A Thousand Miles Away
The work celebrates the rugged life of cattle drovers in Australia, emphasizing the vastness of the landscape and the challenges faced in transporting cattle. It begins with a spirited call to adventure, highlighting the excitement of traveling westward to the Barcoo region, known for its fertile pastures and abundant wildlife. The narrator expresses a longing for the open plains and the thrill of the journey, underscoring the camaraderie among drovers. The lyrics convey a sense of pride in the quality of Australian beef, contrasting it with American cattle. The imagery of knee-deep grass and the rapid fattening of cattle paints a vivid picture of the land's richness. The refrain reinforces the determination to succeed in the cattle trade, celebrating the hard work and resilience of those involved. As the narrative unfolds, it captures the essence of the Australian outback, the bond between man and horse, and the relentless pursuit of prosperity in a challenging environment. The work serves as both a tribute to the droving lifestyle and a reflection on the broader themes of adventure, camaraderie, and the connection to the land.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Australian Literature, Ballad · 332 words
First lines
(Air: "Ten Thousand Miles Away. ")
Hurrah for the Roma railway! Hurrah for Cobb and Co., And oh! for a good fat horse or two to carry me Westward Ho -- To carry me Westward Ho! my boys, that's where the cattle stray On the far Barcoo, where they eat nardoo, a thousand miles away.
What this Textopian page supports
A Thousand Miles Away is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Australian Literature, Ballad, Adventure, Nature Writing
- Length: 332 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem with rhythmic verses and a chorus, typical of poetic forms.
- Australian Literature — The themes and setting reflect Australian culture, particularly the rural and pastoral life.
- Ballad — The narrative style and repetitive chorus align with the characteristics of a ballad, telling a story through song.
- Adventure — The themes of travel and exploration across vast landscapes suggest an adventurous spirit.
Tags
Australia · poetry · cattle · ranching · travel · landscape · Barcoo · Flinders · horses · adventure · nature · pastoral