I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear;

Those of mechanics – each one singing his, as it should be, blithe and strong;

The carpenter singing his, as he measures his plank or beam,

The mason singing his, as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work;

The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat – the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck;

The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench – the hatter singing as he stands;

The wood-cutter’s song – the ploughboy’s, on his way in the morning, or at noon intermission, or at sundown;

The delicious singing of the mother – or of the young wife at work – or of the girl sewing or washing –

Each singing what belongs to her and to none else;

The day what belongs to the day – At night, the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,

Singing, with open mouths, their strong melodious songs.