For Her Gait If She Be Walking by William Browne

Song Meaning

This poem presents an almost unconditional admiration for a woman, focusing on her inherent qualities rather than specific actions. The speaker finds reasons to love her whether she is walking, sitting, talking, sullen, or merry. It’s a celebration of her being, where every state and disposition is seen as a virtue. The core tension lies in the speaker's persistent declaration of love, which seems to transcend any potential flaws or moods. Instead of finding fault, the speaker actively reinterprets or accepts each characteristic as a positive attribute. This suggests a deep-seated affection that colors the speaker's perception, finding grace in every aspect of the subject. The craft here is in the systematic cataloging of her attributes and the consistent, almost formulaic, praise. Phrases like "For her gait, if she be walking" and "For her wit if she be talking" establish a pattern. The repetition of "For which all and each I love her" and "That for everything I love her" hammers home the central theme of all-encompassing affection. What makes these lyrics resonate is the sheer, unwavering devotion they express. The poem doesn't delve into complex emotional landscapes but offers a pure, uncomplicated affirmation. It’s effective because it presents a speaker who finds beauty and lovability in the totality of a person, no matter the circumstance or mood.