Our Own Flag

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
They mustered us up with a royal din, In wearisome weeks of drought. Ere ever half of the crops were in, Or the half of the sheds cut out. 'Twas down with the saddle and spurs and whip The swagman dropped his swag. And we hurried us off to the outbound ship To fight for the English flag. The English flag, it is ours in sooth We stand by it wrong or right. But deep in our hearts is the honest truth We fought for the sake of a fight. And the English flag may flutter and wave Where the World-wide Oceans toss, But the flag the Australian dies to save Is the flag of the Southern Cross. If ever they want us to stand the brunt Of a hard-faught, grim campaign, We will carry our own flag up to the front When we go to the wars again.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem explores themes of national identity, duty, and patriotism, while also subtly questioning the motivations and loyalties in times of war. The initial tone is one of disruption and urgency, as the subjects are called away from their daily tasks amid a challenging agricultural season, to fight for a flag that isn't entirely their own.

The poem is structured in quatrains with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB), which lends a rhythmic, almost march-like quality to the narrative, fitting for its martial theme. The use of colloquial language ('mustered us up', 'the swagman dropped his swag') brings an authentic, grounded voice to the poem, underlining the common, earthbound lives of the individuals called to serve in war.

Significantly, the poem highlights the tension between loyalty to the 'English flag' and the undeniable emotional connection to the 'flag of the Southern Cross', emblematic of Australia. The final stanza hints at a subtle defiance, a pledge that next time they face war, they'll fight under their own banner. This nuanced treatment of patriotism - questioning its impositions, yet acknowledging its pull - is a standout feature of the poem.

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.