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I Hear America Singing
Walt Whitman (1819-92) is the authentic voice of democratic America. After a childhood in Brooklyn, he spent many years in and around Manhattan and Washington, where he witnessed troops returning from the Civil War and tended wounded soldiers in the camp hospitals. Whitman's broad humanity, his love of cities (especially Manhattan), his sympathy with all conditions of people, and his visionary - even prophetic - sense of the reality of the American dream make him as much a poet for our time as he was for the time of the American Civil War and its aftermath. This selection of courageous and consoling poems focuses on Whitman's vision of democracy, his love of Manhattan, his sense of the future - and of the community of peoples of this earth.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1966
About the author
Walt Whitman
1,734 books5,622 followersWalter Whitman Jr. was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. He is considered one of the most influential poets in American literature. Whitman incorporated both transcendentalism and realism in his writings and is often called the father of free verse. His work was controversial in his time, particularly his 1855 poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was described by some as obscene for its overt sensuality.
Whitman was born in Huntington on Long Island, and lived in Brooklyn as a child and through much of his career. At the age of 11, he left formal schooling to go to work. He worked as a journalist, a teacher, and a government clerk. Whitman's major poetry collection, Leaves of Grass, first published in 1855, was financed with his own money and became well known. The work was an attempt to reach out to the common person with an American epic. Whitman continued expanding and revising Leaves of Grass until his death in 1892.
During the American Civil War, he went to Washington, D.C., and worked in hospitals caring for the wounded. His poetry often focused on both loss and healing. On the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, whom Whitman greatly admired, he authored two poems, "O Captain! My Captain!" and "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd", and gave a series of lectures on Lincoln. After suffering a stroke towards the end of his life, Whitman moved to Camden, New Jersey, where his health further declined. When he died at the age of 72, his funeral was a public event.
Whitman's influence on poetry remains strong. Art historian Mary Berenson wrote, "You cannot really understand America without Walt Whitman, without Leaves of Grass... He has expressed that civilization, 'up to date,' as he would say, and no student of the philosophy of history can do without him." Modernist poet Ezra Pound called Whitman "America's poet... He is America."
Whitman was born in Huntington on Long Island, and lived in Brooklyn as a child and through much of his career. At the age of 11, he left formal schooling to go to work. He worked as a journalist, a teacher, and a government clerk. Whitman's major poetry collection, Leaves of Grass, first published in 1855, was financed with his own money and became well known. The work was an attempt to reach out to the common person with an American epic. Whitman continued expanding and revising Leaves of Grass until his death in 1892.
During the American Civil War, he went to Washington, D.C., and worked in hospitals caring for the wounded. His poetry often focused on both loss and healing. On the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, whom Whitman greatly admired, he authored two poems, "O Captain! My Captain!" and "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd", and gave a series of lectures on Lincoln. After suffering a stroke towards the end of his life, Whitman moved to Camden, New Jersey, where his health further declined. When he died at the age of 72, his funeral was a public event.
Whitman's influence on poetry remains strong. Art historian Mary Berenson wrote, "You cannot really understand America without Walt Whitman, without Leaves of Grass... He has expressed that civilization, 'up to date,' as he would say, and no student of the philosophy of history can do without him." Modernist poet Ezra Pound called Whitman "America's poet... He is America."
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 2, 2019
Walt Whitman's words feel like an optimistic presence. I Hear America Singing is the depiction of America as an energetic nation that is progressing with mirth. In the poem, Whitman presents "the varied carols" of different occupations - male and female. The masculine rendition of work comes first, followed with the feminine gentleness; gentleness and delicate intricacies of the "carols", however, are mingled throughout. What makes the poem delightful is how the diversity gets unified and forms the idea on which the concept of nation relies.
