The Freehold On The Plain

Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

         (Air: The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane.)


    Im a broken-down old squatter, my cash it is all gone,
        Of troubles and bad seasons I complain;
    My cattle are all mortgaged, of horses I have none,
        And Ive lost that little freehold on the plain.

                                             Chorus

         The stockyards broken down, and the woolsheds tumbling in;
             Ive written to the mortgagees in vain;
         My wool it is all damaged and it is not worth a pin,
             And Ive lost that little freehold on the plain.

    I commenced life as a squatter some twenty years ago,
        When fortune followed in my train;
    But I speculated heavy and Id have you all to know
        That Ive lost that little freehold on the plain.

         Chorus: The stockyards broken down, &c.

    I built myself a mansion, and chose myself a wife;
        Of her I have no reason to complain;
    For I thought I had sufficient to last me all my life,
        But Ive lost that little freehold on the plain.

         Chorus: The stockyards broken down, &c.

    And now I am compelled to take a drovers life,
        To drive cattle through the sunshine and the rain,
    And to leave her behind me, my own dear loving wife
        We were happy on that freehold on the plain.

         Chorus: The stockyards broken down, &c.
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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 is a poignant narrative of loss, struggle, and the harsh realities of rural life. The recurring theme is the ebb and flow of fortune, specifically the protagonist's fall from prosperity to hardship. The tone is one of regret and nostalgia, underscored by the melodic repetition of the chorus, which serves as a mournful refrain.

The structure of the poem, with its alternating verse and chorus, is reminiscent of folk songs and ballads, which typically tell a story and blend elements of music and poetry. The poet employs a simple yet effective language to convey the protagonist's plight, making the reader empathize with the harsh reality of his life. The recurring motif of the 'freehold on the plain' symbolizes the protagonist's lost prosperity and independence, while the deteriorating state of his farm (the 'stockyard's broken down, the woolshed's tumbling in') serves as a stark, tangible emblem of his fallen state.

The poem also explores the theme of sacrifice as the protagonist is compelled to leave his wife behind to eke out a living as a drover. This personal element lends an added layer of emotional depth to the narrative, highlighting the human cost of economic struggle. Despite its somber subject matter, the poem is far from defeatist - the protagonist's resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, lending a bittersweet edge to this evocative portrayal of rural life.

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.