'The Song of the Wage-slave' by Robert W. Service


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1When the long, long day is over, and the Big Boss gives me my pay,
2I hope that it won't be hell-fire, as some of the parsons say.
3And I hope that it won't be heaven, with some of the parsons I've met --
4All I want is just quiet, just to rest and forget.
5Look at my face, toil-furrowed; look at my calloused hands;
6Master, I've done Thy bidding, wrought in Thy many lands --
7Wrought for the little masters, big-bellied they be, and rich;
8I've done their desire for a daily hire, and I die like a dog in a ditch.
9I have used the strength Thou hast given, Thou knowest I did not shirk;
10 Threescore years of labor -- Thine be the long day's work.
11 And now, Big Master, I'm broken and bent and twisted and scarred,
12 But I've held my job, and Thou knowest, and Thou wilt not judge me hard.
13 Thou knowest my sins are many, and often I've played the fool --
14 Whiskey and cards and women, they made me the devil's tool.
15 I was just like a child with money; I flung it away with a curse,
16 Feasting a fawning parasite, or glutting a harlot's purse;
17 Then back to the woods repentant, back to the mill or the mine,
18 I, the worker of workers, everything in my line.
19 Everything hard but headwork (I'd no more brains than a kid),
20 A brute with brute strength to labor, doing as I was bid;
21 Living in camps with men-folk, a lonely and loveless life;
22 Never knew kiss of sweetheart, never caress of wife.
23 A brute with brute strength to labor, and they were so far above --
24 Yet I'd gladly have gone to the gallows for one little look of Love.
25 I, with the strength of two men, savage and shy and wild --
26 Yet how I'd ha' treasured a woman, and the sweet, warm kiss of a child!
27 Well, 'tis Thy world, and Thou knowest. I blaspheme and my ways be rude;
28 But I've lived my life as I found it, and I've done my best to be good;
29 I, the primitive toiler, half naked and grimed to the eyes,
30 Sweating it deep in their ditches, swining it stark in their styes;
31 Hurling down forests before me, spanning tumultuous streams;
32 Down in the ditch building o'er me palaces fairer than dreams;
33 Boring the rock to the ore-bed, driving the road through the fen,
34 Resolute, dumb, uncomplaining, a man in a world of men.
35 Master, I've filled my contract, wrought in Thy many lands;
36 Not by my sins wilt Thou judge me, but by the work of my hands.
37 Master, I've done Thy bidding, and the light is low in the west,
38 And the long, long shift is over. . .Master, I've earned it -- Rest.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Song of the Wage-Slave: A Critical Interpretation

There are few poets who can so accurately capture the bleakness and despair of the human condition as Robert W. Service. His poem, The Song of the Wage-Slave, is a haunting portrayal of the monotony and hopelessness of life for those trapped in the cycle of work and little else.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the reader directly, saying "Come listen to my story of the wage-slave bold," immediately setting the tone for what is to come. The use of the word "bold" here is interesting, as it implies that the wage-slave is not simply a victim, but rather someone who is actively trying to fight against their circumstances. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that this is not the case.

The first stanza describes the "grimy, dusty windows," of the factory where the wage-slave spends his days. This is followed by the speaker providing a vivid description of the smoke and noise that fills the air, making it impossible for the wage-slave to escape the drudgery of his existence. The use of sensory imagery here is particularly effective in conveying the oppressive nature of the factory environment.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes how the wage-slave's time is spent in repetitive and menial tasks, with "never a moment's rest." The use of the word "never" here is particularly poignant, as it implies that the wage-slave has no respite from his work, no time to relax or enjoy life. This is followed by the line "He's just a little cog in a great big wheel," which further emphasizes the idea that the wage-slave is insignificant and powerless in the face of his circumstances.

The third stanza is perhaps the most striking in the entire poem, as it describes the wage-slave's dreams of escape. "He dreams of fields and forests green, and crystal streams that flow," the speaker says, painting a picture of a world that is far removed from the one in which the wage-slave exists. However, this dream is quickly shattered as the speaker notes that "When he wakes he hears the clank of the engines down below." This is a powerful moment, as it shows that even in his dreams, the wage-slave cannot escape the reality of his situation.

