The Beginning Of The Armadilloes

By Rudyard Kipling

Ballad
I've never sailed the Amazon, I've never reached Brazil; But the Don and Magdalena, They can go there when they will! Yes, weekly from Southampton Great steamers, white and gold, Go rolling down to Rio (Roll down roll down to Rio!). And I'd like to roll to Rio Some day before I'm old! I've never seen a Jaguar, Nor yet an Armadill He's dilloing in his armour, And I s'pose I never will, Unless I go to Rio These wonders to behold Roll down roll down to Rio Roll really down to Rio! Oh, I'd love to roll to Rio Some day before I'm old!

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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 vivid exploration of wanderlust, longing, and the pull of the unknown. The speaker repeatedly expresses their desire to travel to Rio, a place they have never been but can only imagine through the stories of the Don and Magdalena rivers, and the exotic animals that inhabit the foreign land. The theme of longing is further emphasized by the repetitious refrain, "Roll down to Rio," underscoring the speaker's yearning for adventure before the onset of old age.

The tone of the poem is one of whimsical yearning, and perhaps a hint of regret. The speaker has not yet been able to fulfill their dream of seeing Brazil, and there is a sense of urgency in their desire to do so "before I'm old". Structurally, the poem's use of repetition and rhyme creates a rhythmic flow, much like a river or the rolling of a ship, mimicking the journey the speaker so longs to take. The imaginative use of language, such as "dilloing in his armour," adds to the poem's playful, dreamlike quality, inviting readers to share in the speaker's longing for adventure.

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.