Republican Pioneers

Read 'Republican Pioneers' by 'Henry Lawson' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

Republican Pioneers by Henry Lawson

 We're marching along, we're gath'ring strong' 
We place on our right reliance, 
We fling in the air, for all who care, 
Our first loud notes of defiance! 
We fling in the air, 
For all who care, 
Our first loud notes of defiance! 

Laugh long and loud, you toady crowd, 
At the men you call benighted, 
In spite of your sneers, we are pioneers 
Of "Australian States United"! 
In spite of your sneers, We are pioneers 
Of "Australian States United"! 

Not long we'll stand as an outlaw band, 
And be in our country lonely, 
For soon to the sky shall ring our cry, 
Our cry of "Australia only"! 
For soon to the sky 
Shall mount our cry, 
Our cry of "Australia only"! 

And we'll sleep sound in Australian ground, 
'Neath the blue-cross flag star lighted, 
When it freely waves o'er the grass-grown graves 
Of the pioneers united! 
When it floats and veers 
O'er the pioneers 
Of "Australian States United"!

Form: Lyric Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace