Cassidys Epitaph

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
Here lies a bloke who's just gone West, A Number One Australian; He took his gun and did his best To mitigate the alien. So long as he could get to work He needed no sagacity; A German, Austrian, or Turk, Were all the same to Cassidy. Wherever he could raise "the stuff" A liquor deleterious, The question when he'd have enough Was apt to be mysterious. 'Twould worry prudent folks a lot Through mental incapacity; If he could keep it down or not, Was all the same to Cassidy. And when the boys would start a dance, In honour of Terpsichore, 'Twas just an even-money chance You'd find him rather shickery. But once he struck his proper stride, And heard the band's vivacity, The jazz, the tango, or the slide Was all the same to Cassidy. And now he's gone to face the Light, With all it may reveal to him, A life without a drink or fight Perhaps may not appeal to him; But when St Peter calls the roll Of men of proved tenacity, You'll find the front-rank right-hand man Will answer; "Here . . . Cassidy."

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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 charming, humorous epitaph to a character named Cassidy, who, as the poem reveals, is a hard-drinking, dance-loving, unprejudiced soldier. One of the dominant themes is the universality of humanity, conveyed through Cassidy's non-discriminatory view on nationalities or his approach towards different dance styles. Cassidy is presented as a man who sees the world in a straightforward, uncomplicated manner, dealing with life's pleasures and tribulations with the same undeterred spirit.

The poem employs a light-hearted and jovial tone, using a casual vernacular dialect that complements the character of Cassidy. The structure is consistent, with quatrains adhering to an AABB rhyme scheme, which creates a rhythmic flow, enhancing the overall storytelling aspect. Notable literary devices include the use of humor and irony, particularly in the suggestion that a peaceful, strife-free afterlife might not suit Cassidy's temperament. This subtle irony underscores the enduring spirit of the character and leaves the reader with a sense of admiration for Cassidy's tenacity, further emphasized in the last stanza. The poem ultimately offers an engaging, affectionate tribute to a robust character who embraced life with an easy-going resilience.

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.