The Song of Old Joe Swallow by Henry Lawson
The story revolves around an old man who lives a solitary life on the outskirts of a small town. He's known for his eccentric behavior and is often seen singing a haunting song about his past. The narrative explores themes of loneliness, regret, and the human condition through the old man's experiences and emotions.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 795 words
First lines
When I was up the country in the rough and early days, I used to work along ov Jimmy Nowlett's bullick-drays; Then the reelroad wasn't heered on, an' the bush was wild an' strange, An' we useter draw the timber from the saw-pits in the range -- Load provisions for the stations, an' we'd travel far and slow Through the plains an' 'cross the ranges in the days of long ago.
_Then it's yoke up the bullicks and tramp beside 'em slow, An' saddle up yer horses an' a-ridin' we will go, To the bullick-drivin', cattle-drovin', Nigger, digger, roarin', rovin' Days o' long ago._
What this Textopian page supports
The Song of Old Joe Swallow is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Pastoral, Nostalgia
- Length: 795 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Song of Old Joe Swallow by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
- The Outside Track by Henry Lawson
- A Droving Yarn by Henry Lawson
- The Old Jimmy Woodser by Henry Lawson
- The Three Kings by Henry Lawson
- Mount Bukaroo by Henry Lawson
- Ben Duggan by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative reflects on past events and life in the early days of the Australian bush, providing a historical context.
- Adventure — The story involves journeys and challenges faced by the characters in the rugged Australian landscape.
- Pastoral — The work emphasizes rural life and the natural environment, focusing on the connection to the land.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Outback Fiction · Rural Life · Poverty · Social Realism · Working Class · Folklore · Mythology · Satire · Humor · Regionalism