Is it nothing to you

Song Meaning

This passage confronts the listener with a profound question: "Is it nothing to you?" The speaker is directly addressing those who "pass by," implying a lack of attention or empathy towards their suffering. It’s a raw plea for recognition, highlighting a stark contrast between the speaker's immense pain and the apparent indifference of the onlookers. The tone is one of deep anguish and a desperate search for shared understanding. The core of the lament lies in the comparison of sorrow. The speaker implores others to "Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow." This isn't just a statement of personal pain; it's an assertion of its unique and overwhelming magnitude. The lyrics suggest a feeling of isolation in suffering, where the depth of the speaker's affliction seems unparalleled and unrecognized by the world moving past. The source of this affliction is attributed to divine anger: "wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger." This introduces a theological dimension, framing the suffering not as random misfortune but as a direct consequence of a powerful, wrathful force. The use of "fierce anger" amplifies the intensity of the divine action, making the resulting sorrow even more profound and seemingly inescapable. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their direct, accusatory questioning and the stark imagery of unparalleled sorrow. The speaker forces an uncomfortable confrontation, demanding that the passersby acknowledge the depth of their pain, which is presented as a divinely ordained, singular tragedy. It’s a powerful expression of profound suffering met with perceived indifference.