Boots

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
We've travelled per Joe Gardiner, a humping of our swag In the country of the Gidgee and Belar. We've swum the Di'mantina with our raiment in a bag, And we've travelled per superior motor car, But when we went to Germany we hadn't any choice, No matter what our training or pursuits, For they gave us no selection 'twixt a Ford or Rolls de Royce So we did it in our good Australian boots. They called us "mad Australians"; they couldn't understand How officers and men could fraternise, Thay said that we were "reckless", we were "wild, and out of hand", With nothing great or sacred to our eyes. But on one thing you could gamble, in the thickest of the fray, Though they called us volunteers and raw recruits, You could track us past the shell holes, and the tracks were all one way Of the good Australian ammunition boots. The Highlanders were next of kin, the Irish were a treat, The Yankees knew it all and had to learn, The Frenchmen kept it going, both in vict'ry and defeat, Fighting grimly till the tide was on the turn. And our army kept beside 'em, did its bit and took its chance, And I hailed our newborn nation and its fruits, As I listened to the clatter on the cobblestones of France Of the good Australian military boots.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a tribute to the Australian soldiers and their remarkable spirit during wartime, presumably World War I, considering the mention of Germany and France. The primary theme is the distinct character of the Australian fighters, highlighted by their resilience, camaraderie, and steadfastness. The poet uses colloquial language and local references to Australian places and culture, creating a genuine and relatable tone. The poem's structure is organized into four stanzas, each with a distinct focus: their journey, their reputation, their camaraderie, and their valor.

From a literary devices perspective, the use of repetition and symbolism is particularly noticeable. The repeated reference to "good Australian boots" serves as a symbol of the soldiers' identity and their unwavering determination. It's a grounding motif that ties their journey together, from their homeland to the battlefields of Europe. Moreover, the poem employs vivid imagery, such as "track us past the shell holes," to convey the harsh realities of war, and the metaphor of "hailing our newborn nation and its fruits," to express the pride and national identity imbued by their participation in the war. The poet's use of direct speech and reported speech, like "mad Australians" and "reckless", adds a layer of authenticity, making it feel like a firsthand account. The tone is a mix of pride, defiance, and a certain wistfulness, effectively portraying the toughness and resilience of the Australian soldiers.

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.