The Old Band by James Whitcomb Riley
This poem is a nostalgic tribute to the joys of youth and the passing of time. It reflects on the carefree days of childhood spent playing music with friends in a band. The speaker reminisces about the camaraderie, laughter, and sense of freedom that came with those experiences. The poem also touches on the theme of nostalgia, as the speaker looks back on those happy times with a mix of sadness and longing.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Music · 525 words
First lines
It's mighty good to git back to the old town, shore, Considerin' I've be'n away twenty year and more. Sence I moved then to Kansas, of course I see a change, A-comin' back, and notice things that's new to me and strange; Especially at evening when yer new band-fellers meet, In fancy uniforms and all, and play out on the street -- . What's come of old Bill Lindsey and the Saxhorn fellers -- say? I want to hear the _old_ band play.
What this Textopian page supports
The Old Band 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, Music, Regional, Sentimental
- Length: 525 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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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 longing for the past and reminiscing about earlier times.
- Music — The narrative centers on the desire to hear the old band play, highlighting musical elements.
- Regional — The setting and cultural references are specific to a particular region, reflecting local color.
Tags
Nostalgia · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Folklore · Music · Band · Community · Friendship · Youth · Coming of Age · Rural Life