POETRY SPOT

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A Job for McGuinness

I was reading some more of Banjo Paterson’s poetry and came across the poem below, one atypical of Paterson’s usual style and subject matter.

Some words used would be unacceptable if written today but reflect the time of its writing.

Read for enjoyment of poetry, for appreciation of language, for a look at past attitudes and mores, and to see how far same have progressed.

Before posting the poem, here is a summary and analysis.

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From:

https://allpoetry.com/A-Job-for-McGuinness

This poem satirises the discrimination against Irish Catholics in late 19th-century Australia. It highlights the difficulties faced by McGuinness, an Irishman, in securing employment despite the abundant opportunities available in the country. The speaker's tone is tinged with both sarcasm and bitterness, as the poem exposes the hypocrisy of a society that values labor but excludes certain individuals based on their heritage.

Compared to Paterson's other works, this poem is notable for its overt social commentary. While Paterson's poetry often explores themes of the Australian bush and rural life, this poem tackles a more pressing issue of the time. It aligns with the broader literary trend of the period, which saw writers using their work to address social and political concerns.

The poem's language is simple and direct, reflecting the author's intention to convey a clear and unambiguous message. The use of the refrain "There was never a job for McGuinness" reinforces the central theme of exclusion. The poem's final stanza takes a darker turn, hinting at the potential for war and the possibility that McGuinness may find acceptance only through military service.

Overall, this poem serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by marginalized groups throughout history. Its sharp critique of discrimination and its unflinching portrayal of societal biases make it a powerful and thought-provoking work.

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A Job for McGuinness

- Banjo Paterson

Oh, it's dreadful to think in a country like this

With its chances for work - and enjoyment

That a man like McGuinness was certain to miss

Whenever he tried for employment.

He wrote to employers from Bondi to Bourke,

From Woolloomooloo to Glen Innes,

But he found - though his wife could get plenty of work -

There was never a job for McGuinness.

But perhaps - later on - when the Chow and the Jap

Begin to drift down from the tropics,

When a big yellow stain spreading over the map

Provides some disquieting topics,

Oh, it's then when they're wanting a man that will stand

In the trench where his own kith and kin is,

With a frown on his face and a gun in his hand -

Then there might be a job for McGuinness!

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