Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"To a Lady Singing" is a poem by Edmund Waller, a 17th-century English poet and politician. The poem is a tribute to a woman's singing voice and the powerful emotions it evokes in the speaker.

The poem begins by praising the lady's voice, which is described as "ravishing" and "heavenly." The speaker notes that her voice has the power to transport him to another world, where he can forget his troubles and be carried away by the music. He describes the effect of her singing as a "soul's calm delight," suggesting that it brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the listener.

As the poem continues, the speaker reflects on the transcendent power of music, and how it can lift the soul and elevate the spirit. He notes that even the gods are said to have been moved by music, and suggests that the lady's voice is so powerful that it could inspire the gods themselves.

The final lines of the poem turn to the speaker's own emotions, as he expresses his admiration and devotion to the lady. He notes that he is "touched with sacred fire" by her singing, suggesting that her voice has kindled a deep passion within him. Despite his admiration, however, he also acknowledges the fleeting nature of beauty and music, noting that "Time has not cropped the roses from thy cheek."

In terms of form, "To a Lady Singing" is a relatively simple poem. It consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. The language is straightforward and accessible, with a focus on clear and direct expression of the speaker's emotions and ideas.

In conclusion, "To a Lady Singing" is a beautiful tribute to the power of music and the human voice to stir the soul and elevate the spirit. Through its celebration of the lady's singing, the poem offers a glimpse of the transcendent power of art to move and inspire us.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...