Whose starward eye Saw chariot 'swing low'? And who was he That breathed that comforting, melodic sigh, 'Nobody knows de trouble I see'?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Anonymous songwriters created enduring music that expresses deep suffering.
- In plain terms
- Who sang the songs that comfort us with their sorrow?
- What can you take from it?
- Artists often create comfort for others through their own pain.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who sings for the unknown?
- What pain creates comfort?
Another view
It assumes the original singers found comfort in their songs.
More from James Weldon Johnson
O black and unknown bards of long ago, How came your lips to touch the sacred fire? How, in your darkness, did you come to know The power and beauty of the min…
Permalink to quote #8 You sang far better than you knew; the songs That for your listeners' hungry hearts sufficed Still live,-but more than this to you belongs: You sang a race fro…
Permalink to quote #10 How would you have us, as we are? Or sinking 'neath the load we bear? Our eyes fixed forward on a star? Or gazing empty at despair?
Permalink to quote #7
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