Wedded to will is witless

Song Meaning

This lyric paints a stark picture of leadership gone wrong. It argues that a leader who is "wedded to will" – meaning stubbornly attached to their own desires and decisions – is inherently "witless." Such a person, despite perhaps bearing the title of "wise," is ultimately "wilful" and lacks true skill. The core idea is that this kind of rule, driven by personal whim rather than sound judgment, makes one unfit to govern. The central tension lies between "will" and "reason," or "election." The lyrics strongly condemn leadership that operates "by his fond affection" rather than through a process of choice or consensus. This suggests a critique of autocratic or arbitrary power, where personal feelings dictate policy instead of rational deliberation or the consent of the governed. The most striking craft element is the repeated emphasis on the negative consequences of "will." The word itself, and its variations like "wilful" and "witless," are strategically placed to hammer home the point. The final couplet, a fervent wish that ruling by will be deemed "treason," elevates the critique from mere observation to a passionate plea for a different kind of governance, one rooted in "reason." This writing is effective because it uses strong, declarative statements and a clear moral dichotomy. The language is direct and forceful, leaving no room for ambiguity about the author's stance. It resonates by tapping into a fundamental human desire for fairness and sensible leadership, framing stubborn personal will as a dangerous flaw in those who hold power.