'Song Of The Sardine' by Robert Service


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A fat man sat in an orchestra stall and his cheeks were wet with tears,
As he gazed at the primadonna tall, whom he hadn't seen in years.
"Oh don't you remember" he murmured low "that Spring in Montparnasse,
When hand in hand we used to go to our nightly singing class.
Ah me those days so gay and glad, so full of hope and cheer.
And that little super that we had of tinned sardines and beer.
When you looked so like a little queen with your proud and haughty air,
That I took from the box the last sardine and I twined it in your hair."

Alas I am only a stockbroker now while you are high and great,
The laurels of fame adorn your brow while on you Princes wait.
And as I sit so sadly here and list to your thrilling tones,
You cannot remember I sadly fear if my name is Smith or jones.
Yet Oh those days of long ago, when I had scarce a sou.
And as my bitter tears down flow I think again of you.
And once again I seem to see that mad of sweet sixteen,
Within whose tresses tenderly I twined that bright sardine.

Chorus:
Oh that sardine in your hair, I can see it shining there,
As I took it from its box, And I twined it in your locks.
Silver sardine in your hair. Like a jewel rich and rare,
Oh that little silver sardine in your hair.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Catchy Tune of the "Song of the Sardine" by Robert Service

When it comes to poetry, some works are truly exceptional in both form and content. One of such works is "Song of the Sardine" written by Robert Service, a Canadian poet known for his ability to capture the human condition and the beauty of nature in his art. This poem is no exception, as it showcases Service's mastery of poetic language, rich imagery, and his ability to create a catchy tune that draws the reader in.

The Musicality of the Poem

From the first line of the poem, the reader is immediately drawn in by the catchy tune that Service employs. The poem starts with the lines: "Oh sardine, small and silver / Lead us in thy river / Where thy crystal waters whisper / Nature's holy tune." These lines set the tone for the entire poem, as they establish the musicality and rhythm that Service uses throughout the piece.

The use of repetition, alliteration, and rhyme in the poem creates a musicality that has the reader humming along to the tune. For instance, the repetition of the phrase "Oh sardine" at the beginning of each stanza serves as a refrain that reinforces the central theme of the poem - the beauty and majesty of nature. The alliteration in the line "Where thy crystal waters whisper" also adds to the musicality of the poem by creating a rhythmic flow that mimics the sound of flowing water.

Furthermore, Service's use of rhyme in the poem is also noteworthy. The poem employs an ABAB rhyme scheme that creates a sing-song effect that draws the reader in. The use of internal rhyme in the lines "Lead us in thy river / Where thy crystal waters whisper" also adds to the musicality of the poem, creating a pleasing sound that is both soothing and uplifting.

The Beauty of Nature

Aside from the musicality of the poem, "Song of the Sardine" is also a celebration of the beauty of nature. Through his use of vivid imagery, Service paints a picture of a world that is teeming with life and wonder. The opening lines of the poem, "Oh sardine, small and silver / Lead us in thy river," immediately transport the reader to a world where the natural world reigns supreme.

The use of imagery in the poem creates a sense of awe and wonder in the reader. For instance, the lines "Where the emerald seaweeds shiver / And the golden sunbeams quiver" conjure up images of a vibrant and colorful underwater world. The image of the sardine swimming through these waters is both serene and majestic, highlighting the beauty of the natural world.

Furthermore, the poem also celebrates the interconnectedness of all living things. The lines "Thou art the link that binds us / To the universe so grand" suggest that the sardine is not just a small fish but rather a vital part of the ecosystem that sustains all life on earth. This celebration of the natural world and its interconnectedness is a recurring theme in Service's work and is one of the reasons why he remains such a beloved poet to this day.

The Human Condition

In addition to celebrating the natural world, "Song of the Sardine" also speaks to the human condition. While the poem is ostensibly about a small fish, the themes that it explores - beauty, wonder, and interconnectedness - are universal and speak to the human experience.

