A Happy Man

"A Happy Man" is the first song in Frank Lewin's Variations of Greek Themes.

Lewin, who had three daughters and a happy family life, felt an affinity for the family of the speaker that is reflected in this gentle opening song.

Various modes furnish the melodic and harmonic material for this song.

Date: 1977Composer: Frank LewinText: Edwin Arlington RobinsonSong Collection: Variations of Greek Themes

Print vitals & song text

Text

A Happy Man (Carphyllides)
by Edwin Arlington Robinson

When these graven lines you see,t
Traveler, do not pity me;t
Though I be among the dead,t
Let no mournful word be said.t

Children that I leave behind,t
And their children, all were kind;t
Near to them and to my wife,t
I was happy all my life.t

My three sons I married right,t
And their sons I rocked at night;
Death nor sorrow ever broughtt
Cause for one unhappy thought.t

Now, and with no need of tears,t
Here they leave me, full of years,—t
Leave me to my quiet rest
In the region of the blest.

Audio

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