Sing--Sing--Music Was Given

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
    Sing--sing--Music was given,         To brighten the gay, and kindle the loving;     Souls here, like planets in Heaven,         By harmony's laws alone are kept moving.     Beauty may boast of her eyes and her cheeks,         But Love from the lips his true archery wings;     And she, who but feathers the dart when she speaks,         At once sends it home to the heart when she sings.         Then sing--sing--Music was given,             To brighten the gay, and kindle the loving;         Souls here, like planets in Heaven,             By harmony's laws alone are kept moving.     When Love, rocked by his mother,         Lay sleeping as calm as slumber could make him,     "Hush, hush," said Venus, "no other         "Sweet voice but his own is worthy to wake him."     Dreaming of music he slumbered the while         Till faint from his lip a soft melody broke,     And Venus, enchanted, looked on with a smile,         While Love to his own sweet singing awoke.         Then sing--sing--Music was given,             To brighten the gay, and kindle the loving;         Souls here, like planets in Heaven,             By harmony's laws alone are kept moving.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a delightful invocation of the power of music as an emotional catalyst and a cosmic binder, entwining themes of love, beauty, and harmony. The poet employs an upbeat, stirring tone and a cyclical structure that mirrors the celestial movements referenced within the piece.

The first stanza foregrounds music as a joyous and passionate force, capable of moving 'souls here, like planets in Heaven,' in a dance of cosmic harmony. The personification of Love and Beauty adds a mythic dimension, emphasizing the universal and timeless nature of these themes. Love is depicted as a potent force, with the power to pierce hearts when expressed through song. The repeated refrain, which also opens and closes the poem, serves as a call to action, reinforcing the poet's belief in the transformative power of music.

The second stanza is more narrative, recounting a mythological scene where the goddess Venus waits for Love (presumably her son, Cupid) to wake, emphasizing that only his own melodic voice is worthy of rousing him. This not only underscores the intrinsic connection between love and music but also suggests that both are natural, instinctive forces. The ending returns to the refrain, closing the poem on a harmonious note. Throughout, the poet uses evocative imagery and a lilting rhythm to create a musical quality within the poem itself, bringing the theme to life.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.