How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear, (1)
The poem sets out the theme of music really clearly in this opening line, which tells us that the speaker hears America singing "varied carols." We've got one America, lots of songs, and a nice straightforward opening to a poem. Thanks, double W.
Quote #2
Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe
and strong,
The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam,
The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off
work,
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the
deck-hand singing on the steamboat deck,
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing
as he stands,
The woodcutter's song, the ploughboy's on his way in the
morning, or at noon intermission or at sundown,
The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at
work, or of the girl sewing or washing,
Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else, (2-9)
These eight long lines catalogue all of the different kinds of singers in America. And, surprise, all of the singers are laborers (and not, for example, opera singers or choristers in church). These singers are hardworking gals and guys, just like us, who have pride in their work and in their songs. They each sing "what belongs to him or her and to none else." Music in this poem is both an expression of individuality, and a force that brings folks together.
Quote #3
The day what belongs to the day—at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,
Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs. (10-11)
Singing's not just something to do while working; the poem ends by telling us that these crazy kids sing while partying, too. (Karaoke, anyone?) In the vision of America that this poem creates, music is central to nineteenth-century life.