The Plains Of Riverine

Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

    I have come to tell you of the glorious news youll all be glad to bear,
    Of the pleasant alterations that are taking place this year.
    So kindly pay attention, and Ill pass the whisper round,
    The squatters of their own free will this year will pay the pound.

    For this is a year of great prosperity, that everybody knows,
    Well take no top knots off this year, nor trim them to the toes,
    But a level cut for a level pound, and the rations thrown in free.
    Thats how the squatters say theyll keep their Sovereigns Jubilee.

    And kind Providence once more has sent the sweet, refreshing rains.
    The trefoil and the barley grass wave high upon the plains,
    The tanks all overflowing and the saltbush fresh and green,
    Its a pleasure for to ramble oer the plains of Riverine.

    Once more upon the rippling lake the wild swan flaps her wing.
    Out in the lignum swamps once more frogs croak and crickets sing.
    Once more the wild fowl, sporting midst the crab-holes, may be seen,
    For prosperity is hovering oer the plains of Riverine.

    Yes, twill be a year of full and plenty for those back-block pioneers,
    Though behind each scrub and saltbush you can spot the bunnys ears;
    And although the price for scalps is not so high as it has been,
    Yet the bunny snappers they will thrive on the plains of Riverine.

    You should see the jolly teamsters how with joy their faces beam,
    As they talk about the crowfoot, carrots, crab-holes, and their team.
    They tell you that this year they do intend to steer sixteen.
    Theyll show the cookies how to plough the plains of Riverine.

    Yes, in more respects than one it is a year of joy and glee,
    And the news of our prosperity has crossed the briny sea.
    Once more the Maorilander and the Tassey will be seen
    Cooking Johnny cakes and jimmies on the plains of Riverine.

    They will gather like a regiment to the beating of the drum,
    But it matters not to us from whence our future penmates come.
    From New Zealands snow-clad summits or Tasmanias meadows green,
    Well always make them welcome on the plains of Riverine.

    Down from her rocky peaks Monaro will send her champions bold;
    Victoria will send her cockies, too, her honour to uphold.
    Theyll be here from Cunnamulla, and the rolling downs between,
    For this is the real convincing ground, these plains of Riverine.

    I have a message to deliver now, before I say farewell,
    Some news which all the squatters have commissioned me to tell;
    Your backs well bent, bows long and clean, thats what they want to see,
    That your tallies may do you credit in this year of Jubilee.
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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 rich with the themes of nature, prosperity, community, and celebration. Employing a conversational tone, the speaker communicates the joyous news of a prosperous year on the "plains of Riverine," depicting a vibrant rural landscape teeming with life and activity. The repeated refrain of "plains of Riverine" gives the poem a rhythmic structure and emphasizes the importance of this setting to the poem's narrative.

The poem is abundant in vivid imagery and metaphors that bring the rural landscape to life. References to the "wild swan," "frogs croak and crickets sing," and the "jolly teamsters" create a picture of a thriving, harmonious ecosystem where man and nature coexist. These elements, in conjunction with the optimistic tone and celebratory mood of the poem, suggest a year of bountiful harvest and happiness. The poem also conveys a sense of unity and camaraderie, with newcomers being warmly welcomed to the community and everyone partaking in the joy of a prosperous year.

One of the standout literary devices is the use of local vernacular and colloquialism, which gives the poem an authentic, grounded feel. This, paired with the poet's use of details and specifics, such as "Maorilander" and "Tassey," further roots the poem in a specific place and culture. The poem ultimately celebrates rural life, prosperity, and community in a way that is dynamic and engaging.

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.