A Canadian Boat Song

By Thomas Moore

Ballad
    WRITTEN ON THE RIVER ST. LAWRENCE.[1]             et remigem cantus hortatur.             QUINTILIAN.     Faintly as tolls the evening chime     Our voices keep tune and our oars keep time.     Soon as the woods on shore look dim,     We'll sing at St. Ann's our parting hymn.[2]     Row, brothers, row, the stream runs fast,     The Rapids are near and the daylight's past.         Why should we yet our sail unfurl?     There is not a breath the blue wave to curl,     But, when the wind blows off the shore,     Oh! sweetly we'll rest our weary oar.     Blow, breezes, blow, the stream runs fast,     The Rapids are near and the daylight's past.         Utawas' tide! this trembling moon     Shall see us float over thy surges soon.     Saint of this green isle! hear our prayers,     Oh, grant us cool heavens and favoring airs.     Blow, breezes, blow, the stream runs fast,     The Rapids are near and the daylight's past.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, steeped in rich imagery and rhythmic repetition, captures the essence of a journey down the River St. Lawrence. The recurrent theme of time, represented by the evening chime, the dimming woods, and the past daylight, creates a sense of urgency and fleeting moments. This is mirrored in the structure of the poem, with the repeated lines "The Rapids are near and the daylight's past" serving to amplify this sense of urgency and the relentless passage of time.

The poem employs a tone of solemnity and reverence, particularly when invoking St. Ann and the “Saint of this green isle”. The natural elements—woods, the blue wave, the trembling moon—imbue the poem with a tranquil yet somber atmosphere. The interplay of these elements paints a vivid picture of the setting and the voyage, while also reflecting the internal emotions of the voyagers. The literary device of personification, especially, adds a certain depth to these natural elements, making them active participants in the narrative. The poem thus strikes a balance between external journey and internal reflection, making for a layered reading experience.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.