Its Only A Way Hes Got

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
         (As sung by the camp fire.)     No doubt the sayings all abroad,         And rattling through the land.     We hear it at the mangle, too,         With What are you going to stand?     Im sure I dont know which to choose,         Theres really such a lot     But I hope my song youll not refuse,         For its only a way Ive got.                  Chorus: Tol, lol, litter, tol, lol.                                  Tol, lol, the rol, lay.     In Sydney town a gal I met,         Her dress was rather gay,     I think the place, it was Pitt Street,         Or somewhere near that way.     Says she, The night is very cold,         Pray, stand a drop of Hot.     I hope my freedom youll excuse,         For its only a way Ive got.                  Chorus: Tol, lol, &c.     The drink we soon put out of sight,         And off for home did walk,     When a fellow came up and quite polite         To her began to talk.     He drew my ticker from my fob,         And bolted like a shot.     Says she, Oh, take no notice, Bob,         Its only a way hes got.                  Chorus: Tol, lol, &c.     Says I, Ill soon catch you, my chap,         And arter him I flies,     When another stepped up and knocked my hat         Completely oer my eyes.     He from my pocket drew my purse,         And off with it did trot;     Says she, Its well it is no worse,      But its only a way hes got.                  Chorus: Tol, lol, &c.     A little further on we went.         I had got rather shy.     Then a butcher ran his tray         Right bang into my eye.     The fellow said it was my fault,         Called me a drunken sot.     Then, like a thief, he slunk away,         Twas only a way hed got!                  Chorus: Tol, lol, &c.     Now, as we walked along the street,         A lot of chaps we met.     I saw they on a game were bent;         Says they, How fat you get!     I got from them some ugly pokes,         They made me a regular Scot.     They said, Oh, never mind our jokes,         Its only a way weve got!                     Chorus: Tol, lol, &c.     I have grown tired of Sydney town         Since Ive lost all my cash,     And so will up the country go,         And tell them of my smash.     Oh, then well have such lots of fun,         Ill court Miss Polly Scott;     And if she asks me what I mean         Ill tell her its a way Ive got.                      Chorus: Tol, lol, &c.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem under consideration presents a narrative that is both humorous and poignant, with elements of tragedy and comedy intertwined. The story unfolds through the eyes of the speaker, who is a victim of various mishaps, yet maintains a sense of humor and lightheartedness throughout. The themes of loss, resilience, and the human capacity to laugh at one's own misfortune are prominent throughout the poem.

The tone and structure of the poem work in concert to create a rhythmic, almost sing-song quality. This is achieved through the use of a repeating chorus, "Tol, lol, &c.", which provides a rhythmic break between stanzas and adds a musical element to the overall structure. The tone, though light and humorous, also carries undertones of sorrow and resignation, particularly in the narrator's acceptance of his misfortunes as just 'a way he's got'.

The poem employs colloquial language and vivid imagery, giving it a sense of authenticity and allowing the reader to easily imagine the events described. For instance, the lines "He drew my ticker from my fob, / And bolted like a shot" create a clear and immediate picture of a pickpocket at work.

The poem also uses irony as a literary device to amplify the humor and tragedy of the situation. The phrase "It's only a way he's got" is repeatedly used to trivialize serious setbacks, creating a sense of irony that underscores the poem's themes. This refrain becomes a form of gallows humor, reflecting the speaker's resilience in the face of adversity.

Overall, the poem is a compelling exploration of resilience, humor, and the human capacity to endure misfortune, presented through a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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.