The Ballad Of The Carpet Bag

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
"The political season being upon us, the following ballad may be appropriate." Ho! Darkies, don't you hear dose voters cryin' Pack dat carpet bag! You must get to de Poll, you must get there flyin'; Pack dat carpet bag! You must travel by de road, you must travel by de train, And the things what you've done you will have to explain, And the things what you've promised, you must promise 'em again. Pack dat carpet bag! Hear dem voters callin! Pack de clean boiled rag. For there's grass in the west, and the rain am fallin'. Pack dat carpet bag! You must pack up a volume of Coghlan's Figures, Pack dat carpet bag! And a lot o' little jokes to amuse those niggers. Pack dat carpet bag! You must wheedle all de gals with a twinkle of your eye, You must bob down your head when de eggs begin to fly. Oh! those eggs what they're saving, and they'll throw 'em by and by. Pack dat carpet bag! Hear dem voters callin'! Pack de clean boiled rag. For there's grass in the west, and the rain am fallin'. Pack dat carpet bag! You must get upon a stump, you must practise speakin', Pack dat carpet bag! You must follow Georgie Reid or Alfred Deakin. Pack dat carpet bag! You must come to de scratch, or you're bound to fail, For it ain't any time to be sittin' on de rail, Or de votes that you'll get, they won't keep you out o' jail. Pack dat carpet bag! Hear dem voters callin'! Pack de clean boiled rag. For there's grass in the west, and the rain am fallin'. Pack dat carpet bag! And supposin' that you're beat, and you feel like cryin', Pack dat carpet bag! You must hustle back to work, just to keep from dyin'. Pack dat carpet bag! You must travel second-class when you travel by de train, For you haven't got a pass on de end of your chain, While the other fellow's packing for de great campaign. Pack dat carpet bag! Hear dem voters callin'! Pack de clean boiled rag. For there's grass in the west, and the rain am fallin'. Pack dat carpet bag!

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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 commentary on the political landscape, incorporating humor, irony, and satire. The recurring theme is the political hustle and the desperate attempts by politicians to win the favor of voters. The poem's tone is mocking and light-hearted, despite its sharp critique of political practices. The repeated line "Pack dat carpet bag!" serves as a metaphor for the political campaign journey, filled with promises, charm, and a considerable amount of pandering.

The poem's structure is consistent, with each stanza followed by a chorus-like refrain, giving it a rhythm akin to a song or ballad. The use of colloquial language and dialect creates a folksy atmosphere, which contrasts with its political subject matter, further emphasizing the poem's satirical nature. The poem also employs the use of symbols like the 'carpet bag', 'clean boiled rag', and 'eggs' to emphasize the transactional nature of politics, the preparedness required, and the potential backlash. The poet's use of humor through phrases such as "when de eggs begin to fly" and "those eggs what they're saving, and they'll throw 'em by and by" paints a vivid picture of the political landscape's reality. Overall, it's a thought-provoking piece that uses humor and satire to critique the political process.

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.