Jack Donahoo — Southern Gothic Folk

The ghost of a man who chose a bullet over a chain still haunts the folklore of Australia. "Bold Jack Donahoo" valorizes villainy in a peculiar way; it is a defiant cry from the colonial frontier, a myth forged in rebellion.

This ballad immortalizes the bushranger Jack Donahue, transforming him from a mere outlaw into a symbol of the unyielding spirit against the Crown's cold grip. It’s a story of choosing a final, brutal freedom over a life in servitude. Listen for the echo of his final words... a choice from which there was no turning back.

Let me know in the comments which line resonates with the rebel in you.

Lyrics:

Come, all you bold, undaunted men,
You outlaws of the day,
It's time to beware of the ball and chain
And also slavery.
Attention pay to what I say,
And verily if you do,
I will relate you the actual fate
Of bold Jack Donahoo.

He had scarcely landed, as I tell you,
Upon Australia's shore,
Than he became a real highwayman,
As he had been before.
There was Underwood and Mackerman,
And Wade and Westley too,
These were the four associates
Of bold Jack Donahoo.

Jack Donahoo, who was so brave,
Rode out that afternoon,
Knowing not that the pain of death
Would overtake him soon.
So quickly then the horse police
From Sidney came to view;
"Begone from here, you cowardly dogs,"
Says bold Jack Donahoo.

The captain and the sergeant
Stopped then to decide.
"Do you intend to fight us
Or unto us resign?"
"To surrender to such cowardly dogs
Is more than I will do,
This day I'll fight if I lose my life,"
Says bold Jack Donahoo.

The captain and the sergeant
The men they did divide;
They fired from behind him
And also from each side;
It's six police he did shoot down
Before the fatal ball
Did pierce the heart of Donahoo
And cause bold Jack to fall.

And when he fell, he closed his eyes,
He bid the world adieu;
Come, all you boys, and sing the song
Of bold Jack Donahoo.

#poetry #ballad #coversong #cinematicmusic #music #folk #australia #traditionalmusic