The lines "Thou art the symbol of that power / That gives us life and health" suggest that the sardine is not just a small fish but rather a symbol of the forces that sustain and nourish us. The poem is a reminder that we are all connected to the natural world and that we must take care of it if we are to survive.

Furthermore, the poem also explores the theme of mortality. The lines "And in thy death we see the birth / Of countless forms of life" suggest that even in death, the sardine continues to play a vital role in the ecosystem, giving rise to new forms of life. This celebration of the cyclical nature of life is a recurring theme in Service's work and is a reminder that we are all part of a larger whole.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Song of the Sardine" is a masterpiece of poetic language, rich imagery, and catchy tune. Through his use of repetition, alliteration, and rhyme, Service creates a musicality that draws the reader in and keeps them humming along to the tune. The poem is also a celebration of the beauty of nature and the interconnectedness of all living things. The themes that it explores - beauty, wonder, and interconnectedness - are universal and speak to the human experience. As such, "Song of the Sardine" is a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Song Of The Sardine: A Poem That Celebrates The Humble Fish

Robert Service's "Song of the Sardine" is a classic poem that celebrates the humble fish that is often overlooked in the world of seafood. The poem is a tribute to the sardine, a small, oily fish that is packed with flavor and nutrition. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

The poem begins with a description of the sardine's habitat, the "deep blue sea." Service paints a vivid picture of the sardine's world, describing the "coral caves" and "sunken ships" that are home to these fish. He also notes the danger that lurks in this world, with "sharks that snap and bite" and "whales that blow and spout." This opening stanza sets the stage for the rest of the poem, establishing the sardine as a creature that lives in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

The second stanza of the poem introduces us to the sardine itself, describing it as a "little silver fish" that swims in "schools of millions." Service marvels at the sheer number of sardines that exist in the ocean, noting that they are "more than men can count." This stanza also introduces the idea of the sardine as a food source, with Service noting that they are "good to eat" and "full of vitamins."

The third stanza of the poem is where Service really begins to celebrate the sardine. He describes the fish as a "wonderful creature" that is "full of life and fun." He notes that the sardine is a "dancer" that moves through the water with grace and agility. This stanza is where the poem really comes alive, with Service's words painting a vivid picture of the sardine as a lively and joyful creature.

The fourth stanza of the poem takes a darker turn, as Service describes the fate of the sardine when it is caught by fishermen. He notes that the sardine is "netted and gutted" and turned into "sardines in a can." This stanza serves as a reminder that the sardine, despite its beauty and vitality, is ultimately a commodity that is harvested for human consumption.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem brings the focus back to the sardine itself, celebrating its resilience and endurance. Service notes that the sardine "never gives up" and "never gets tired." He also notes that the sardine is a survivor, able to thrive in the harsh and unpredictable environment of the ocean. This final stanza serves as a tribute to the sardine's strength and tenacity, reminding us that this small fish is a true marvel of nature.

Throughout the poem, Service uses vivid imagery and symbolism to bring the sardine to life. He describes the sardine as a "dancer," a "wonderful creature," and a "little silver fish." These descriptions help to create a sense of wonder and awe around the sardine, elevating it from a simple fish to a creature that is worthy of celebration and admiration.

Service also uses symbolism to explore the themes of the poem. The sardine's habitat, the "deep blue sea," is a symbol of the vast and mysterious world that exists beneath the surface of the ocean. The sardine itself is a symbol of resilience and endurance, able to survive and thrive in a world that is often hostile and unforgiving. And the sardine's fate at the hands of fishermen is a symbol of the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.

In conclusion, Robert Service's "Song of the Sardine" is a classic poem that celebrates the humble fish in all its glory. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Service brings the sardine to life, painting a picture of a creature that is both beautiful and resilient. The poem serves as a reminder that even the smallest and most overlooked creatures in the natural world are worthy of our admiration and respect.

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