     No sickning vapours are borne on thy air,     But fragrance and melody twine sweetly there;     Thy ever-green fields proclaim plenty and peace,     If man doth his part, heaven sends the increase;     No customs to fetter, no enemy near,     Independence thy sons for ever must cheer.          Chorus: First isle of the sea, &c.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is an ode to Australia, using vivid and jubilant language to present the country as a haven of beauty, freedom, and opportunity. The themes of redemption, refuge, and renewal are prevalent, symbolizing Australia as an Eden where virtue, joy, and justice are birthed. The tone is one of admiration and celebration, a testament to the poet's profound appreciation for the land.

The poem follows a structured form with a chorus that repeats after every stanza, reinforcing the message about Australia's preeminence and its role as a sanctuary. The use of natural imagery—orange, fig, olive, vine, ever-green fields—paints a picture of an abundant, fertile land. This is juxtaposed with the dark imagery of the world before Australia's 'birth,' depicted as a desert marked by tyranny, warfare, and crime.

The poet uses biblical allusions, comparing Australia to the green isle that rose after the flood, and the olive branch brought by the dove, further emphasizing its role as a refuge and place of new beginnings. These literary devices enrich the poem, making it a powerful and evocative tribute to Australia. The poem also implicitly criticizes oppressive European customs, positioning Australia as an ideal land of independence and peace.

Overall, the poem is a celebration of Australia, portraying it as a beacon of hope, prosperity, and freedom in an otherwise oppressive world. It is a call for all who are 'brave, wise, and good' to find refuge and solace in its shores.

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.