Sound, Sweet Song
The poem explores the fleeting nature of life and beauty, comparing it to a song that can be heard but never grasped. It describes how sound and music are ephemeral, like the passing of time, and how they leave no lasting impression. The speaker reflects on the transience of human experience and the inevitability of loss and separation.
By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1774 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry · 49 words
First lines
SOUND, sweet song, from some far land, Sighing softly close at hand,
Now of joy, and now of woe!
Stars are wont to glimmer so.
Sooner thus will good unfold; Children young and children old Gladly hear thy numbers flow.
What this Textopian page supports
Sound, Sweet Song is listed on Textopian as a poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, dated 1774 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Date: 1774 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Symbolism
- Length: 49 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sound, Sweet Song by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work primarily expresses personal emotions and thoughts through musical language and rhythm.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, emotion, and the sublime are prevalent, characteristic of the Romantic movement.
- Nature Poetry — The imagery evokes natural elements and the beauty of the world, a common focus in nature poetry.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of deeper meanings related to joy and sorrow reflects philosophical inquiries.
Tags
Poetry · Romanticism · German Literature · 18th Century · Nature · Beauty · Music · Emotions · Sensuality · Imagination · Dreams · Symbolism