The Road To Old Man's Town

Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

The fields of youth are filled with flowers,
The wine of youth is strong:
What need have we to count the hours?
The summer days are long.

But soon we find to our dismay
That we are drifting down
The barren slopes that fall away
Towards the foothills grim and grey
That lead to Old Man's Town.

And marching with us on the track
Full many friends we find:
We see them looking sadly back
For those who've dropped behind

But God forfend a fate so dread,
Alone to travel down
The dreary toad we all must tread,
With faltering steps and whitening head,
The road to Old Man's Town!
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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 grapples with the universal human experience of aging and the accompanying sense of melancholy and inevitability. The transition from the ebullience of youth, embodied in the vibrant imagery of flower-filled fields and strong wine, to the grim, barren landscape of old age is poignant and striking. This contrast underscores the theme of the passage of time, highlighting the fleeting nature of youth and the relentless march towards old age.

The tone of the poem is nostalgic and somber, reflecting the speaker's yearning for the past and dread of the future. The structure of the poem, with its regular rhythm and rhyme scheme, mirrors the steady, unyielding progression of time. The use of personification, depicting Old Man's Town as a grim and grey destination, serves to amplify the sense of dread associated with aging.

The poem's exploration of companionship and loneliness in the face of life's journey is another poignant theme. The poet acknowledges the comfort of companionship, as "full many friends" march alongside on the path of life. Yet, there is a heartbreaking recognition of inevitable loss, as some friends are left behind. This stark reality of life’s journey, marked by joy, companionship, and inevitable loss, is eloquently captured in the poem, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys.

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.