The Stockmen Of Australia

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
    The stockmen of Australia, what rowdy boys are they,     They will curse and swear an hurricane if you come in their way.     They dash along the forest on black, bay, brown, or grey,     And the stockmen of Australia, hard-riding boys are they.                 Chorus: And the stockmen, &c.     By constant feats of horsemanship, they procure for us our grub,     And supply us with the fattest beef by hard work in the scrub.     To muster up the cattle they cease not night nor day,     And the stockmen of Australia, hard-riding boys are they.                 Chorus: And the stockmen, &c.     Just mark him as he jogs along, his stockwhip on his knee,     His white mole pants and polished boots and jaunty cabbage- tree.     His horsey-pattern Crimean shirt of colours bright and gay,     And the stockmen of Australia, what dressy boys are they.                 Chorus: And the stockmen, &c.     If you should chance to lose yourself and drop upon his camp,     Hes there reclining on the ground, be it dry or be it damp.     Hell give you hearty welcome, and a stunning pot of tea,     For the stockmen of Australia, good-natured boys are they.                 Chorus: For the stockmen, &c.     If down to Sydney you should go, and there a stockman meet,     Remark the sly looks cast on him as he roams through the street.     From the shade of lovely bonnets steal forth those glances gay,     For the stockmen of Australia, the ladies pets are they.                 Chorus: For the stockmen, &c.     Whatever fun is going on, the stockman will be there,     Be it theatre or concert, or dance or fancy fair.     To join in the amusements be sure he wont delay,     For the stockmen of Australia, light-hearted boys are they.              Chorus: For the stockmen, &c.     Then heres a health to every lass, and let the toast go round,     To as jolly a set of fellows as ever yet were found.     And all good luck be with them, for ever and to-day,     Heres to the stockmen of Australiahip, hip, hooray!              Chorus: Heres to the stockmen, &c.

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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 vibrant celebration of the stockmen of Australia, painting a dynamic and lively picture of their lifestyle, character, and importance. Themes of camaraderie, hard work, and joyous living permeate the verses, portraying the stockmen as rowdy, hard-riding, well-dressed, good-natured, and popular with the ladies. The repetition of the phrase "the stockmen of Australia" emphasizes their centrality to the narrative and their cultural significance.

The structure of the poem, with its repeating chorus, mirrors the form of a traditional ballad or folk song, suggesting a sense of community and shared experience. The rhythm and rhyme scheme contribute to a galloping pace that mirrors the stockmen's energetic lifestyle. The poet uses vivid imagery and specific detail—like "his white mole pants and polished boots," or "a stunning pot of tea"—to bring the stockmen to life. The tone is one of admiration and affection, which culminates in the final toast to the stockmen's health and good luck.

In terms of literary devices, the poem makes effective use of repetition, not just in the chorus, but in the repeated descriptions of the stockmen's qualities. This repetition reinforces the poet's positive portrayal of the stockmen. Furthermore, the use of colloquial language and local references, like the mention of Sydney, helps to ground the poem in its Australian context and adds authenticity to its depiction of the stockmen.

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.