Poem Analysis - Gettin Back

Introduction: A Nostalgic Escape

Henry Lawson's "Gettin Back" is a vibrant celebration of returning to the Australian bush and escaping the perceived artificiality of city life. The poem pulses with a yearning for authenticity and a rejuvenation found in nature and simple living. Its tone is largely optimistic and humorous, shifting from initial relief to a boisterous embrace of rural life, culminating in a surprising romantic subplot. The repeated refrain, "(Damn the city!)" acts as a powerful punctuation mark, underscoring the speaker's disdain for urban existence and highlighting the joy of reconnection with the bush.

Historical Context: The Bush Ideal

Lawson wrote during a period of significant urbanization in Australia. Many Australians were leaving rural areas for the promise of work and opportunity in the cities. However, the Australian identity was deeply intertwined with the "bush" - the vast, untamed outback. Lawson, like many of his contemporaries, contributed to the romanticization of the bush as a place of authenticity, resilience, and true community, in contrast to the perceived alienation and superficiality of city life. This poem speaks directly to this cultural tension, championing the bush as a source of spiritual and physical renewal.

Theme 1: Rejuvenation Through Nature

One of the poem's central themes is the idea of rejuvenation found in the Australian landscape. The speaker describes the physical and emotional benefits of returning to the bush, from the simple pleasure of a "hearty country meal" to the restorative power of a good night's sleep in "soft white beds." Images of "clear streams" and "box and stringy-bark" evoke the natural beauty of the bush, suggesting that the landscape itself has a healing effect. The act of "dropping the ‘g’ in words that end in ‘ing’" symbolizes a shedding of urban affectations and a return to a more natural, authentic way of speaking and being.

Theme 2: Authenticity vs. Artifice

The poem directly contrasts the perceived artificiality of city life with the authenticity of the bush. The "dandy tourists" represent a superficial understanding of the bush, while the "straight young bushmen" struggle to comprehend the poet's romantic success. The speaker's initial attempts to "draw the driver out" and his realization that the driver is "just a liar, like ourselves" suggests a degree of skepticism toward outward appearances. Ultimately, however, the speaker finds genuine connection in the bush, culminating in his romantic involvement and willingness to "milk the cows," demonstrating a commitment to the practical realities of rural life.

Theme 3: The Poet and Perception

The poem explores the persona of the poet and how he is perceived, particularly through the lens of romantic expectation. The young woman's belief that "poets don't grow old" fuels the speaker's transformation, allowing him to recapture a youthful spirit. This suggests a power in perception and belief. The line, "she heard that poets don’t grow old – and now she knows they don’t," implies that the speaker's rejuvenation is at least partially a result of the woman's idealized view. This theme hints at the complex relationship between reality, perception, and the transformative power of love and belief.

Symbolism: The Bush as Sanctuary

The Australian bush functions as a central symbol of authenticity and escape. It represents a sanctuary from the pressures and anxieties of city life. The act of returning to the bush is not simply a physical journey but a spiritual one, a return to one's roots and a rediscovery of essential values. The image of the "lake-side home" represents a place of peace and tranquility, a haven where the speaker can reconnect with nature and find love. The "small hand 'separator'" represents the simplicity of rural life and its freedom from technological complexities. Furthermore, the "grey eyes and hair of reddish gold" of the young woman could symbolize the earthy tones of the bush itself, suggesting that she embodies the qualities that the speaker finds so appealing in the natural world.

Conclusion: A Romanticized Ideal

"Gettin Back" is ultimately a romanticized vision of the Australian bush as a source of renewal and authenticity. While it may idealize rural life and simplify the complexities of city living, the poem's enduring appeal lies in its expression of a universal desire for escape, connection, and rejuvenation. The speaker's journey back to the bush is a journey back to himself, fueled by a yearning for a simpler, more meaningful existence and a romanticized image of his role as a poet. The poem leaves us pondering the power of belief and the transformative potential of finding sanctuary in nature and love. Is the speaker truly rejuvenated, or is he simply projecting a youthful image onto himself through the eyes of the young woman? The poem leaves this question open for interpretation, adding a layer of complexity to its celebration of the bush ideal.