The Walla

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
    You often have been told of regiments brave and bold,     But we are the bravest in the land;     Were called the Tag-rag Band, and we rally in Queensland,     We are members of the Wallaby Brigade.                                             Chorus          Tramp, tramp, tramp across the borders,          The swagmen are rolling up, I see.          When the shearings at an end well go fishing in a bend.          Then hurrah! for the Wallaby Brigade.     When you are leaving camp, you must ask some brother tramp     If there are any jobs to be had,     Or what sort of a shop that station is to stop     For a member of the Wallaby Brigade.          Chorus: Tramp, tramp, tramp, &c.     You ask me if they want men, you ask for rations then,     If they dont stump up a warning should be made;     To teach them better sensewhy, Set fire to their fence     Is the war cry of the Wallaby Brigade.          Chorus: Tramp, tramp, tramp, &c.     The squatters thought us done when they fenced in all their run,     But a prettier mistake they never made;     Youve only to sport your dover and knock a monkey over     Theres cheap mutton for the Wallaby Brigade.          Chorus: Tramp, tramp, tramp, &c.     Now when the shearings in our harvest will begin,     Our swags for a spell down will be laid;     But when our cheques are drank we will join the Tag-rag rank,     Limeburners in the Wallaby Brigade.          Chorus: Tramp, tramp, tramp, &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 spirited and vivid depiction of the life and spirit of the "Wallaby Brigade," a group of itinerant workers in Queensland. The underlying themes are camaraderie, resilience, and rebellion against the more established societal structures, represented here by the squatters. The tone is decidedly upbeat, reflecting the spirit of defiance and optimism that characterizes the Brigade's approach to their nomadic lifestyle.

The structure, with its repeating chorus, gives the poem a song-like quality, reinforcing the sense of unity and shared experience among the Brigade members. The repeated "Tramp, tramp, tramp" is a literal and figurative representation of their journey and struggle. The language is colloquial and authentic, creating a vivid portrait of the group's identity and culture. This poem uses metaphor effectively - for example, "fenced in all their run" symbolizes the societal constraints they rebel against, and "knock a monkey over" and "cheap mutton" subtly illustrate their resourcefulness and defiance. The "Tag-rag Band" is a self-deprecating yet proud label that encapsulates their outsider status and unity. The poem ends on a note of inevitability, with the shearings leading to drinking and rejoining the "Tag-rag rank," suggesting a cyclical nature to the Wallaby Brigade's existence, a lifestyle that they embrace in spite of, or perhaps because of, its challenges.

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.