Drink To Me Only Lyrics

Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes: A Deep Dive into the Lyrics and Legacy of a Timeless Poem

"Drink to me only with thine eyes, / And I will pledge with mine." These opening lines, instantly recognizable and deeply romantic, launch us into a world of poetic expression explored in the immortal verses of "Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes." This article delves into the lyrics, exploring their meaning, historical context, historical misattributions, the various musical settings they've inspired, and the lasting impact this seemingly simple poem has had on literature, music, and our cultural understanding of love and beauty.

Understanding the Lyrics: A Line-by-Line Exploration

The poem's beauty lies not only in its exquisite language but also in its layered meaning, open to interpretation yet universally understood. Let's examine each stanza:

Stanza 1:

Drink to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss but in the cup, And I'll not look for wine.

The opening lines establish the poem's central theme: a love expressed not through physical actions but through the eyes, the windows to the soul. The "pledge" is a symbolic gesture, mirroring the act of drinking a toast, but replacing the wine with the gaze of love. The alternative offered – a kiss imprinted on the cup – further emphasizes the prioritization of intimate connection over material pleasures. The wine, a symbol of earthly delights, is rendered insignificant compared to the intoxicating power of love.

Stanza 2:

The thirst that from the soul doth rise, Doth ask a drink divine; But might I of Jove's nectar sup, I would not change for thine.

This stanza elevates the nature of the love expressed. The "thirst" isn't just physical; it's a profound yearning for spiritual connection. The speaker's love is described as "divine," surpassing even the nectar of the gods ("Jove's nectar"), a clear indication of the poem's transcendent quality. The rejection of even heavenly drink in favor of the beloved's love emphasizes the supreme value placed upon the emotional connection.

Stanza 3:

I sent thee late a rosy wreath, Not so much worth as thine own breath; But more than that I sent it late, Since when it hath returned too late.

Here, the poem shifts to a tangible offering – a rosy wreath, a symbol of love and beauty. However, the speaker immediately diminishes its value, comparing it to the beloved's breath, signifying the insignificance of material gifts compared to the preciousness of their existence. The final lines introduce a poignant sense of regret, implying a missed opportunity or a delayed expression of love. The "too late" creates a melancholic undertone, suggesting the fleeting nature of time and the potential for missed chances in love.

Stanza 4:

Then canst thou not my love repay? The gift which I did send thee back The mind that gives is worth the more, When it doth give as it doth lack.

This stanza directly addresses the beloved, questioning the reciprocity of their affection. The focus shifts from the physical gift to the intangible gift of love itself. The poem emphasizes the value of giving even in scarcity, arguing that the intent behind the gift is far more important than the gift itself. It suggests that true love transcends material possessions and is found in selfless giving.

Historical Context and Attribution: A Tale of Misidentification

While the poem's beauty is undeniable, its authorship is shrouded in some debate. For centuries, it was incorrectly attributed to Ben Jonson, a prominent playwright and poet of the Jacobean era. This misattribution persisted for a long time, largely due to its inclusion in Jonson's works in various anthologies. However, modern scholarship largely attributes the poem to Ben Jonson based on textual evidence and stylistic analysis. The poem's style and language are consistent with Jonson’s known body of work. While there is no definitive proof, the weight of scholarly evidence points towards Ben Jonson's authorship.

Despite the ongoing discussion surrounding authorship, "Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes" remained linked with Jonson's name, gaining immense popularity and contributing to his enduring literary legacy. The poem's inclusion in his works further solidified this association. The debate, however, serves as a fascinating case study in the challenges of literary attribution and the evolution of scholarly understanding.

Musical Settings and Enduring Popularity: A Legacy in Song

The poem's lyrical beauty and romantic themes have made it a popular subject for musical adaptation. Numerous composers have set the poem to music, each interpretation adding its unique stylistic flavor and emotional nuance. The music often complements the poem's mood and message, enhancing its emotional impact. The poem's enduring popularity is largely due to its musical settings, particularly its use in various cultural contexts.

Some of the notable musical interpretations have cemented the poem’s place in musical history. These adaptations range from classical arrangements to folk songs and popular music, demonstrating the versatility and enduring appeal of the poem's themes. The musical settings have broadened the poem's reach, introducing it to audiences across generations and cultural backgrounds. The various musical interpretations have also generated numerous variations and arrangements, adding layers of complexity and cultural significance to the poem. The poem has also inspired countless artistic creations, further solidifying its place in the cultural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Who actually wrote "Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes"? The most widely accepted attribution is to Ben Jonson, although definitive proof remains elusive. Scholarly debate continues, but the stylistic evidence largely supports Jonson's authorship.

• What is the poem's central theme? The central theme is the power of love expressed through the eyes and the soul, prioritizing intimate connection over material pleasures.

• What are the key symbols in the poem? Key symbols include the eyes (representing the soul), wine (representing earthly delights), the rosy wreath (representing love and beauty), and Jove's nectar (representing divine pleasure).

• Why is the poem so popular? Its popularity stems from its simple yet powerful language, its universally relatable theme of love, and its numerous musical settings that have broadened its reach.

• What is the significance of the "too late" line? This line introduces a melancholic undertone, highlighting the fleeting nature of time and the potential for missed opportunities in love.

Conclusion: A Timeless Ode to Love

"Drink to me only with thine eyes" remains a powerful and evocative poem, its appeal transcending centuries and cultural boundaries. The poem’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture the essence of human emotion, particularly the complexities and nuances of love. Through its simple yet profound language, the poem conveys a message that resonates with readers across generations.

The poem's beauty lies not only in its lyrical quality but also in its ambiguity, leaving room for individual interpretation and emotional engagement. Whether attributed definitively to Ben Jonson or another author, the poem’s legacy is secure, its influence evident in literature, music, and the ongoing cultural conversations around love, longing, and the enduring power of human connection. Its continued popularity speaks to the timeless nature of its themes and the enduring human desire for genuine, profound connection. The poem continues to inspire and resonate, cementing its place as a classic of English literature.