Walt Whitman - That Music Always Round Me

Song Meaning

The narrator describes a newfound, profound awareness of a pervasive, constant "music" that has always surrounded them, though they were previously "long untaught" to perceive it. This awakening brings elation, a sense of being filled with powerful, diverse sounds that range from the "glad notes of daybreak" to "funeral wailings." This isn't just about auditory pleasure; the lyrics emphasize the "exquisite meanings" within the music, suggesting a deeper, almost spiritual comprehension. The narrator hears distinct "voices winding in and out, striving, contending with fiery vehemence," indicating a dynamic, complex interplay of emotions and expressions within this universal soundscape. The most striking craft element is the personification of the music and its components. The "tenor, strong, ascending," the "soprano at intervals sailing," and the "transparent base shuddering lusciously" create vivid, almost tangible images of sound. The narrator's realization that "I do not think the performers know themselves—but now I think I begin to know them" points to an intuitive understanding that transcends the creators' own awareness. This profound shift from unawareness to elation, driven by an appreciation for the intricate, emotional depth of this ever-present music, is what makes these lyrics resonate. The writing crafts a sense of cosmic connection, where the narrator finds profound meaning and self-understanding by finally attuning to the universe's inherent, vibrant song.