That younge child

Song Meaning

This lyric paints a tender scene where a child's weeping is soothed by a lullaby, described as a melody that surpasses all professional musicianship. The focus is on the pure, almost magical quality of this song, which brings immediate peace. It establishes a contrast between the child's distress and the profound comfort offered by the music. The central tension arises from the comparison between this gentle lullaby and the song of a nightingale. While the nightingale's song is typically praised in poetry, here it's dismissed as "hoarse and nought thereto," implying it lacks the true power to console or delight. The lyrics suggest that attending to the nightingale's song after hearing the lullaby would be a "wrong," highlighting the superior efficacy and beauty of the initial melody. The craft here lies in the stark, almost absolute contrast drawn between the two songs. The lullaby is "so sweet" and "passèd alle minstrelsy," while the nightingale's is "hoarse." This direct juxtaposition elevates the simple, perhaps maternal, song to an unparalleled level of artistry and emotional impact. The word "wrong" is particularly strong, framing a choice between two sounds as a moral or aesthetic error. What makes these lyrics resonate is their quiet assertion of the profound power found in simple, heartfelt expression. It suggests that genuine comfort and beauty aren't always found in the most elaborate or traditionally celebrated forms, but can reside in something as basic and pure as a lullaby. The writing champions the efficacy of this specific, unnamed song over a natural wonder, celebrated one, making its gentle power feel almost sacred.