Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Walt Whitman” by Trampled by Turtles
Trampled By Turtles’ song, “Walt Whitman” invokes a nostalgic, romantic sentiment that speaks to the shared understanding of human connections. The song’s title references the 19th-century American poet and philosopher, Walt Whitman, after whom the singer is named. The song uses imagery of talking and walking in the night as a metaphor for the meaningful conversations and encounters that people have that seem like brief glimpses, yet still have the power to leave an impact.
The song opens with the lyrics, “Ah-oh what a golden night it was, ah-oh how it ended all too soon.” This line speaks to the impact that a heartfelt conversation or meaningful encounter in the night can have. It can feel suddenly profound and yet quickly slip away, despite the short-lived experience. In the chorus, the narrator reflects on a past relationship, singing, “Ah-oh in the end, ah-oh in the end I wandered away.” Despite the failed relationship, the narrator maintains a wistful, nostalgic fondness for it.
The song speaks to the idea that even though relationships do change or fail, the moments shared between two people have the capacity to reach far beyond their spatiotemporal boundaries. In the bridge, the singer paints a more nuanced picture, singing “Ah-oh how it ends, ah-oh how it ends, is it bitter or sweet? Maybe a little of both and in between.” This speaks to the bittersweet nature of relationships and the ambivalence of endings.
Overall, “Walt Whitman” is a beautiful song that speaks to the powerful yet fleeting nature of human connections. Through its references to Walt Whitman’s profound poetry and philosophical musings, the song both invokes nostalgia and provides us with an appreciation for the brief, yet meaningful, moments shared in life.