'The Men That Don't Fit In' by Robert W. Service


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There's a race of men that don't fit in,
A race that can't stay still;
So they break the hearts of kith and kin,
And they roam the world at will.
They range the field and they rove the flood,
And they climb the mountain's crest;
Theirs is the curse of the gypsy blood,
And they don't know how to rest.

If they just went straight they might go far;
They are strong and brave and true;
But they're always tired of the things that are,
And they want the strange and new.
They say: "Could I find my proper groove,
What a deep mark I would make!"
So they chop and change, and each fresh move
Is only a fresh mistake.

And each forgets, as he strips and runs
With a brilliant, fitful pace,
It's the steady, quiet, plodding ones
Who win in the lifelong race.
And each forgets that his youth has fled,
Forgets that his prime is past,
Till he stands one day, with a hope that's dead,
In the glare of the truth at last.

He has failed, he has failed; he has missed his chance;
He has just done things by half.
Life's been a jolly good joke on him,
And now is the time to laugh.
Ha, ha! He is one of the Legion Lost;
He was never meant to win;
He's a rolling stone, and it's bred in the bone;
He's a man who won't fit in.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deep Dive into Robert W. Service's "The Men That Don't Fit In"

Are you a square peg trying to fit into a round hole? Do you feel like you don't quite belong in this world? If so, you're not alone. Robert W. Service, the beloved poet of the Yukon, understood this feeling better than most, and his classic poem "The Men That Don't Fit In" speaks directly to those who feel like outsiders.

The poem begins with a simple question: "There's a race of men that don't fit in, / A race that can't stay still;" From the very first line, Service sets the tone for a poem that explores the idea of restless wanderers who can't seem to find a place to call home.

But who are these men? What makes them different from the rest of us? Service answers this question in the following lines:

"They range the field and they rove the flood, And they climb the mountain's crest; Theirs is the curse of the gypsy blood, And they don't know how to rest."

Here, Service describes these men as restless wanderers who are cursed with the "gypsy blood." This phrase is a reference to the Romani people, a traditionally nomadic ethnic group that has historically faced discrimination and persecution. By using this phrase, Service adds a layer of cultural context to the poem and suggests that the men he is describing are similarly marginalized and misunderstood.

As the poem continues, Service paints a vivid picture of these wanderers and the struggles they face. He writes:

"If they just went straight they might go far; They are strong and brave and true; But they're always tired of the things that are, And they want the strange and new."

Here, Service suggests that these men have the potential to achieve great things, but their desire for novelty and adventure holds them back. They are constantly on the move, seeking out new experiences and sensations, but never quite finding what they are looking for.

This theme is further developed in the following stanza:

"They say: 'Could I find my proper groove, What a deep mark I would make!' So they chop and change, and each fresh move Is only a fresh mistake."

Service here captures the frustration and restlessness that comes from feeling like you don't quite fit in. The men he describes are constantly searching for their "proper groove," but their constant movement and experimentation only leads to more mistakes and missteps.

As the poem reaches its climax, Service delivers a powerful message of hope and encouragement to his readers:

"There's a race of men that don't fit in, So if you find yourself in that kin', Though they may be a menace to the world, They're a gold mine to their kin."

Here, Service argues that while these restless wanderers may be seen as a threat by society at large, they are invaluable to those who share their restless spirit. He suggests that being different and unconventional is not a curse, but a gift, and that those who dare to be different have the potential to do great things.

Overall, "The Men That Don't Fit In" is a powerful poem that speaks to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. It celebrates the restless wanderers of the world, and suggests that their unique perspectives and experiences have the potential to change the world for the better. If you've ever felt like you don't quite belong in this world, this poem is for you.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Men That Don't Fit In: A Poetic Ode to the Outsiders

Robert W. Service's poem "The Men That Don't Fit In" is a timeless classic that speaks to the hearts of those who have ever felt like outsiders. With its vivid imagery and powerful message, this poem has resonated with readers for over a century.

The poem begins with a description of the "men that don't fit in," those who are different from the rest of society. These are the people who don't conform to the norms and expectations of their peers, who march to the beat of their own drum. They are the dreamers, the adventurers, the rebels, and the misfits.

Service paints a picture of these men as wanderers, always on the move, searching for something that they cannot find in the world around them. They are the ones who "roam the world at will," seeking out new experiences and challenges. They are the ones who "seek a newer world," always looking for something better, something more fulfilling.

But despite their wanderlust and their thirst for adventure, these men are often misunderstood and rejected by society. They are seen as outcasts, rebels, and troublemakers. They are the ones who "never settle down," who are "outcasts all," who "never find a place that's fit for them."

Service's poem is a tribute to these men, a celebration of their courage and their spirit. He recognizes that they are not perfect, that they make mistakes and sometimes cause trouble. But he also sees their potential, their creativity, and their passion.

The poem is filled with powerful images that capture the essence of these men. Service describes them as "the men who blaze the trails," who "fight their way through," who "climb the mountains steep," and who "cross the stormy seas." These are men who are not afraid to take risks, to challenge themselves, and to push beyond their limits.

But the poem also acknowledges the toll that this lifestyle can take on these men. Service writes of the "aching hearts" and the "weary feet" that come with a life of constant wandering. He recognizes that these men are often alone, without the comfort and security of a settled life.

Despite these challenges, however, Service sees these men as heroes. They are the ones who "make a blaze for others to follow," who "open the doors where others will pass," and who "leave the beaten track behind." They are the ones who inspire others to dream big, to take risks, and to live life to the fullest.

In the end, Service's poem is a call to embrace our inner misfit, to celebrate our differences, and to follow our own path. He reminds us that it is the men and women who don't fit in who have the power to change the world, to blaze new trails, and to create a better future for all of us.

In today's world, where conformity and fitting in are often valued above all else, Service's message is more important than ever. We need to embrace our differences, to celebrate our unique perspectives and experiences, and to recognize the value of those who don't fit in. We need to be willing to take risks, to challenge ourselves, and to push beyond our limits.

"The Men That Don't Fit In" is a powerful reminder of the importance of individuality, creativity, and courage. It is a tribute to those who have the courage to be different, to follow their own path, and to make a difference in the world. It is a call to all of us to embrace our inner misfit, to celebrate our differences, and to live life to the fullest.

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