Poem Analysis - Workin It Out

Introduction: A Bluesy Lament

Shel Silverstein’s “Workin’ It Out” is a deceptively simple poem that unfolds as a bluesy confession. The tone initially suggests a yearning for connection, but quickly descends into a series of questionable actions and justifications. The poem maintains a folksy, almost conversational tone, creating a sense of intimacy with the speaker, even as his behavior becomes increasingly problematic. It is a poem about the struggles and moral compromises of a flawed individual navigating a complicated world. The mood shifts from hopeful seeking to resigned acceptance and a touch of cynical humor.

The Endless Quest and Moral Compromises

One of the central themes in "Workin' It Out" is the search for love and companionship. The poem opens with the speaker's admission of "spendin' my life lookin' for a shoulder / To rest my head when the nights get colder." This suggests a deep-seated desire for comfort and support. However, the subsequent revelation that he has "a little woman to scrub my floor" and "two or three more" highlights a distorted and morally compromised approach to achieving this desire. Instead of genuine connection, he seeks multiple superficial relationships. This also introduces a second theme of moral ambiguity. The speaker’s actions, such as keeping his relationships secret and later stealing money, are clearly wrong, but they are presented in a matter-of-fact tone, suggesting a rationalization of his behavior as simply "workin' it out".

"Workin' It Out": A Life Under Construction

The repeated phrase "I been a long time workin' it out" (and its variations) functions as a mantra or a refrain. It speaks to the speaker's ongoing struggle to make sense of his life and to navigate its challenges. However, it also suggests a lack of progress. The phrase implies that despite his efforts, he is still "workin' it out," suggesting a state of perpetual incompleteness and moral uncertainty. It hints that life is an ongoing process of negotiation and compromise rather than a destination reached with clear solutions.

Symbols of Struggle: The Sea and the Judge

The poem employs certain symbolic imagery that enhances its overall meaning. The "deep blue sea" in the final stanza represents the vastness and overwhelming nature of life's problems. Sandwiched "between the taxes the missus and the deep blue sea," the speaker and, by extension, all of us, are caught in a relentless current of troubles. The judge, who appears after the speaker admits to stealing, symbolizes societal judgment and the consequences of one's actions. He is not presented as a moral authority, but simply as another obstacle in the speaker's long journey of "workin' it out." Could the judge also represent an internal moral compass, finally catching up with the speaker's choices?

Conclusion: A Reflection on Imperfection

"Workin' It Out" is a poignant and somewhat cynical commentary on the human condition. It acknowledges the universal desire for love and connection while simultaneously exposing the flawed and often self-serving ways in which people attempt to fulfill those desires. The poem's repetitive structure reinforces the idea that life is a continuous cycle of problems and attempts at solutions, without ever reaching a definitive resolution. Ultimately, the poem invites us to consider our own "workin' it out," acknowledging the messy, imperfect, and often morally ambiguous nature of our lives.