August 28, 2023
jak kichanie co nigdy nie nadchodzi. ale tez lubie morze
November 13, 2019
okay. måske dumt af mig at læse en digtsamling der handler om "america & freedom & democracy". ruller øjne. men "I hear america singing" lyder smukt i sig selv og walt whitman har haft legendestatus siden døde poeters klub. hvis et digt startede med "america" skimmede jeg det bare. nogle af dem var dybt patriotiske, og det er fandme svært at læse digte, der dømmer et land, som har eksisteret i mindre end 100 år, værende verdens forbillede — give me a break. specielt når man tænker på det er et sted mellem 1819–1892. yikes. MEN. whitman er forevigt prosaprosaprosa og overraskende mange (tiden taget i mente) var en hyldest til alle verdens hjørner og kulturer, og ikke engang med udgangspunkt i nordamerika (nice). selvom et par af disse blev ret opremsende, var der alligevel små guldstykker, som mindede mere om "give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free" frem for "oh say can you see blahblah star spangled banner".
her er det eneste digt på alle 100 sider der fik et æseløre:
her er det eneste digt på alle 100 sider der fik et æseløre:
A CLEAR MIDNIGHT
This is thy hour O Soul, thy free flight into the wordless,
Away from books, away from art, the day erased, the lesson done,
Thee fully forth emerging, silent, gazing, pondering the themes thou loves best,
Night, sleep, death and the stars.
December 15, 2016
Within this book of poetry, I would use the poem from which it's namesake came, "I Hear America Singing," by Walt Whitman. This poem has clear examples of American culture and identity, from all walks of life. It shows mostly working class people, and how they make up the country. This poem does a good job of connecting many different people, with different ideals and morals, through the common aspect of the American working class culture and identity. It is has a similar overall meaning to Langston Hughes' "Theme For English B," and I would like to use these pieces in the same class, if I were doing a lesson about either American identity or identity within poetry. I would create an assignment in which the students looked a both works and compared literary terms, overall ideas and theme in a Venn Diagram.
May 24, 2009
Even though the so-called "Land of Freedom" remains near Thomas Moore Utopia, the recent political changes in the US makes this collection of Whitman´s poems, at least, worth reading.
And suddenly Democracy is, again, filled with hope.
And suddenly Democracy is, again, filled with hope.
May 19, 2026
I Hear America Singing is a free verse/poem written by Walt Whitman.
I rated this piece of literature a three out of five stars. My reasoning for this rating is because it’s not my favorite type of genre to read. I personally find poetry hard to understand and really grasp the meaning of it. Even though poetry is hard for me, I can still appreciate it and try my best to understand it as much as I can. I do think this story can be really good for a certain type of person. I think I had a big interest in poetry, I would probably rate this a four or five stars.
This is a very eye opening poem. This poem celebrates the people who don’t get enough appreciation. This poem focuses on the working-class people and the people who helped build the nation. The world focuses on the “elite” people. The people who build the ground we stand on don’t get told about. To be specific, the people he talks about are carpenters, shoemakers, mechanics, woodcutters, mothers, boatmans, and masons. This poem opens people's eyes about how important these individuals are. The American identity for the ordinary is sung. The “singing” isn’t literally and is more of a metaphor for the pride America has. Overall, this piece reveals the underappreciated individuals who deserve to be “sung” about.
There are several options for what the theme of this story is about. One of the most seen themes is Individuality and Dignity. Since this poem recognizes the underappreciated, each worker sings their own song, representing individuality. An example of this is “The carpenter singing as he measures his plank or beam” (Whitman 5). This is evidence of individualism because it shares that the carpenters sing their own song, meaning that they have their own story and personality. Also, in the poem it states, “Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else” (Whitman 5). This line really captures the theme of dignity and individuality. Each person has their own purpose and place in this world. In conclusion, the theme of individualism is really represented in this poem and there is no doubt that this is the main theme.
All in all, I think this piece of literature is so important to everyone because it recognizes those who are the underdogs. This story can really sit with someone and help them realize that they are important to this world and that they are appreciated in some way. I feel like if I were someone who did work in manual labor I would rate this a five stars, because it represents them very well.
(427 words)
I rated this piece of literature a three out of five stars. My reasoning for this rating is because it’s not my favorite type of genre to read. I personally find poetry hard to understand and really grasp the meaning of it. Even though poetry is hard for me, I can still appreciate it and try my best to understand it as much as I can. I do think this story can be really good for a certain type of person. I think I had a big interest in poetry, I would probably rate this a four or five stars.
