At the Beating of a Drum
At the Beating of a Drum - meaning Summary
Call to National Unity
Lawson’s poem imagines a future Australian battle hymn emerging when the nation unites in crisis. It insists that even if its composer is unknown or forgotten, the song will bind Australians and inspire courage as they rush to danger. The recurring image of the drum signals collective awakening and mobilization. The tone mixes confidence and prophecy, presenting patriotism as a spontaneous, sustaining cultural force born in conflict.
Read Complete AnalysesFear ye not the stormy future, for the Battle Hymn is strong, and the armies of Australia shall not march without a song; The glorious words and music of Australia's song shall come when her true hearts rush together at the beating of a drum. We may not be there to hear it 'twill be written in the night, and Australia's foes shall fear it in the hour before the fight. The glorious words and music from a lonely heart shall come when our sons shall rush to danger at the beating of the drum. He shall be unknown who writes it; He shall soon forgotten be, but the song shall ring through ages as a song of liberty. And I say the words and music of our battle hymn shall come, when Australia wakes in anger at the beating of a drum.
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