John Cornstalk
John Cornstalk - meaning Summary
Settler Claim and Nationhood
Henry Lawson's "John Cornstalk" presents a settler voice asserting ownership and pride in the Southern Land. Through repeated refrains, the speaker claims inherited rights from pioneer ancestors and rejects external claims (symbolized by John Bull). The poem shifts from local possession to an outward-looking ambition: the South should lead toward a collective future, named here the "Dynasty of Man," blending national confidence with broad, idealistic purpose.
Read Complete AnalysesJack Cornstalk lives in the Southern Land What says Cornstalk John? Jack Cornstalk says in a loud firm voice: Land of the South, lead on. Land of the South, lead on, lead on, Land of the South, lead on! Land of the South, lead on, lead on, Lead on, Land of the South! John Bull lays claim to the Southern Land. Jack, is the South Land thine? John Cornstalk cries in a loud, firm voice: The Land of the South is mine! Land of the South, lead on, lead on, Land of the South, lead on! Land of the South, lead on, lead on, Lead on, Land of the South! By the long, long years my father toiled In the pioneering band; By the hardships of those early days, I claim the Southern Land! Land of the South, lead on, lead on, Land of the South, lead on! Land of the South, lead on, lead on, Lead on, Land of the South! But where shall the Land of the South lead to? Where lead the nation’s van? Jack Cornstalk cries from his strong young heart: To the Dynasty of Man. Land of the South, lead on, lead on, Land of the South, lead on! Land of the South, lead on, lead on, Lead on, Land of the South!
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