This is a very eye opening poem. This poem celebrates the people who don’t get enough appreciation. This poem focuses on the working-class people and the people who helped build the nation. The world focuses on the “elite” people. The people who build the ground we stand on don’t get told about. To be specific, the people he talks about are carpenters, shoemakers, mechanics, woodcutters, mothers, boatmans, and masons. This poem opens people's eyes about how important these individuals are. The American identity for the ordinary is sung. The “singing” isn’t literally and is more of a metaphor for the pride America has. Overall, this piece reveals the underappreciated individuals who deserve to be “sung” about.
There are several options for what the theme of this story is about. One of the most seen themes is Individuality and Dignity. Since this poem recognizes the underappreciated, each worker sings their own song, representing individuality. An example of this is “The carpenter singing as he measures his plank or beam” (Whitman 5). This is evidence of individualism because it shares that the carpenters sing their own song, meaning that they have their own story and personality. Also, in the poem it states, “Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else” (Whitman 5). This line really captures the theme of dignity and individuality. Each person has their own purpose and place in this world. In conclusion, the theme of individualism is really represented in this poem and there is no doubt that this is the main theme.
All in all, I think this piece of literature is so important to everyone because it recognizes those who are the underdogs. This story can really sit with someone and help them realize that they are important to this world and that they are appreciated in some way. I feel like if I were someone who did work in manual labor I would rate this a five stars, because it represents them very well.
(427 words)
May 19, 2026
"I Hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman receives a three-star rating (⭐️⭐️⭐️). This poem serves as a vibrant tribute to the hardworking individuals who shape America, emphasizing their unique contributions to society. Whitman introduces an array of characters carpenters, masons, mothers, boatmen, and others who are all engaged in their respective trades and, in doing so, singing their own songs. The overarching theme of the poem revolves around the idea that these individual voices coalesce to create a rich tapestry of unity within the American spirit.
One of the most commendable aspects of this poem is its capacity to celebrate the dignity of everyday labor. Whitman effectively showcases how each person’s contribution is vital to the overall fabric of the nation. However, while the emphasis on celebrating these workers is laudable, I found the repetition of the phrase "I hear" to be somewhat tedious at times. Although it creates a melodic rhythm, this insistence can also lead to a feeling of monotony that detracts from the poem’s overall engagement. At points, it feels as if the poem could benefit from a broader exploration of each character’s story rather than a repetitive emphasis on their joyous work.
The central theme of community resonates throughout the verses as Whitman highlights that everyone has a role in shaping the nation. However, some readers might perceive his portrayal of American life as overly simplistic. While it is undeniably uplifting to read about individuals finding joy and purpose in their daily tasks, the poem appears to gloss over the complexities and struggles these workers might face. There’s a certain glossiness in the depiction of labor that does not account for the challenges, hardships, and realities that can accompany such roles.
In conclusion, "I Hear America Singing" is a commendable poem that acknowledges and appreciates the hard work of everyday people. Its positive message and rhythmic style make it an appealing read, yet the repetitiveness and the lack of depth regarding the challenges faced by these workers may leave some readers wanting more. It’s certainly worth a read, especially for those looking to reflect on the collective contributions that shape our communities, but it may not resonate with every reader in the profound way that Whitman intended. The poem, in essence, serves as a reminder of the beauty in labor, even if it skips over the more complex narratives that lie beneath.
One of the most commendable aspects of this poem is its capacity to celebrate the dignity of everyday labor. Whitman effectively showcases how each person’s contribution is vital to the overall fabric of the nation. However, while the emphasis on celebrating these workers is laudable, I found the repetition of the phrase "I hear" to be somewhat tedious at times. Although it creates a melodic rhythm, this insistence can also lead to a feeling of monotony that detracts from the poem’s overall engagement. At points, it feels as if the poem could benefit from a broader exploration of each character’s story rather than a repetitive emphasis on their joyous work.
