All music is is what awakes from you when you are reminded by the instruments.
The moon gives you light, and the bugles and the drums give you music, and my heart, O my soldiers, my veterans, my heart gives you love.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses the deep affection and connection the speaker feels for their soldiers and veterans.
In this quote, Walt Whitman conveys the importance of love and emotional support as integral components of the experiences shared among soldiers. He reflects on the role of light, music, and love in creating a sense of camaraderie and connection, suggesting that while external elements like the moon and music can provide sensory pleasure, it is the deep emotional bond represented by love that truly uplifts and sustains individuals in difficult times.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech honoring veterans during a memorial service, one might say this quote to emphasize the love and respect owed to those who served.
More from Walt Whitman
All quotes βDid you, too, O friend, suppose democracy was only for elections, for politics, and for a party name? I say democracy is only of use there that it may pass on and come to its flower and fruit in manners, in the highest forms of interaction between people, and their beliefs - in religion, literature, colleges and schools- democracy in all public and private life.
In the confusion we stay with each other, happy to be together, speaking without uttering a single word.
A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.
Now, dearest comrade, lift me to your face,_x000D_ _x000D_ We must separate awhileHere! take from my lips this kiss._x000D_ _x000D_ Whoever you are, I give it especially to you;_x000D_ _x000D_ So long!And I hope we shall meet again.
And whoever walks a furlong without sympathy walks to his own funeral drest in his shroud.
Similar quotes
Love is desire sustained by unfulfilment.
Oh! My beloved! fill the cup, that clears to-day of past regrets and future fears.
Alas! never had I loved him so well!
It is difficult to suddenly give up a long love. Difficile est longum subito deponere amorem
Promise to give me a kiss on my brow when I am dead.--I shall feel it.
The first lover is kept a long while, when no offer is made of a second.