On the Road to Gundagai
The narrative follows a group of travelers departing from Roto, equipped with their belongings and a modest amount of money, as they journey towards Sydney. Their path leads them to a stop at Lazy Harry's, a tavern located near Gundagai. The travelers recount their experiences along the way, including crossing the Murrumbidgee River and passing through towns like Narrandera, while deliberately avoiding Wagga Wagga, as their sights are set on Sydney. At Lazy Harry's, they indulge in local pleasures, including drinking and socializing with women, which leads to a mix of revelry and nostalgia. The atmosphere is lively, with the travelers enjoying rum and cigars, and the flirtation with the barmaid adds a layer of camaraderie and light-heartedness to their stay. However, the revelry is short-lived, as their funds dwindle, prompting them to prepare for departure. As they leave Lazy Harry's, the travelers reflect on their brief but memorable escapade, marked by the allure of the journey and the bittersweet nature of parting from newfound acquaintances. The chorus emphasizes their location and the significance of the tavern as a waypoint in their travels, encapsulating the essence of adventure, camaraderie, and the transient nature of such experiences. The work captures the spirit of the Australian bush and the culture of traveling men, highlighting themes of friendship, nostalgia, and the fleeting joys of life on the road.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Australian Literature, Narrative · 496 words
First lines
Oh, we started down from Roto when the sheds had all cut out. We'd whips and whips of Rhino as we meant to push about, So we humped our blues serenely and made for Sydney town, With a three-spot cheque between us, as wanted knocking down.
Chorus But we camped at Lazy Harry's, on the road to Gundagai The road to Gundagai! Not five miles from Gundagai! Yes, we camped at Lazy Harry's, on the road to Gundagai.
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On the Road to Gundagai is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1910 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Australian Literature, Narrative, Folk, Travel Literature
- Length: 496 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Australian Literature — The poem reflects Australian culture, landscape, and vernacular, making it a significant piece of Australian literature.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story of travel and experiences, characteristic of narrative forms.
- Folk — The themes and style resonate with folk traditions, capturing the essence of Australian bush life.
Tags
Australian poetry · bush ballad · travel · adventure · friendship · nostalgia · countryside · Gundagai · Roto · Lazy Harry's · Murrumbidgee · Narrandera