The Stockmans Last Bed

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
    Be ye stockmen or no, to my story give ear.     Alas! for poor Jack, no more shall we hear     The crack of his stockwhip, his steeds lively trot,     His clear Go ahead, boys, his jingling quart pot.                                             Chorus          For we laid him where wattles their sweet fragrance shed,          And the tall gum trees shadow the stockmans last bed.     Whilst drafting one day he was horned by a cow.     Alas! cried poor Jack, its all up with me now,     For I never again shall my saddle regain,     Nor bound like a wallaby over the plain.     His whip it is silent, his dogs they do mourn,     His steed looks in vain for his masters return;     No friend to bemoan him, unheeded he dies;     Save Australias dark sons, few know where he lies.     Now, stockman, if ever on some future day     After the wild mob you happen to stray,     Tread softly where wattles their sweet fragrance spread,     Where alone and neglected poor Jacks bones are laid.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem explores themes of mortality, nature, and loneliness in the context of Australian pastoral life. The speaker narrates the story of a stockman, Jack, who meets his untimely demise, thus accentuating the harsh reality of the life of workers in remote areas. The tone is somber and poignant, capturing a sense of loss and isolation that is inherent in such lives.

The poem is structured with a consistent rhyme scheme, which helps to underscore the mournful rhythm of the narrative. The repeated refrain, or chorus, emphasizes the location of Jack's final resting place beneath the fragrant wattles, a unique feature of the Australian landscape, thereby tying his life and death closely to this environment. The use of Australian colloquial language and the mention of distinct local flora and fauna add to the authenticity and vividness of the setting.

The poem employs effective imagery and symbolism. The silence of Jack's whip and the mourning of his dogs symbolize the abrupt end of his life and his contributions to his work. The repeated references to the wattles and the gum trees not only highlight the distinct Australian setting but also stand as a metaphor for the resilience and solitude of the stockman's life. Finally, the appeal to future stockmen to remember Jack in the closing lines underscores a longing for recognition and a sense of camaraderie among those who lead similar lives, reflecting on themes of remembrance and respect.

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.