Policeman G.

Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Air: "Widow McGrath"


To Policeman G. the Inspector said:
"When you pass the 'shops' you must turn your head;
If you took a wager, that would be a sin;
So you'll earn no stripes if you run them in."
Mush-a-ring-tiy-ah,
Fol-de-diddle-doh!

To the House Committee, the Inspector said:
"'Tis a terrible thing how the gamblers spread,
For they bet on the steeple, and they bet on the Cup,
And the magistrates won't lock them up."
Mush-a-ring-tiy-ah,
Fol-de-diddle-doh!

But Policeman G., as he walks his beat,
Where ghe gamblers are, up and down the street,
Says he: "What's the use to be talkin' rot,
If they'd make me a sergeant, I could cop the lot!"
With my ring-tiy-ah,
Fol-de-diddle-doh!

"But, begad if you start to suppress the 'shop',
Then the divil only knows where you're going to stop;
For the rich and the poor, they would raise a din,
If at Randwick I ran fifty thousand in."
Mush-a-ring-tiy-ah,
Fol-de-diddle-doh!

"Though ye must not box, nor shpit, nor bet,
I'll find my way out to Randwick yet;
For I'm shtandin' a pound, and it's no disgrace,
On Paddy Nolan's horse, for the Steeplechase!"
Mush-a-ring-tiy-ah,
Fol-de-diddle-doh!
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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 offers an engaging and humorous commentary on the moral ambiguities and societal hypocrisies surrounding the issue of gambling. The narrative unfolds through conversations, weaving a tale of moral dilemmas faced by Policeman G., who is caught between his duty and his desires. The theme revolves around the dichotomy of societal expectations and personal desires, reflecting on how law enforcement and the public turn a blind eye to certain vices.

The tone of the poem is light-hearted, with a touch of irony. It uses a rhyming structure, which adds a rhythmic quality to the narrative and enhances its satirical nature. The consistent refrain "Mush-a-ring-tiy-ah, Fol-de-diddle-doh!" enlivens the storytelling, adding a playful and melodic element to the narrative that underscores its levity. The use of dialect and colloquial language also adds authenticity, depth, and color to the characters, painting a vivid picture of the socio-cultural environment they inhabit.

The poem employs elements of satire and humor as literary devices to shed light on the paradoxes in society's attitudes towards gambling. Policeman G's candid admission of his own participation in betting, despite his role in law enforcement, underscores the pervasive nature of gambling and the selective enforcement of rules. This critique of societal norms and practices is both insightful and entertaining, making the poem an engaging read.

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.