What is the Swagman's Rest by Banjo Paterson about?

Answer 1

"The Swagman's Rest" is a poem by A.B. 'Banjo' Paterson. Swagman is an Australian term, referring to a drifter of the outback or bush, who would carry all his worldly possessions in his "swag" as he wandered between cattle stations, sheep stations and homesteads, looking for work. "The Swagman's Rest" refers to an old swaggie who has died, and therefore finds his "final rest". It is about his burial, and about how, even the seemingly hopeless and homeless (and alcoholic) swagman, deserved to have his final wishes honoured, regarding his burial. In doing so, his friends found the richest gold reef ever in the area - his body lay upon it. But the old swagman never had the opportunity to enjoy it himself.

Answer 2

"The Swagman's Rest" by Banjo Paterson is a poem that tells the story of a swagman (wandering worker) resting by a billabong (watering hole) when he encounters a jumbuck (sheep) that he decides to steal. The poem highlights themes of bush life, the struggle for survival, and the consequences of theft in the Australian outback.