Jock

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

There's a soldier that's been doing of his share In the fighting up and down and round about. He's continually marching here and there, And he's fighting, morning in and morning out. The Boer, you see, he generally runs; But sometimes, when he hides behind a rock, And we can't make no impression with the guns, Oh, then you'll hear the order, "Send for Jock!" Yes, it's Jock, Scotch Jock. He's the fellow that can give or take a knock. For he's hairy and he's hard, And his feet are by the yard, And his face is like the face what's on a clock. But when the bullets fly you will mostly hear the cry, "Send for Jock!" The Cavalry have gun and sword and lance; Before they choose their weapon, why, they're dead. The Mounted Foot are hampered in advance By holding of their helmets on their head. And, when the Boer has dug himself a trench And placed his Maxim gun behind a rock, These mounted heroes, pets of Johnny French, They have to sit and wait and send for Jock! Yes, the Jocks, Scotch Jocks, With their music that'd terrify an ox! When the bullets kick the sand You can hear the sharp command, "Forty-Second! At the double! Charge the rocks!" And the charge is like a hood When they warmed the Highland blood Of the Jocks!

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Poem Details

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

Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a robust, rousing tribute to the bravery and tenacity of Scottish soldiers, specifically referencing the "Jocks," an informal term for Scottish soldiers. The poet captures the gritty reality of war with a blend of colloquial language, vivid imagery, and rhythmic verse, creating an atmosphere that is both harrowing and inspiring. Themes of courage, resilience, and unwavering duty are threaded throughout the poem, embodied in the figure of 'Jock.'

The tone of the poem is distinctly celebratory and patriotic, applauding the fearlessness of the Scottish soldiers in the face of danger. The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhyme scheme and repeated refrains, underscores the steady, relentless spirit of these soldiers. The poet employs repetition and alliteration, enhancing the musicality of the verse and creating a chant-like effect, reminiscent of war songs or marching rhythms. Metaphorical language, such as comparing a soldier's face to a clock, adds a touch of humor, while the description of the soldier's physical attributes and actions imbues him with a larger-than-life, heroic quality.

The poet uses the device of contrast effectively, comparing the 'Jock' favorably to other regiments, to underline their distinguishing bravery and effectiveness. The poem thus successfully balances elements of war's harsh reality with a spirit of camaraderie and honoring heroism, offering a compelling ode to Scottish soldiers.

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.