Ye Jolly Miller

Author: Walter Crane

    There was a jolly miller once
    Lived on the river Dee;
    He worked and sang from morn till night,
    No lark more blithe than he.
    And this the burden of his song
    For ever used to be,
    "I care for nobody, no, not I,
    And nobody cares for me."
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem presents a narrative about a jovial miller who lives by the river Dee, content in his solitude. The primary theme is independence and self-sufficiency, embodied in the miller's cheerful labor and his sing-song mantra of caring for "nobody" and being cared for by "nobody." His life is simple, yet fulfilling, a testament to finding joy in one's work, irrespective of societal norms or expectations.

The tone is light, almost celebratory, highlighting the miller's unwavering positivity despite his solitary existence. The structure is simple, adhering to a clear rhyme scheme (AABB), which lends a rhythmic quality to the poem, reminiscent of a song or a nursery rhyme. This musicality complements the miller's song, effectively blurring the lines between the poem and the miller's own narrative. The repeated refrain "I care for nobody, no, not I, and nobody cares for me" is a powerful literary device that reinforces the poem's theme. Despite its seemingly melancholic sentiment, in the context of the miller's cheerful disposition, it takes on a more liberating connotation. The poem thus offers an unconventional perspective on solitude, portraying it not as a state of loneliness, but as a path to freedom and self-reliance.

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.