“The Streets of Forbes”

Description

Ben Hall is "hunted from his station" and "like a dog shot down." A bushranger for three years, he is planning to "cross the briny sea" when found and "riddled like a sieve." The authorities parade his body through the streets of Forbes

Notes

For the background of Ben Hall, see the other songs listed in the cross-references, especially "Ben Hall."

To tell this from the other Ben Hall songs, consider this first verse:

Come all of you Lachlan men, and a sorrowful tale I'll tell

Concerning of a hero bold who through misfortune fell.

His name it was Ben Hall, a man of good renown

Who was hunted from his station, and like a dog shot down.

According to Patterson/Fahey/Seal, this is based on a poem by Ben Hall's brother-in-law John McGuire. - RBW

Historical references

• May 5, 1865 - Ben Hall is ambushed and killed by police near Forbes, Australia

Cross references

• cf. "Ben Hall" (plot)
• cf. "The Ballad of Ben Hall" (plot)
• cf. "The Death of Ben Hall" (plot)
• cf. "My Name is Ben Hall" (subject)

References

1. Manifold-PASB, pp. 60-61, "The Streets of Forbes" (1 text, 1 tune)
2. Paterson/Fahey/Seal, pp. 79-81, "The Streets of Forbes" (1 text)
3. DT, STRFORBE*
4. BI, PASB060