Swing High and Swing Low by Eugene Field
The poem explores the theme of childhood innocence and the passing of time. It describes a swing that symbolizes the carefree nature of youth, with the speaker reminiscing about their own childhood experiences on the swing. The poem also touches on the idea of mortality, as the speaker notes that they will eventually grow old and die.
By Eugene Field · First published 1934 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Lyrical · 243 words
First lines
Swing high and swing low / While the breezes they blow -- / It's off for a sailor thy father would go; / And it's here in the harbor, in sight of the sea, / He hath left his wee babe with my song and with me: / "Swing high and swing low / While the breezes they blow!"
Swing high and swing low / While the breezes they blow -- / It's oh for the waiting as weary days go! / And it's oh for the heartache that smiteth me when / I sing my song over and over again: / "Swing high and swing low / While the breezes they blow!"
What this Textopian page supports
Swing High and Swing Low is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1934 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1934 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Lyrical, Nautical, Romanticism
- Length: 243 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Swing High and Swing Low by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The themes of innocence, longing, and the sailor's departure resonate with children's experiences and emotions.
- Lyrical — The focus on melody and emotional expression aligns with lyrical writing, emphasizing feelings and imagery.
- Nautical — The references to the sea and sailors indicate a nautical theme, exploring maritime life and its emotional impacts.
Tags
Adventure · Coming-of-age · Travelogue · Romance · Humor · Satire · Social commentary · Autobiographical · Memoir · Historical fiction · 19th century · American literature