Gone Down

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

To the voters of Glen Innes 'twas O'Sullivan that went, To secure the country vote for Mister Hay. So he told 'em what he'd borrowed, and he told 'em what he'd spent, Though extravagance had blown it all away. Said he, "Vote for Hay, my hearties, and wherever we may roam We will borrow, undismayed by Fortune's frown!" When he got his little banjo, and he sang them "Home, Sweet Home!" Why, it made a blessed horse fall down. Then he summoned his supporters, and went spouting through the bush, To assure them that he'd build them roads galore, If he could but borrow something from the "Plutocratic Push", Though he knew they wouldn't lend him any more. With his Coolangatta Croesus, who was posing for the day As a Friend of Labour, just brought up from town: When the Democratic Keystone told the workers, "Vote for Hay", Then another blessed horse fell down! When the polling day was over, and the promising was done, The promises that never would be kept, Then O'Sullivan came homeward at the sinking of the sun, To the Ministerial Bench he slowly crept. When his colleagues said, "Who won it? Is our banner waving high? Has the Ministry retained Glen Innes Town?" Then the great man hesitated, and responded with a sigh, "There's another blessed seat gone down!"

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

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem uses a narrative structure with a satirical tone to critique the political theater and the unkept promises of politicians. The speaker focuses on the character of O'Sullivan, who is portrayed as a hapless political figure, promising more than he can deliver and resorting to populist tactics to secure votes. The repetition of the phrase "blessed horse fell down" serves as a thematic marker for the failure of O'Sullivan's promises and campaign efforts, creating a sense of mockery and derision.

The poem's underlying theme is the skepticism towards political promises and the disillusionment of the public. The poet uses humor and irony to deliver a stinging critique of the political process, where the act of campaigning is shown to be more about performance and less about substance. The final lines of the poem, where O'Sullivan admits to another loss, encapsulate the overall message of the poem, emphasizing the gap between political rhetoric and reality. It's a clever and biting commentary on the nature of politics and the consequences of empty promises.

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.