Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)
Tis of a wild Colonial boy, Jack Doolan was his name, Of poor but honest parents he was born in Castlemaine. He was his fathers only hope, his mothers only joy, And dearly did his parents love the wild Colonial boy. Chorus Come, all my hearties, well roam the mountains high, Together we will plunder, together we will die. Well wander over valleys, and gallop over plains, And well scorn to live in slavery, bound down with iron chains. He was scarcely sixteen years of age when he left his fathers home, And through Australias sunny clime a bushranger did roam. He robbed those wealthy squatters, their stock he did destroy, And a terror to Australia was the wild Colonial boy. Chorus: Come, all my hearties, &c. In sixty-one this daring youth commenced his wild career, With a heart that knew no danger, no foeman did he fear. He stuck up the Beechworth mail coach, and robbed Judge MacEvoy, Who trembled, and gave up his gold to the wild Colonial boy. Chorus: Come, all my hearties, &c. He bade the Judge Good morning, and told him to beware, That hed never rob a hearty chap that acted on the square, And never to rob a mother of her son and only joy, Or else you may turn outlaw, like the wild Colonial boy. Chorus: Come, all my hearties, &c. One day as he was riding the mountain side along, A-listening to the little birds, their pleasant laughing song, Three mounted troopers rode alongKelly, Davis, and FitzRoy. They thought that they would capture himthe wild Colonial boy. Chorus: Come, all my hearties, &c. Surrender now, Jack Doolan, you see theres three to one. Surrender now, Jack Doolan, you daring highwayman. He drew a pistol from his belt, and shook the little toy. Ill fight, but not surrender, said the wild Colonial boy. Chorus: Come, all my hearties, &c. He fired at Trooper Kelly, and brought him to the ground, And in return from Davis received a mortal wound. All shattered through the jaws he lay still firing at FitzRoy, And thats the way they captured himthe wild Colonial boy. Chorus: Come, all my hearties, &c. It will be noticed that the same chorus is sung to both The Wild Colonial Boy and Bold Jack Donahoo. Several versions of both songs were sent in, but the same chorus was always made to do duty for both songs.
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 is a ballad that portrays the tale of a young outlaw, Jack Doolan, in colonial Australia. It is rich in narrative and evokes themes of freedom, rebellion, and societal expectations. The protagonist, Jack, is portrayed as an anti-hero, rebelling against the established order and the wealthy. His defiance against 'slavery, bound down with iron chains' is a metaphorical rejection of societal norms, constraints, and the harsh conditions of colonial life.
The ballad's structure is traditional, with stanzas interspersed with a recurring chorus. This chorus serves to reinforce the poem's themes and the spirit of the protagonist. The tone of the poem is both celebratory and tragic, capturing the spirit of rebellion and the inevitable consequence of living outside the law. The poem uses alliteration, visual imagery, and personification to create a vivid picture of the Australian landscape and Jack's daring exploits. The poem's ending provides a poignant commentary on the price of freedom and rebellion. It portrays Jack as a tragic figure, who, despite his end, refuses to surrender his freedom.
Overall, the poem presents a romanticized vision of the outlaw figure, and through its narrative and stylistic choices, it encapsulates the tension between societal constraints and the yearning for personal freedom in an engaging, relatable manner.
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:
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.