A Old Played-Out Song by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and the passing of time. It describes a song that was once popular but has now become outdated and forgotten. The speaker reflects on how the world has changed and how people's tastes have shifted, leaving the old song behind. The poem uses imagery and metaphor to convey the idea that even though the song is no longer popular, it still holds sentimental value for those who remember it from their youth. The speaker suggests that the song remains a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era, evoking feelings of melancholy and wistfulness in those who hear it. The poem also touches on the idea that time is fleeting and that nothing lasts forever. The old song may be forgotten, but its memory lives on as a reminder of the past.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Romance · 596 words
Editions
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! -- / Fer ev'rything '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 thare in the furries / A-wishin' fer 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 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, Sentimental, Pastoral
- Length: 596 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Old Played-Out Song by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around reminiscing about the past and longing for earlier times.
- Romance — The narrative includes elements of first love and emotional connections.
- Sentimental — The tone is emotional and reflective, focusing on personal feelings and memories.
Tags
Poem · Nostalgia · Sentimental · Melancholy · Longing · Wistful · Bittersweet · Memory · Loss · Regret · Fading · Ephemerality