The fourth stanza describes the wage-slave's thoughts as he leaves work, his mind consumed with thoughts of the next day's toil. The use of the word "drunken" here is interesting, as it implies that the wage-slave is not in control of his thoughts or actions, but rather is being driven by his circumstances. The final line of the stanza, "And so he lives from day to day, and wonders why he's here," is a poignant reminder of the existential despair that can come with feeling trapped in a cycle of work and little else.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker imagines the wage-slave's death. "They'll wrap him in a coarse brown shroud, and lay him in the ground," the speaker says, painting a picture of a life that has ended in anonymity and obscurity. The final two lines of the poem, "No marble slab to tell the world, that here there lies a man," are a haunting reminder of the wage-slave's insignificance in the grand scheme of things.

In conclusion, The Song of the Wage-Slave is a powerful and haunting portrayal of the monotony and despair that can come with a life spent in servitude to work. The use of vivid sensory imagery and poignant language creates a world that is both bleak and poignant, reminding us of the importance of living a life that is meaningful and fulfilling.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Song of the Wage-slave: A Poetic Masterpiece by Robert W. Service

Robert W. Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. His poems are known for their vivid imagery, powerful emotions, and insightful commentary on the human condition. One of his most famous works, The Song of the Wage-slave, is a masterpiece that captures the struggles and aspirations of the working class.

The poem is a powerful commentary on the plight of the wage-slave, who toils day and night to earn a living but is never able to break free from the shackles of poverty. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come:

"Weary they are, the toilers of the earth, Who labour for our pleasure or our mirth; They who have given us all that we possess, Who scorch in summer and who freeze in winter's stress."

These lines paint a vivid picture of the hardworking men and women who are the backbone of society. They work tirelessly to provide for their families and contribute to the economy, yet they are often overlooked and undervalued. The poem highlights the irony of their situation, where they work hard to create wealth for others but are unable to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the wage-slave's life. The first stanza focuses on the physical toll of their work, as they endure the harsh conditions of the natural world. The second stanza delves into the emotional toll of their work, as they struggle to find meaning and purpose in their lives. The final stanza offers a glimmer of hope, as the wage-slave dreams of a better future.

In the first stanza, Service vividly describes the physical hardships that the wage-slave endures. He writes:

"They who have built our cities in the dust, Who dig our mines and drive our commerce must, Beneath the lash of that fierce word 'must' toil, And earn the bread that robs them of the soil."

These lines capture the backbreaking work that the wage-slave performs, from building cities to digging mines. They are forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions, all for the sake of earning a living. The use of the word "lash" highlights the oppressive nature of their work, where they are driven by the fear of losing their jobs or not being able to provide for their families.

In the second stanza, Service delves into the emotional toll of the wage-slave's work. He writes:

"They who have made the garments that we wear, Who weave the cloth and stitch with loving care, Who print the books that teach us how to live, Who build the homes that shelter and that give."

These lines highlight the creative and intellectual contributions of the wage-slave, who are responsible for creating the clothes we wear, the books we read, and the homes we live in. However, despite their contributions, they are often treated as mere cogs in the machine, with no recognition or appreciation for their work. The poem captures the sense of disillusionment and despair that many wage-slaves feel, as they struggle to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

The final stanza of the poem offers a glimmer of hope, as the wage-slave dreams of a better future. Service writes:

"They who have given us all that we possess, Shall they not share in all that we progress? Shall they not see the dawn of that new day, When all the toilers shall receive their pay?"

These lines capture the spirit of solidarity and hope that is at the heart of the labour movement. The wage-slave dreams of a world where they are no longer exploited and undervalued, but are instead treated with dignity and respect. The poem ends on a hopeful note, as the wage-slave looks forward to a future where all workers are paid fairly and are able to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

In conclusion, The Song of the Wage-slave is a powerful and poignant poem that captures the struggles and aspirations of the working class. Robert W. Service's vivid imagery and insightful commentary on the human condition make this poem a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today. The poem is a reminder of the importance of valuing and respecting the contributions of all workers, and of the need to strive for a more just and equitable society.

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