Jimmy Sago, Jackaroo

Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

         (Air: Wearing of the Green.)


    If you want a situation, Ill just tell you the plan
    To get on to a station, I am just your very man.
    Pack up the old portmanteau, and label it Paroo,
    With a name aristocraticJimmy Sago, Jackaroo.

    When you get on to the station, of small things youll make a fuss,
    And in speaking of the station, mind, its we, and ours, and us.
    Boast of your grand connections and your rich relations, too
    And your own great expectations, Jimmy Sago, Jackaroo.

    They will send you out on horseback, the boundaries to ride
    But run down a marsupial and rob him of his hide,
    His scalp will fetch a shilling and his hide another two,
    Which will help to fill your pockets, Jimmy Sago, Jackaroo.
    Yes, to fill your empty pockets, Jimmy Sago, Jackaroo.

    When the boss wants information, on the men youll do a sneak,
    And don a paper collar on your fifteen bob a week.
    Then at the lamb-marking a boss theyll make of you.
    Now thats the way to get on, Jimmy Sago, Jackaroo.

    A squatter in the future Ive no doubt you may be,
    But if the banks once get you, theyll put you up a tree.
    To see you humping bluey, I know, would never do,
    Twould mean good-bye to our new chum, Jimmy Sago, Jackaroo.
    Yes, good-bye to our new chum, Jimmy Sago, Jackaroo.
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem, set to the tune of "Wearing of the Green," is an engaging narrative that offers advice to the character Jimmy Sago, the Jackaroo, regarding navigating life on a station. The tone is casual, bordering on playful, and the language is straightforward, giving the poem a folksy, storytelling quality.

The central theme revolves around striving for advancement, whether through hard work or cunning, in a rural setting. There's a focus on the pursuit of wealth, as seen in the lines about filling pockets, and the importance of social standing and connections. The poem also explores the potential pitfalls of ambition, with a warning about the dangers of financial institutions.

The poem employs a consistent rhyme scheme, enhancing the musicality of the piece and contributing to its overall accessibility. Notable literary devices include repetition, particularly in the refrain of "Jimmy Sago, Jackaroo," which underscores the focus on the protagonist. There's also effective use of colloquial language, painting a vivid picture of the setting and characters. The poem's structure follows a clear arc, taking the reader through Jimmy's journey, from his arrival at the station to potential future outcomes.

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.