A Mate Can Do No Wrong
A Mate Can Do No Wrong - meaning Summary
Loyalty Despite Faults
Lawson’s poem presents mateship as an unquestioning, learned loyalty that survives hardship, distance, and imprisonment. Repeatedly taught across places and circumstances, the refrain a mate can do no wrong
elevates a friend to near-royal status and demands defense of his reputation. The speaker insists on confronting slander and maintaining solidarity even after a mate’s death, portraying loyalty as a communal moral code.
We learnt the creed at Hungerford, we learnt the creed at Bourke; we learnt it in the good times and learnt it out of work. We learnt it by the harbour - side and on the billabong: "No matter what a mate may do, a mate can do no wrong!" He’s like a king in this respect (No matter what they do), and, king-like, shares in storm and shine the Throne of Life with you. We learnt it when we were in gaol and put it in a song: "No matter what a mate may do, a mate can do no wrong!" They’ll say he said a bitter word when he’s away or dead. We’re loyal to his memory, no matter what he said. And we should never hesitate, but strike out good and strong, and jolt the slanderer on the jaw – a mate can do no wrong!
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