We look before and after, And pine for what is not: Our sincerest laughter With some pain is fraught; Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Humans are always dissatisfied, and even joy and song are mixed with pain or sadness.
- In plain terms
- We always want what we do not have, and our happiest moments have some pain.
- What can you take from it?
- Human joy and art often carry a mixture of sadness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does your joy ever feel mixed with pain?
- Why do we want what we lack?
Another view
It generalizes that all sweet songs must come from sad thoughts.
More from Percy Bysshe Shelley
Thou art unseen, but yet I hear thy shrill delight.
Permalink to quote #119 Teach me half the gladness That thy brain must know, Such harmonious madness From my lips would flow The world should listen then - as I am listening now.
Permalink to quote #121 And singing still dost soar, and soaring ever singest.
Permalink to quote #118
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