Poem Analysis - That Music Always Round Me

An Awakening to Universal Harmony

Walt Whitman's "That Music Always Round Me" is a poem of discovery and profound connection. It chronicles a journey from unawareness to a state of heightened perception where the speaker recognizes a constant, underlying music of the universe. The tone shifts from a lament of ignorance to joyful elation and finally to a deeper understanding. The poem celebrates the beauty and complexity of existence, revealing a world of vibrant sounds and profound meanings.

The Symphony of Existence: Theme of Universal Connection

One of the poem's central themes is the interconnectedness of all things, symbolized by the constant, pervasive music. The speaker initially states, "That music always round me, unceasing, unbeginning—yet long untaught I did not hear." This suggests that the music, representing the universal harmony, has always been present, but the speaker's awareness was lacking. The awakening to this music signifies a realization of the deep connections between all aspects of reality. The poem progresses as the speaker begins to perceive and appreciate this underlying unity, finding joy and meaning in the diversity of voices and sounds that make up the whole. This shift in perception implies that connection is not something to be created, but rather something to be recognized.

Emotion and the Pursuit of Expression: The Theme of Passionate Expression

Another key theme within the poem is the intense pursuit of emotional expression. The speaker hears "the different voices winding in and out, striving, contending with fiery vehemence to excel each other in emotion." This intense competition among the voices highlights the powerful urge to express oneself fully and passionately. The poem suggests that these expressions, though individual and diverse, are all part of the larger universal music, contributing to its richness and complexity. The line also hints at a kind of struggle inherent in being. The voices are not merely existing, but actively "striving" and "contending," indicating a constant effort towards self-expression and making oneself heard.

Sound as Symbol: Decoding the Universal Language

The poem utilizes vivid aural imagery, presenting a rich tapestry of sounds that symbolize different aspects of the universe. The "tenor, strong, ascending, with power and health, with glad notes of day-break" might represent beginnings, strength, and vitality. In contrast, the "soprano, at intervals, sailing buoyantly over the tops of immense waves" could symbolize freedom, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges. The "transparent bass, shuddering lusciously under and through the universe" may represent the foundational, yet often unseen, depths of existence and its undercurrent of sensuality. These sounds aren't just heard, but experienced; the speaker fills themselves with them, suggesting an immersive and transformative encounter with the universe.

Beyond the Notes: Seeking Deeper Meaning

The poem culminates in a profound moment of understanding. The speaker states, "I hear not the volumes of sound merely—I am moved by the exquisite meanings." This signifies a transition from simply perceiving sounds to understanding their deeper significance. The final line, "I do not think the performers know themselves—but now I think I begin to know them," suggests a deeper insight into the nature of existence and the forces that drive it. The speaker is not just listening to music, but gaining wisdom and a new perspective on the world around them. It prompts the question of whether understanding the universal harmony truly brings wisdom, or if it simply reveals the inherent mystery of life.

A Symphony of Self and Universe: Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, "That Music Always Round Me" is a testament to the transformative power of awareness and the inherent interconnectedness of all things. The poem charts a journey from unawareness to a profound understanding of the universal harmony, expressed through vivid sound imagery and emotional intensity. Through the act of listening, the speaker gains insight into the "exquisite meanings" of existence, suggesting that the universe is a vast symphony waiting to be heard and understood. This poem encourages us to open our senses and find the music in the world around us and within ourselves.