Hawking

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
         (Air: Bow, Wow, Wow.)     Now, shut your mouths, you loafers all,         You vex me with your twaddle,     You own a nag or big or small,         A bridle and a saddle;     I you advise at once be wise         And waste no time in talking,     Procure some bags of damaged rags         And make your fortune hawking.                              Chorus          Hawk, hawk, hawk.          Our bread to win, well all begin          To hawk, hawk, hawk.     The stockmen and the bushmen and         The shepherds leave the station,     And the hardy bullock-punchers throw         Aside their occupation;     While some have horses, some have drays,         And some on foot are stalking;     We surely must conclude it pays         When all are going hawking.          Chorus: Hawk, hawk, hawk, &c.     A life it is so full of bliss         Twould suit the very niggers,     And lads I know a-hawking go         Who scarce can make the figures     But penmanships no requisite,         Keep matters square by chalking     With pencil or with ruddle, thats         Exact enough for hawking.          Chorus: Hawk, hawk, hawk, &c.     The hawkers gay for half the day,         While others work hes spelling,     Though he may stay upon the way,         His purse is always swelling;     With work his back is never bent         His hardest toil is talking;     Three hundred is the rate per cent.         Of profit when a-hawking.          Chorus: Hawk, hawk, hawk, &c.     Since pedlaring yields more delight         Than ever digging gold did,     And since to fortunes envied height         The path I have unfolded,     Well fling our moleskins to the dogs         And don tweeds without joking,     And honest men as well as rogues         Well scour the country hawking.          Chorus: Hawk, hawk, hawk, &c.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem exudes a vibrant, jovial tone, underscored by its rhythmic, song-like structure, including a repeating chorus. It champions the simple, entrepreneurial life of the hawker over traditional occupations like stockmen, bushmen, and shepherds. The theme of valuing freedom, resourcefulness, and nonconformity is presented through the lens of the hawker's lifestyle, which is portrayed as blissful, rewarding, and preferable to other more conventional pursuits. The poet's endorsement of hawking over gold-digging, for instance, reinforces this theme.

The frequent use of colloquial language and informal diction, including phrases like "loafers all" and "nag or big or small," adds a sense of authenticity and immediacy to the work. It feels as though the poem is being delivered by a seasoned hawker speaking directly to his audience. The repetition of "hawk, hawk, hawk" in the chorus not only adds a rhythmic quality to the poem but also emphasizes the central theme of hawking as an occupation. Moreover, this repetition serves as a symbolic call to action, encouraging listeners to consider this lifestyle. The poem's structure, a blend of narrative and chorus, lends itself well to this persuasive intent. The narrative frames the benefits of hawking, while the chorus solidifies the call to hawking through its repetition.

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.