Sydney Cup, 1899 - An Outside Trip

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
Of course they say if this Bobadil starts He'll settle 'em all in a flash: For the pace he can go will be breaking their hearts, And he ends with the "Bobadil dash". But there's one in the race is a fance of mine Whenever the distance is far, Crosslake! He's inbred to the Yattendon line, And we know what the Yattendons are. His feet are his trouble: they're tender as gum! If only his feet are got straight, If the field were all Bobadils,let 'em all come So long as they carry the weight. For a three-year-old colt with nine-three on his back, Well, he needs to be rather a star! And with seven stone ten we will trust the old black, For we know what the Yattendons are. He is sired by Lochiel, which ensures that his pace Is enough, and a little to spare. But the blood that will tell at the end of the race Is the blood of the Yattendon mare. And this "Bobby" will find, when the whips are about, It's a very fast journey and far. And there's just the least doubt, will he battle it out? Nut we know what the Yattendons are. In the rest of the field there are some that can stay, And a few that can fly, while they last. But the old black outsider will go all the way, And finish uncommonly fast. If his feet last him out to the end of the trip, Bare-footed or shod with a bar, If he once gets this Bobadil under the whip, Then he'll show what the Yattendons are.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a narrative piece that employs a horse racing metaphor, offering a commentary on resilience, legacy, and the power of underdogs. The repeated line "we know what the Yattendons are" emphasizes the theme of legacy and heritage, suggesting a lineage of strength and fortitude. The horse, Crosslake, symbolizes an underestimated entity that nonetheless possesses a powerful history and potential.

The tone of the poem is upbeat and anticipatory, building a sense of excitement and suspense akin to watching a horse race. The structure of the poem and use of rhymed quatrains mimic the rhythm and pace of a race, creating a sense of movement and speed. The poet uses creative metaphors like "tender as gum" for the horse’s feet, and the phrase "Bobadil dash" to convey the quick and flashy yet perhaps fleeting prowess of the competitor horse.

Notably, the poem employs the literary device of repetition, not only in the recurring line but in the repeated references to the horse's troublesome feet and the weight they must bear. This serves to underscore the challenges Crosslake faces. The horse's siring by Lochiel is also mentioned as a testament to his inherent speed, further emphasizing the importance of lineage.

The final stanza ends with a hopeful note, suggesting that if Crosslake can endure the challenges of the race, he will ultimately triumph and "show what the Yattendons are," reasserting the theme of underdog victory and the power of resilience and legacy.

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.