Musicians wrestle everywhere

Song Meaning

The lyrics open on a scene of constant, almost physical sound. "Musicians wrestle everywhere" suggests a pervasive struggle or effort, not just harmonious playing. This omnipresent sound fills the air "All day" and "long before the morn." It's a powerful, almost overwhelming presence that "breaks upon the town." The narrator grapples with the true nature of this omnipresent sound, which is described as a "silver strife." This phrase juxtaposes beauty with conflict, hinting at the profound effort behind the perceived harmony. The tension lies in trying to categorize this profound experience, oscillating between the mundane act of music and the narrator's hopeful interpretation that "New Life" has arrived. This suggests a deep, almost spiritual impact. The craft here lies in the systematic negation of common explanations, followed by layered speculation. The lyrics first tell us what the sound "is not Bird," nor a "Band," nor a "Hymn from pulpit read." This stripping away of conventional sources elevates the mystery, suggesting something far older and grander. The text then offers cosmic theories, from "the Morning Stars" leading the treble to "Time's first Afternoon!" The effectiveness comes from how the writing transforms a seemingly simple observation into a profound philosophical inquiry. The initial "wrestle" and "strife" are juxtaposed with the narrator's hopeful "New Life," creating a blend of struggle and transcendence. This persistent quest for definition makes the phenomenon feel vast and significant. The final, yearning hope that "we... shall Ascertain!" leaves the reader with a sense of ongoing wonder and the elusive nature of ultimate truth.