Bound for the Lord-Knows-Where
The narrative explores the journey of various characters, each seeking escape and adventure in an undefined destination referred to as "the Lord-knows-where." The poem captures the essence of the Australian bush and the allure of the unknown, highlighting themes of freedom, self-discovery, and the desire to break away from societal constraints. The characters, identified as bushmen, travelers, and those burdened by their pasts, express a longing for liberation from their current lives. They carry their belongings, symbolizing their hopes and dreams, as they embark on a quest for a place where they can find peace, work, and a sense of belonging. The repeated refrain emphasizes the uncertainty and mystery of their destination, suggesting that the journey itself is as significant as the arrival. The imagery of the bush, wide plains, and the sea evokes a sense of vastness and possibility. The characters envision a land where they can escape their troubles, engage in healthy work, and experience the joys of life. The poem contrasts the mundane realities of their lives with the vibrant experiences they anticipate in the Lord-knows-where, where they can rediscover themselves away from societal judgment. As the poem progresses, the characters' motivations become clearer. Some seek adventure, while others aim to forget their past mistakes. The references to tools, money, and personal belongings indicate their readiness to embrace change, despite the risks involved. The journey symbolizes a quest for identity and fulfillment, reflecting the universal human desire for exploration and self-actualization. Ultimately, the work encapsulates the spirit of wanderlust and the hope for renewal. The characters' determination to venture into the unknown resonates with the reader, inviting contemplation of their own journeys and aspirations. The Lord-knows-where serves as a metaphor for the dreams and possibilities that lie beyond the familiar, encouraging a pursuit of freedom and self-discovery.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1900 · Genre: Poetry, Australian Literature, Adventure · 835 words
First lines
"Where are you going with your horse and bike, And the townsfolk still at rest? Where are you going, with your swag and pack, And the night still in the West? Your clothes are worn, and your cheques are gone, But your eyes are free from care? " "We're bushmen down for a spree in town, And we're bound for the Lord-knows-where, Old chap -- we're bound for the Lord-knows-where."
What this Textopian page supports
Bound for the Lord-Knows-Where is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Lawson, dated 1900 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Australian Literature, Adventure, Romanticism, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 835 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Bound for the Lord-Knows-Where by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Bound for the Lord-Knows-Where?
- How does this short story by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Stockman by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Broken Axletree by Henry Lawson
- Outside by Henry Lawson
- The Empty Glass by Henry Lawson
- The Heart Of The Swag by Henry Lawson
- The Bushman by Andrew Barton Paterson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Australian Literature — The themes and setting reflect Australian culture and the experiences of bushmen, central to Australian literary identity.
- Adventure — The narrative involves a journey and exploration of unknown places, embodying the spirit of adventure.
- Romanticism — The work expresses a longing for freedom and connection to nature, typical of Romantic literature.
Tags
Australian literature · Henry Lawson · poetry · bushmen · freedom · journey · exploration · self-discovery · adventure · nostalgia · nature · identity