The central theme of community resonates throughout the verses as Whitman highlights that everyone has a role in shaping the nation. However, some readers might perceive his portrayal of American life as overly simplistic. While it is undeniably uplifting to read about individuals finding joy and purpose in their daily tasks, the poem appears to gloss over the complexities and struggles these workers might face. There’s a certain glossiness in the depiction of labor that does not account for the challenges, hardships, and realities that can accompany such roles.
In conclusion, "I Hear America Singing" is a commendable poem that acknowledges and appreciates the hard work of everyday people. Its positive message and rhythmic style make it an appealing read, yet the repetitiveness and the lack of depth regarding the challenges faced by these workers may leave some readers wanting more. It’s certainly worth a read, especially for those looking to reflect on the collective contributions that shape our communities, but it may not resonate with every reader in the profound way that Whitman intended. The poem, in essence, serves as a reminder of the beauty in labor, even if it skips over the more complex narratives that lie beneath.
May 19, 2026
Taliyah McCall
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I Hear America Singing is a poem by Walt Whitman
I rated this a 5 because I enjoyed how the author used the message of ‘you never know what someone is going through’. I also enjoyed how the author didn't just flat out say the message but implied it and let the audience decide what it meant to them.
The poem starts off with the author saying, “I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear, Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong,” this quote represents how people in America all have different voices, feelings, and jobs. Throughout the poem the author uses different jobs like mechanics, carpenter, mason, boatman, shoemaker, woodcutter, etc, as examples of different people who go through different experiences. I believe that the main message that Whitman is trying to send to his audience is that no matter who you are or what you do during your lifetime, someone else is going through the same experience as you are and you are never alone. All of the people who have these jobs worked together to build America and what it is today despite their life experiences and what they have gone through. At the end of the poem the author says, “Singing with open mouths, their strong melodious songs.” Implying that everyone in America can come together and use their experiences to bond with each other. In conclusion, I really enjoyed this poem and its overall message to the readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2019
Walt Whitman was an American poet that was a trailblazer in developing new or modified forms of poetry. He traveled the country and saw the consequences of the American Civil War firsthand, serving as a volunteer nurse for wounded Union soldiers. His epic “Leaves of Grass” was derided by many as obscene, for he openly wrote about human sexuality.
One of his shortest and simplest poems is “I Hear American Singing,” which is only eleven lines long. This book is a visual representation of the poem, where each line appears on the left page, embedded in an image that takes up both facing pages. The poem is a tribute to many occupations, from the shoemaker, the mason, boatman and the woodcutter. A point of interest appears on the pages featuring the mason, where two of the workers are clearly African-American.
The poem is a simple one, even students in the middle of elementary school will understand it. It is a celebration of the American working people, singing as they go about their jobs.
One of his shortest and simplest poems is “I Hear American Singing,” which is only eleven lines long. This book is a visual representation of the poem, where each line appears on the left page, embedded in an image that takes up both facing pages. The poem is a tribute to many occupations, from the shoemaker, the mason, boatman and the woodcutter. A point of interest appears on the pages featuring the mason, where two of the workers are clearly African-American.
The poem is a simple one, even students in the middle of elementary school will understand it. It is a celebration of the American working people, singing as they go about their jobs.
May 19, 2026
Whitman's short poem describes the daily lives of a blue collar worker in America. The backbone of America is its blue collar workers. The author give credit to the workers and shows how hard there work is. I like this because not a lot of people see these things happening, and it needs to be noticed and appreciated. The use of ¨sounds¨ in the writing help the reader visualize the work. I personally appropriate the ending of the story when they talk about the family aspect and how a average American family bonds. The author is constantly changing the subject making a new claim of a new American every sentence. American spirit is shown by the hard work and dedication of these workers. It is a patriotic mindset to be a blue collar worker and this short poem really helps understand that theme. It also does a good job of connecting family and country.
