The Commonplace

"The Commonplace" is a song by Ernst Bacon published in 1946. The song sets the text of Walt Whitman.

Date: 1946Composer: Ernst BaconText: Walt Whitman

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Text

The Commonplace
by Walt Whitman

The commonplace I sing;
How cheap is health! how cheap nobility!
Abstinence, no falsehood, no gluttony, lust;
The open air I sing, freedom, toleration,
(Take here the mainest lesson — less from books — less from the schools,)
The common day and night — the common earth and waters,
Your farm — your work, trade, occupation,
The democratic wisdom underneath, like solid ground for all.

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