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EVERY SONG HAS AN ANSWER
SONG
John Donne
John Donne's 1633 poem "Song" has expressed that in every melody, there lies
an answer to every inquiry; from how to find "where all past years are" (Donne
218, line 3), to "…keep off envy's stinging / And find / What wind / Serves to
advance an honest mind" (218, line 5). Donne has managed to summon up great
enlightenment with this verse, suggesting that there are solutions for each riddle within
life's adventure. If there is a question regarding life, when situations are not clear
enough to speculate accurately, then Donne declares "Ride ten thousand days and
nights, / Till age snow white hairs on thee, / Thou, when thou return'st, wilt tell me /
All strange wonders that befell thee…" (lines 12-15). Donne is expressing that
the answer lies in the form of wisdom, which is obtained from many years of life
experience. And he maintains that whoever achieves enough knowledge and wisdom to answer
these questions precisely, should then convey the answers to others having inquests.
Donne is offering to his readers a wealth of information in "Song" that may
give much wisdom for the self-analysis of personal conflicts in life. In addition to
knowledge, Donne submits a request for "a woman true, and fair" (line18), one
that is honest with herself and others. With lyrics written about the "perfect"
woman, he could not resist the temptation of desiring one, yet realizing "Though she
were true, when you met her… / Yet she / Will be / False…" (lines 22-27).
He comments that these women are only illusionary, not real, and that he cannot give
optimism to the thoughts of such pureness. In today's society, this remark is accurate for
rarely are there people who are pure in their thoughts, their actions, or the way they
dress. According to Donne, if a person were to read into the words of a song, he may find
what he needs to fulfill the expectations of the undertaking of life's adventures.
Within the words of lyrics I have found much satisfaction towards the freeing of my
spirit. I have complicated my life by expecting too much of myself by trying to accomplish
more than I can handle. I agree with Donne, that to "…find / What wind / Serves
to advance an honest mind" (lines 7-9), one will have to listen to what wisdom is
being offered in the expression of a song. When I feel troubled, and am feeling down, I
love listening to my favorite song that is on the Simon and Garfunkel CD, called
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" (Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel and Roy Halee, Columbia
LP, 11/09/1969). This song lifts my spirit, my emotions, and relaxes my anxiety. I feel
that there are powerful messages in the words of songs, and with this in mind, I can
accomplish anything. I try to avoid being a "False" (line27) person, and find
much satisfaction by being a truer (or fairer) individual. Donne has illuminated our way
for a more prosperous life by suggesting that we consider the messages brought to us by
songs.
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