The Swagman

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
    Kind friends, pray give attention         To this, my little song.     Some rum things I will mention,         And Ill not detain you long.     Up and down this country         I travel, dont you see,     Im a swagman on the wallaby,         Oh! dont you pity me.     Im a swagman on the wallaby,         Oh! dont you pity me.     At first I started shearing,         And I bought a pair of shears.     On my first sheep appearing,         Why, I cut off both its ears.     Then I nearly skinned the brute,         As clean as clean could he.     So I was kicked out of the shed,         Oh! dont you pity me, &c.     I started station loafing,         Short stages and took my ease;     So all day long till sundown         Id camp beneath the trees.     Then Id walk up to the station,         The manager to see.     Boss, Im hard up and I want a job,         Oh! dont you pity me, &c.     Says the overseer: Go to the hut.         In the morning Ill tell you     If Ive any work about         I can find for you to do.     But at breakfast I cuts off enough         For dinner, dont you see.     And then my name is Walker.         Oh! dont you pity me.     Im a swagman, &c.     And now, my friends, Ill say good-bye,         For I must go and camp.     For if the Sergeant sees me         He may take me for a tramp;     But if theres any covey here         Whats got a cheque, dye see,     Ill stop and help him smash it.         Oh! dont you pity me.     Im a swagman on the wallaby,         Oh! dont you pity me.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem carries the reader on a journey through the life of a swagman, a transient laborer in Australia, using vivid descriptions and a conversational tone. The primary theme revolves around the struggles and hardships of a nomadic existence, which is emphasized by the repeated refrain, "Oh! don't you pity me." The speaker's tone is one of resignation and a touch of humor, creating a strong sense of character and making the subject relatable despite his unique circumstances.

The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm, adds to its overall folkloric feel, reminiscent of traditional ballads. Each stanza tells a different part of the swagman's story, creating a narrative progression that keeps the reader engaged. The use of colloquial language and regional dialect further immerses the reader in the swagman's world and serves to underline his socioeconomic status. The repetition of the phrase "I'm a swagman on the wallaby," serves as a poignant reminder of the swagman's unchanging and unprivileged status, eliciting a sense of empathy from the reader. This poem, while seemingly simple, successfully uses its structure, tone, and language to paint a vivid picture of the swagman's life and struggles.

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.