Background
Riddle songs have long been a part of the musical and literary output of many cultures. Walt Whitman’s ‘A Riddle Song,’ also known as ‘Begin My Weary Way’ and ‘The Robber Bridegroom,’ is a prime example of this genre, combining witty poetry and melody. The song dates back to at least 1865, when Whitman published a revised version of it in his collection Leaves of Grass. Whitman continued to modify the song until 1891, when he finally released a definitive version that has remained popular to this day.
Lyrics
The decades-old song is composed of five four-line stanzas and is set to a rollicking waltz rhythm. In the song, Whitman employs clever wordplay to create riddles, which the singer must then solve. Here is the song’s first stanza:
“I was asking a riddle, I think I know what it means,
So what is the answer, ‘Ere my journey begins?
A hawk in the sky, a bird on the wing,
A fish in the lake and a bee on the wing.”
Themes
Whitman’s ‘A Riddle Song’ is often seen as a comment on the nature of life, exploring themes of mystery, fate, and mortality. By using words to form meaningful riddles, Whitman offers a glimpse into the uncertainty of our existence. The answer to the riddle—’a hawk in the sky, a bird on the wing, a fish in the lake and a bee on the wing’—suggests that we do not have all of the answers, as our journey through life is often full of surprises.
Whitman’s poem also touches upon themes of love and loss. The singer’s journey through the poem is metaphorical and the imagery employed serves to illustrate the idea of journey’s end. The closing lines of the poem reinforce this idea, with the singer acknowledging that love and loss are part of life’s rich tapestry:
“Where’er I journey, I journey alone
Where’er I journey, I leave my sorrows behind,
For love, through life’s mysterious plan,
Must close, as it opened, in heartbreak and pain.”
Influence
Walt Whitman’s ‘A Riddle Song’ has gone on to influence subsequent American poets and musicians, among them Walt Disney and the Byrds. The latter’s 1964 hit single ‘The Bells of Rhymney’ paid homage to Whitman’s poem and its themes of sorrow and loss, while Disney’s animated film Pinocchio featured a number of musical references to ‘A Riddle Song.’
Modern interpretations
In recent years, ‘A Riddle Song’ has been interpreted in a variety of different ways. Musician and NPR music critic Ann Powers has explored the song’s deeper symbolic meanings, noting that it serves as a metaphor for life’s journey and its cycles of joys and sorrows. She also suggests that the opening riddle is symbolic of the human condition, with the various avian creatures representing humanity’s fear of death and uncertainty.
Reception
Since its first publication, ‘A Riddle Song’ has been embraced as a classic work of American poetry and song. Its clever musical composition, witty wordplay, and engaging themes have ensured its popularity in both literary and musical circles. The influence of Whitman’s poem can be seen in the works of various modern poets and musicians, demonstrating its enduring appeal and relevance.
Analysis
Whitman’s ‘A Riddle Song’ is a captivating poem, expertly crafted with clever wordplay and thoughtful symbolism. The riddle-like structure of the poem is like a metaphor for life itself: full of mystery and uncertainty. As the riddle progresses, Whitman’s lyrical genius compares the challenges and changes of life to the beauty of a flightless bird, a soaring hawk, a swimming fish and a buzzing bee. Through this imagery, he encapsulates the idea that the known and unknown parts of life are both intertwined and interconnected.
Metaphorical Nature
The poem’s use of metaphors and symbols reflects Whitman’s evolved view of life. The poem is written from the point of view of a traveler on a journey through life. The imagery suggests that life is unpredictable, with time being inevitable and fleeting. Whitman also uses the image of a traveler as a metaphor for understanding life’s various stages. Just as a traveler can find solace in his journey, so, too, can the reader take comfort in Whitman’s thoughtful and beautiful poem.
Theme of Love and Loss
At the same time, Whitman acknowledges the reality of love and loss in life. With the use of vivid imagery and poetic devices, Whitman reflects on the pain and joy of love. Through the metaphors of a hawk in the sky and a bee on the wing, Whitman draws attention to the sadness and fragility of life, while also celebrating the beauty of love. Ultimately, the poem suggests that love and loss is an essential part of life and that both must be faced with strength, courage and resilience.
Legacy
Walt Whitman’s ‘A Riddle Song’ remains one of his best-known works and has been praised for its clever wordplay and meaningful themes. Its influence has been felt in the works of numerous poets and musicians, demonstrating its status as a classic of American literature. Its enduring beauty and lyrical genius ensure that the poem will remain a firm favorite for many years to come.
