A Singer Of The Bush

Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

There is a waving of grass in the breeze
And a song in the air,
And a murmur of myriad bees
That toil everywhere.
There is scent in the blossom and bough,
And the breath of the Spring
Is as soft as a kiss on a brow,
And Springtime I sing.

There is drought on the land, and the stock
Tumble down in their tracks
Or follow, a tottering flock,
The scrub-cutter's axe.
While ever a creature survives
The axes shall swing;
We are fighting with fate for their lives,
And the combat I sing.
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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 eloquently juxtaposes themes of natural beauty and human-induced destruction. The first stanza is a vibrant celebration of the beauty of spring, filled with sensory imagery: the sight of grass waving in the breeze, the sound of a song in the air and the busy hum of bees, and the scent of blossoms. The tone is joyous and tender, with the softness of spring compared to a gentle kiss on a brow. The poet sings of these scenes, emphasizing the delight and reverence they inspire. The structure of this stanza, with its consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm, reflects the harmony of the natural world it describes.

In stark contrast, the second stanza shifts to a scene of devastation wrought by human hands. The land suffers from drought, and animals stumble and fall, pursued by the 'scrub-cutter's axe'. The tone becomes one of desperation and urgency, as the speaker sings of the ongoing battle to save the lives of these creatures from encroaching destruction. The relentless swing of the axes mirrors the unyielding rhythm of the verse, reflecting the ceaseless drive of human activity. This stark contrast between the two stanzas serves as a poignant commentary on the impact of human interference on the natural world, and a plea for more considerate interaction with our environment.

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.