That Music Always Round Me
That Music Always Round Me - meaning Summary
Music as Spiritual Revelation
Whitman presents an overwhelming, cosmic music that he once could not perceive but now hears clearly. The poem describes distinct vocal lines—tenor, soprano, bass, tutti—interweaving as metaphors for universal forces and emotions. This sensory chorus becomes a source of elation and expanding self-knowledge; by attending to the music’s meanings and conflicts, the speaker moves from ignorance toward a dawning understanding of the world and himself.
Read Complete AnalysesTHAT music always round me, unceasing, unbeginning—yet long untaught I did not hear; But now the chorus I hear, and am elated; A tenor, strong, ascending, with power and health, with glad notes of day-break I hear, A soprano, at intervals, sailing buoyantly over the tops of immense waves, A transparent bass, shuddering lusciously under and through the universe, The triumphant tutti—the funeral wailings, with sweet flutes and violins—all these I fill myself with; I hear not the volumes of sound merely—I am moved by the exquisite meanings, I listen to the different voices winding in and out, striving, contending with fiery vehemence to excel each other in emotion; I do not think the performers know themselves—but now I think I begin to know them.
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