The Girl Of The U.S.A.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Ballad
    Oh! the maidens of France are certainly fine,          And I think every fellow will state     That the 'what-you-may-call-it' coiffured way          They put up their hair is great!     And they know how to dress, and they wear their clothes          In a fetching, Frenchy way;     And yet to me, there is just one girl -          The girl of the U.S.A.     I like to listen when French girls talk,          Though I'm weak in the 'parlez-vous' game;     But the language of youth in every land          Is somehow about the same,     And I've learned a regular code of shrugs,          And they seem to know what I say!     But the girl whose voice goes straight to my heart          Is the girl of the U.S.A.     I haven't a word but words of praise          For these dear little girls of France;     And I will confess that I've felt a thrill          As I faced their line of advance!     But I haven't been taken a prisoner yet,          And I won't be, until the day     When I carry my colours to lay at the feet          Of a girl of the U.S.A.

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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 lively exploration of cross-cultural experiences and an ultimate expression of patriotic affection. The recurring theme is an endearing comparison of French and American women through the eyes of the speaker, who while acknowledging and admiring the elegance of French girls, remains steadfast in his preference for American ones. The tone is light-hearted and jovial, yet filled with a certain depth of personal sentiment.

The structure of the poem, consisting of three stanzas each ending with a homage to the 'girl of the U.S.A.', strengthens the narrative and the speaker’s patriotic preference. The use of colloquial language such as 'what-you-may-call-it' and 'parlez-vous' game, contributes to the informal and conversational tone of the poem, making it accessible and engaging to the reader. The poet uses a 'code of shrugs' as a metaphor for non-verbal communication, a clever device that underlines the universal nature of human connection, transcending language barriers. The final stanza, where the speaker imagines himself as a soldier laying down his colours, serves as a romantic metaphor for surrendering to love. This suggests a deeper level of commitment and passion towards the 'girl of the U.S.A.' than initially let on, rounding out the poem with a touch of dramatic flair.

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.