The Old Survey

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
    Our moneys all spent, to the deuce went it!         The landlord, he looks glum,     On the tap-room wall, in a very bad scrawl,         He has chalked to us a sum.     But a glass well take, ere the grey dawn break,         And then saddle up and away     Theodolite-tum, theodolite-ti, theodolite-too-ral-ay.     With a measured beat fall our horses feet,         Galloping side by side;     When the moneys done, and weve had our fun,         We all are bound to ride.     Oer the far-off plain well drag the chain,         And mark the settlers way     Theodolite-tum, theodolite-ti, theodolite-too-ral-ay.     Well range from the creeks to the mountain peaks,         And traverse far below;     Where foot never trod, well mark with a rod         The limits of endless snow;     Each lofty crag well plant with a flag,         To flash in the suns bright ray     Theodolite-tum, theodolite-ti, theodolite-too-ral-ay.     Till with cash hard-earned once more returned,         At The Beaver bars well shout;     And the very bad scrawl thats against the wall         Ourselves shall see wiped out.     Such were the ways in the good old days!         The days of the old survey!     Theodolite-tum, theodolite-ti, theodolite-too-ral-ay.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a lively narrative of adventure and camaraderie, capturing the spirit of wanderlust, work and joyous abandon. It focuses on the theme of exploration, both geographically and in the sense of life's journey. The poem's lively rhythm and meter are reminiscent of a jovial folksong and contribute to its overall buoyant tone.

The speakers are surveyors, who are known for their precision and measured approach to their work, yet they also embody a sense of carefree joviality, illustrated by the repeated nonsensical phrase, “Theodolite-tum, theodolite-ti, theodolite-too-ral-ay.” This refrain, likely inspired by the theodolite - a surveying instrument - underlines the playful spirit of the piece, and its recurring placement cleverly frames each stanza, giving the poem a balanced, song-like structure.

The narrator contrasts the harsh realities of work and financial struggles, "Our moneys all spent, to the deuce went it! The landlord, he looks glum," with the joy of their journey, "But a glass well take, ere the grey dawn break, And then saddle up and away." This contrast creates an underlying sense of resilience and determination. The use of imagery, particularly in the third stanza, paints a vivid picture of the vast landscapes they traverse, adding depth and texture to their journey.

This poem, with its blend of adventure, work, struggle and celebration, is a compelling reflection on the human spirit and the joy of exploration, whether it's a physical journey or the journey of 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.