Swing High And Swing Low

Author: Eugene Field

    Swing high and swing low
    While the breezes they blow -
    It's off for a sailor thy father would go;
    And it's here in the harbor, in sight of the sea,
    He hath left his wee babe with my song and with me:
    "Swing high and swing low
    While the breezes they blow!"

    Swing high and swing low
    While the breezes they blow -
    It's oh for the waiting as weary days go!
    And it's oh for the heartache that smiteth me when
    I sing my song over and over again:
    "Swing high and swing low
    While the breezes they blow!"

    "Swing high and swing low " -
    The sea singeth so,
    And it waileth anon in its ebb and its flow;
    And a sleeper sleeps on to that song of the sea
    Nor recketh he ever of mine or of me!
    "Swing high and swing low
    While the breezes they blow -
    'T was off for a sailor thy father would go!"
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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 poignant poem beautifully explores themes of longing, separation, and the relentless passage of time. The poem's structure is marked by the repetition of the lines "Swing high and swing low / While the breezes they blow," which not only serves as a refrain but also mirrors the ceaseless ebb and flow of the sea, further emphasizing the theme of time's relentless march. The constant repetition also contributes to a tone of melancholy and desolation, as the speaker endlessly awaits the return of the absent sailor.

The poem's imagery is deeply rooted in the natural world, with the sea serving as a potent symbol of distance and the unknown. The speaker's song, repeated to the sailor's child, resonates with longing and sadness, standing as a testament to the emptiness left by the sailor's departure. The poem concludes on a note of resignation, further underscoring the sorrowful tone. The sailor's child, oblivious to the speaker's lament, sleeps on, hinting at the harsh reality of life's disinterest in individual suffering and the inevitable continuation of life despite personal grief. The poem thus beautifully marries form and content to provide a moving depiction of longing, waiting, and the inexorable passage of time.

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.