Song of the Squatter

Name: Song of the Squatter
Author: Andrew Barton Paterson

The poem presents the grievances of a squatter in colonial Australia, highlighting the struggles faced due to bureaucratic interference and exploitation by government officials. The narrator recounts a series of injustices inflicted by a Commissioner who, motivated by greed and a desire to control land, systematically reduces the squatter's holdings. Initially, the squatter wins a bet with the Commissioner, only to find that his reward is a significant reduction of his land. The Commissioner claims that the squatter's sheep are overgrazing and that he is profiting too quickly, leading to further encroachments on his property. The squatter faces fines for minor oversights, such as failing to report sick animals, illustrating the arbitrary nature of the regulations imposed on him. As the narrative progresses, the squatter's cattle are seized and sold to cover fines, while the Border Police, tasked with protecting property, are depicted as corrupt, having stolen from the squatter themselves. The arrival of Indigenous thieves adds another layer of conflict, as the squatter feels powerless to report these incidents for fear of losing his license. The situation escalates when the squatter's shepherd is killed, prompting the Commissioner to take even more land, transferring it to his son, who is unqualified for the role. The squatter's remaining cattle and sheep are sold at undervalued prices, further exacerbating his financial woes. In the end, the Governor dismisses the squatter's complaints, reinforcing the idea that government officials act without accountability. The squatter expresses a sense of resignation, acknowledging his willingness to perform menial tasks rather than continue to endure the injustices of land management and governance. The poem encapsulates themes of exploitation, the struggle for survival, and the impact of colonial policies on individual lives.

By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Australian Literature · 655 words

First lines

[The subjoined is one of the "Songs of the Squatters," written by the Hon. Robert Lowe (afterwards Viscount Sherbrooke), while resident in New South Wales.]

The Commissioner bet me a pony -- I won; So he cut off exactly two-thirds of my run; For he said I was making a fortune too fast, And profit gained slower the longer would last.

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Song of the Squatter is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Satire, Australian Literature, Narrative Verse, Social Commentary
Length: 655 words
Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
Satire — The poem critiques government policies and the exploitation of squatters, using humor and irony.
Australian Literature — The setting and themes reflect the experiences of Australian squatters and colonial life.
Narrative Verse — The poem tells a story through its verses, focusing on the squatter's struggles.