June 24, 2020
Det är svårt att betygsätta och prata om poesi ibland. Ibland är det lättare att prata om formen än innehållet och formen för just den här utgåvan av Jag hör Amerika sjunga var precis perfect för mig. Jag är en Walt Whitmannovis som aldrig tidigare läst något av honom. Det råder den här boken bot på genom att börja med en väldigt bra och grundlig, men exakt aldrig tråkig, genomgång av vem Walt Whitman var och hur hans poesi skrevs, vilket definitivt gav mig mer medan jag sen läste texten. Översättningen känns också mjuk och följsam så nu ska jag definitivt läsa Whitman på originalspråk för att se om jag får samma känsla då. Var ett bra spontanlån på bibblan för mig och jag rekommenderar ändå den här för de som vill testa lite poesi, eller mer specifikt testa lite Whitman.
June 2, 2017
Whitman is what is best about America. He joyfully celebrates diversity, promise, and hope for the future. He welcomes all and sees himself in others and others in himself. His voice is America's best voice. This collection is a wonderful introduction to his humanistic patriotism.
That America could produce such a poet is a testament to America, is high praise indeed.
As much as I enjoyed this little collection, I was surprised by the absence of any excerpts from "Song of Myself" and several of his Lincoln poems were notably absent. Still a great volume. Highly recommended.
That America could produce such a poet is a testament to America, is high praise indeed.
As much as I enjoyed this little collection, I was surprised by the absence of any excerpts from "Song of Myself" and several of his Lincoln poems were notably absent. Still a great volume. Highly recommended.
October 14, 2020
I Hear America Singing....a poem as ode to the worker, the laborer, the craftsman, the mother and housewife. The everyman that built this country stone by stone. The unique expression of each of these people as individuals that make the song of a nation. "Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else"...."Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs."
The perfect poem to read each Labor Day.
The perfect poem to read each Labor Day.
April 19, 2023
The 1975 edition with this ISBN is NOT the one described above, but rather has illustrations by Fernando Krahn. I like his drawing style in general, but I didn't think it worked so well with Whitman's poem. (Also, I'm disappointed at the racist depiction of blacks in the pictures.)
You can see the cover (and take out the book) at the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/waltwhitm...
You can see the cover (and take out the book) at the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/waltwhitm...
September 22, 2017
Read the poem I Hear America Singing for school. Nice poem.
March 17, 2022
⭐5/10
June 30, 2022
2.0
Only the poem "I Hear America Singing."
Only the poem "I Hear America Singing."
August 18, 2022
I Hear America Singing, Walt Whitman
“.. the varied carols I hear..”
He seems to acknowledge and honour the various classes of society. ***
“.. the varied carols I hear..”
He seems to acknowledge and honour the various classes of society. ***
November 9, 2024
I understand that Whitman portrays America as a collection of professions, each having a specific song to sing. Meh, it was similar to certain stanzas in "Song of Myself."
September 21, 2026
This was actually solid ngl
December 27, 2018
I'm not that much into patriotic writing! It's not a rally!
Read
February 18, 2017Read for school
September 24, 2014
This story is written by Walt Whitman. His style of writing is very descriptive. The illustrations take up the entire page and really brings your eyes to it. The colors are calming and inviting, and very neutral.
I loved the style of the story and how it shows how the people were all very happy about their lives. It makes you think that in America, the people are happy and are able to sing and be merry.
The style and tone of this story are quite similar, and I believe that Walt Whitman was able to get his thoughts across with only a few sentences. It was a great book to open your imagination and understand the story plot.
I loved the style of the story and how it shows how the people were all very happy about their lives. It makes you think that in America, the people are happy and are able to sing and be merry.
The style and tone of this story are quite similar, and I believe that Walt Whitman was able to get his thoughts across with only a few sentences. It was a great book to open your imagination and understand the story plot.
October 16, 2012
this is illustrated by Robert Sabuda. Bold pictures short story line. looks a little out dated, but still lovely.
September 18, 2019
I have arranged my takeaway thoughts into a haiku:
"Beauty can exist,
Albeit no two songs match,
For odd need not clash."
"Beauty can exist,
Albeit no two songs match,
For odd need not clash."
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews