October 1915 by Dora Sigerson Shorter

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a vivid scene of natural beauty, as "white rose and the red spill their leaves" to form a "scented path." The speaker finds temporary peace, "half-dreaming all forget" in summer's "idle grace." Yet, an underlying tension hints at an inevitable return to a less welcoming reality. A profound conflict emerges between the tranquil natural world and the looming demands of the city. The speaker laments, "How can I go forth again to the hot and restless town," contrasting it sharply with the gentle companionship of a robin that "cheerful comes, alert and bold." This highlights a deep yearning for connection and ease, absent in the urban landscape. The lyrics masterfully build dread through escalating descriptions of the city. Initially, it's merely "hot and restless," filled with "stranger people" and chilling "convention." However, the tone darkens dramatically as the speaker asks, "How can I I go back again to the horrors of the town," revealing the true source of anxiety: "the husky voice of war fiercely echoes up and down." This stark contrast, from the idyllic "scented path" to the pervasive "horrors of the town," makes the lyrics deeply affecting. The gradual reveal of war's presence, initially hinted at by the "sun-haunted day," grounds the speaker's personal reluctance in a larger, terrifying reality. The emotional impact stems from this vivid portrayal of a cherished peace being shattered by an inescapable, violent world.