The Reveille

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
Trumpets of the Lancer Corps Sound a loud reveille; Sound it over Sydney shore, Send the message far and wide Down the Richmond River side. Boot and Saddle, mount and ride, Sound a loud reveille. Whither go ye, Lancers gay, With your bold reveille? O'er the ocean far away From your sunny southern home, Over leagues of trackless foam In a foreign land to roam, With your bold reveille. When we hear our brethren call, Sound a clear reveille. Then we answer, one and all, Answer that the world may see, Of the English stock are we, At their side we still will be, Sound a bold reveille. English troops are buried deep. Sound a soft reveille. In this foreign land asleep, Underneath Majuba Hill, Lying sleeping very still, Nevermore those squadrons will Answer to reveille. Onward without fear or doubt, Sound a bold reveille. 'Till that shame is blotted out. While our Empire's bounds are wide, Britons all stand side by side, Boot and saddle, mount and ride. Hear the bold reveille.

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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 stirring exploration of themes of patriotism, duty, and unity, primarily expressed through the refrains of military calls to action. It takes on a tone of gallant resolve, marked by the constant echoing of "sound a bold reveille," a phrase that captures the essence of rallying for a cause. The use of the term “reveille”, traditionally the wake-up call in a military context, signifies a call to action, a wake-up call for unity and resistance against adversity.

Its structure follows regular rhyme and rhythm that lend the poem a marching beat, bringing out the military theme even more convincingly. The journey of the Lancer Corps is tracked from their home shores to distant lands, reflecting the expansive reach of the empire. There's a notable shift in tone in the fourth stanza where the language softens, the "soft reveille" serving as a mournful tribute to fallen troops. This contrast amplifies the sense of sacrifice and the cost of duty.

The poem's strength lies in its invocative power, using the metaphor of a bold reveille to energize and unify. It stands as a testament to the spirit of solidarity, making a poignant statement about standing together in the face of adversity. In a broader sense, it speaks to the human condition, highlighting the courage and resilience that define us in challenging times.

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.