The Wild Colonial Boy
Ballad of Rebellion: Jack Duggan's Australian Odyssey
Lyrics
There was a wild colonial boy, Jack Duggan was his name
Introducing the protagonist, Jack Duggan.
He was born and raised in Ireland in a place called Castlemaine
Describing Jack's birthplace in Ireland, Castlemaine.
He was his father's only son, his mother's pride and joy
Emphasizing Jack's significance as the only son and source of pride for his parents.
And dearly did his parents love the wild colonial boy
Highlighting the deep affection Jack's parents had for him.
At the early age of sixteen years, he left his native home
Jack's departure from Ireland at a young age.
And to Australia's sunny shore he was inclined to roam
His decision to move to Australia.
He robbed the rich, he helped the poor, he shot James McAvoy
Detailing Jack's involvement in criminal activities—robbing the wealthy and assisting the poor; mentions shooting James McAvoy.
A terror to Australia was the wild colonial boy
Portraying Jack as a notorious figure causing fear in Australia.
One morning on the prairie as Jack he rode along
Depicting a scene where Jack is riding on the prairie.
A listening to the mockingbird a singing a cheerful song
Setting a serene ambiance with a singing mockingbird.
Out stepped a band of troopers, Kelly, Davis and Fitzroy
Introduction of a group of troopers aiming to capture Jack—Kelly, Davis, and Fitzroy.
They all set out to capture him, the wild colonial boy
They collectively pursue Jack to apprehend him.
"Surrender now Jack Duggan for you see we're three to one
Troopers urge Jack to surrender, citing their numerical advantage.
Surrender in the Queen's high name for you're a plundering son"
Asking Jack to surrender in the name of the Queen, hinting at his unlawful actions.
Jack pulled two pistols from his belt and he proudly waved them high
Jack defiantly displays his readiness to fight by brandishing pistols.
"I'll fight, but not surrender," said the wild colonial boy
He refuses to surrender, choosing to fight instead.
He fired a shot at Kelly, which brought him to the ground
Jack shoots one of the troopers, Kelly, bringing him down.
And turning 'round to Davis, he received a fatal wound
He then confronts Davis and receives a fatal wound in return.
A bullet pierced his proud young heart from the pistol of Fitzroy
Jack succumbs to a bullet from Fitzroy, leading to his capture.
And that was how they captured him, the wild colonial boy
Concludes the story by stating how Jack was finally apprehended.
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