Exploration of Colonial Class Tensions

This irreverent folk ballad by Banjo Paterson offers a subversive perspective on the exploitation of itinerant rural workers and ensuing defiance in colonial Australia.

Adopting the voice of an itinerant “swagman,” Paterson details tactics used by roving laborers scorned as the “Tag-rag Band” to undermine abusive pastoralists, from teaching them “better sense” to pilfering sheep when denied fair work.

Defiant threats of sabotage convey class tensions boiling beneath the power imbalance in the bush. Details celebrating daring raids mock the pretensions of squatters who aimed to constrain roamers.

While exaggerated for effect, the ballad provides insightful social commentary on emerging resistance movements like the “Wallaby Brigade” born of oppression. Paterson views them as righteous freedom fighters.

Ultimately, “The Wallaby Brigade” gives a sympathetic voice to the rebellious rage of the underclass. Their righteous indignation toward a stacked system rings out in the provocative verses and rousing refrains. Paterson romanticizes their boldness.

THE WALLABY BRIGADE

You often have been told of regiments brave and bold,
But we are the bravest in the land;
We’re called the Tag-rag Band, and we rally in Queensland,
We are members of the Wallaby Brigade.

                Chorus

Tramp, tramp, tramp across the borders,
The swagmen are rolling up, I see.
When the shearing’s at an end we’ll go fishing in a bend.
Then hurrah! for the Wallaby Brigade.

When you are leaving camp, you must ask some brother tramp
If there are any jobs to be had,
Or what sort of a shop that station is to stop
For a member of the Wallaby Brigade.

Chorus: Tramp, tramp, tramp, &c.

You ask me if they want men, you ask for rations then,
If they don’t stump up a warning should be made;
To teach them better sense–why, “Set fire to their fence”
Is the war cry of the Wallaby Brigade.

Chorus: Tramp, tramp, tramp, &c.

The squatters thought us done when they fenced in all their
run,
But a prettier mistake they never made;
You’ve only to sport your dover and knock a monkey over–
There’s cheap mutton for the Wallaby Brigade.

Chorus: Tramp, tramp, tramp, &c.

Now when the shearing’s in our harvest will begin,
Our swags for a spell down will be laid;
But when our cheques are drank we will join the Tag-rag
rank,
Limeburners in the Wallaby Brigade.

Chorus: Tramp, tramp, tramp, &c.

To knock a monkey over is to kill a sheep, monkey being
slang for sheep in many parts of the bush.