Happy-Go-Lucky

Author: Madison Julius Cawein

    I can't get up with the chickens;
    I can't get up at dark:
    And what do I care for the early worm?
    And what do I care for the lark?

    I can't do this or that thing;
    I can't do things like you;
    And the thing that I do most frequent
    Is the thing I never do.

    I can't go where I would go,
    Though I go from morn till eve;
    But some place I go wherever I go
    Whenever a place I leave.

    For the law of the road is this law,
    And the law is right and good:
    Just go your ways and take no heed
    Of how you get your food.

    And the law of the road is this law,
    And the law is one to keep:
    It never matters, wherever you are,
    So you have a place to sleep.

    And the law of the road is this law,
    And the law may it grow and grow!
    Wherever you go and whatever you do
    Let no one ever know.
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem offers a profound meditation on the themes of individuality, free-spiritedness, and the importance of living life on one's own terms. The speaker reveals a distinct sense of self, a nonconformist who refuses to adhere to societal norms, as exemplified through the repeated use of "I can't," which implies a deliberate, conscious choice rather than an inability.

The tone is defiant yet lighthearted, a blend of humor and seriousness that underscores the speaker's independent spirit. The structure of the poem adheres to a consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme, providing a sense of stability that contrasts with the speaker's sense of freedom and spontaneity. The recurring motif of the "law of the road" serves as a metaphor for the speaker's personal philosophy, emphasizing autonomy, adaptability, and secrecy. This law, repeated and expanded upon throughout the poem, guides the speaker as an unwritten code of conduct, suggesting a nomadic lifestyle where the journey is more important than the destination. The poem's ambiguity and paradoxical phrases ("the thing that I do most frequent / Is the thing I never do") invite readers to grapple with the complexities of individuality and the irreducibility of the human spirit.

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.