A' Old Played-Out Song. (down Around the River P
The poem explores themes of nostalgia and longing for a lost era. It describes the speaker's memories of a past time when life was simpler and more carefree. The poem uses imagery and metaphor to convey the idea that this past time has been irretrievably lost, leaving only melancholy and regret in its wake.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Romance · 602 words
First lines
It's the curiousest thing in creation, Whenever I hear that old song, "Do They Miss Me at Home? " I'm so bothered, My life seems as short as it's long! -- Far ever'thing 'pears like adzackly It 'peared, in the years past and gone, -- When I started out sparkin', at twenty, And had my first neckercher on!
Though I'm wrinkelder, older and grayer Right now than my parents was then, You strike up that song, "Do They Miss Me? " And I'm jest a youngster again! -- I'm a-standin' back there in the furries A-wishin' far evening to come, And a-whisperin' over and over Them words, "Do They Miss Me at Home? "
What this Textopian page supports
A' Old Played-Out Song. (down Around the River Poems) is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nostalgia, Romance, Pastoral, Sentimental
- Length: 602 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A' Old Played-Out Song. (down Around the River Poems) by James Whitcomb Riley
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A' Old Played-Out Song. (down Around the River Poems)?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Lost Path Down Around The River Poems by James Whitcomb Riley
- Has She Forgotten Down Around The River Poems by James Whitcomb Riley
- Romancin Down Around The River Poems by James Whitcomb Riley
- How It Happened Down Around The River Poems by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Days Gone By Down Around The River Poems by James Whitcomb Riley
- Be Our Fortunes As They May by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around reminiscing about the past and longing for earlier times.
- Romance — The poem reflects on a past romantic relationship and the emotions associated with it.
- Pastoral — The imagery includes rural and natural elements, such as fields, crickets, and trees.
Tags
Poetry Collection · American Literature · 19th Century Poetry · River Poems · Nature Poetry · Regionalism · Midwestern Poetry · Folk Poetry · Traditional Forms · Ballads · Free Verse · Symbolism