When the Bush Begins to Speak
When the Bush Begins to Speak - form Summary
Ballad Refrain Asserts National Voice
Lawson uses a ballad structure with a repeated refrain to shape a communal, defiant voice. The stanza-and-refrain pattern mimics folk-song cadence, making lines easy to remember and sing. Repetition of "When the bush begins to speak" turns landscape into speaker and prophecy, uniting western settlers into a political force against outside misunderstanding and greed. The simple, rhythmic ballad form amplifies collective resolve and national identity rather than private feeling.
Read Complete AnalysesThey know us not in England yet, their pens are overbold; We’re seen in fancy pictures that are fifty years too old. They think we are a careless race – a childish race, and weak; They’ll know us yet in England, when the bush begins to speak; When the bush begins to speak, When the bush begins to speak, When the west by Greed’s invaded, and the bush begins to speak. ‘The leaders that will be’, the men of southern destiny, Are not all found in cities that are builded by the sea; They learn to love Australia by many a western creek, They’ll know them yet in England, when the bush begins to speak; When the bush begins to speak, When the bush begins to speak, When the west by Greed’s invaded, and the bush begins to speak. All ready for the struggle, and waiting for the change, The army of our future lies encamped beyond the range; Australia, for her patriots, will not have far to seek; They’ll know her yet in England when the bush begins to speak; When the bush begins to speak, When the bush begins to speak, When the west by Greed’s invaded, and the bush begins to speak. We’ll find the peace and comfort that our fathers could not find, Or some shall strike the good old blow that leaves a mark behind. We’ll find the Truth and Liberty our fathers came to seek, Or let them know in England when the bush begins to speak; When the bush begins to speak, When the bush begins to speak, When the west by Greed’s invaded, and the bush begins to speak.
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