I Hear America Singing Work Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Line)

Quote #4

Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,
The day what belongs to the day—at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,
Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs. (9-11)

Again, the speaker acknowledges the sense of ownership that workers have both over their labor and songs; the worker sings "what belongs to him or her and to no one else." And the end of the poem gives us a little glimpse into what happens after the work day is over: it's party time (and time for more singing, obvs).