Last Week

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
Oh, the new-chum went to the backblock run, But he should have gone there last week. He tramped ten miles with a loaded gun, But of turkey of duck saw never a one, For he should have been there last week, They said, There were flocks of 'em there last week. He wended his way to a waterfall, And he should have gone there last week. He carried a camera, legs and all, But the day was hot and the stream was small, For he should have gone there last week, They said, They drowned a man there last week. He went for a drive, and he made a start, Which should have been made last week, For the old horse died of a broken heart; So he footed it home and he dragged the cart, But the horse was all right last week, They said, He trotted a match last week. So he asked all the bushies who came from afar To visit the town last week If the'd dine with him, and they said "Hurrah!" But there wasn't a drop in the whiskey jar, You should have been here last week, He said, I drank it all up last week!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a humorous, yet somewhat poignant commentary on the idea of missed opportunities and the fleeting nature of life's moments. The repeated refrain of "he should have gone there last week" serves to underline the protagonist’s consistent misfortune or ill-timing, creating a sense of recurring disappointment. This refrain also establishes a rhythmic and structural pattern throughout the poem, tying together the disparate events and locations.

The tone of the poem is light-hearted, almost mocking in its depiction of the 'new-chum’s' constant missteps. The use of direct speech and colloquial language, such as "bushies" and "Hurrah!", creates an atmosphere of informal camaraderie and lends authenticity to the setting. Despite the comedic overtones, a sense of sympathy for the protagonist’s plight also arises, as his efforts and adventures consistently result in lackluster outcomes. This could potentially serve as a reflection on life's unpredictability and the human tendency to dwell on 'what could have been'. The poem cleverly uses humor and a simple narrative structure to explore these deeper themes, making it engaging 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.