I loved long and long,
And grew to be out of fashion
Like an old song.
All through the years of our youth
Neither could have known
Their own thought from the other’s,
We were so much at one.
But O, in a minute she changed —
O do not love too long,
Or you will grow out of fashion
Like an old song.
Poem Analysis:
William Butler Yeats' poem "O Do Not Love Too Long" delves into the themes of love, change, and the passage of time. Through its poignant language and reflective tone, the poem explores the bittersweet nature of long-lasting love and the inevitable changes that time brings to relationships. Yeats, known for his lyrical and often melancholic explorations of love and loss, encapsulates in this short poem the transient nature of affection and the pain of growing out of sync with a loved one.
Structure and Tone
The poem is composed of three quatrains, which gives it a rhythmic and melodic quality. This structure is reminiscent of a song or a ballad, aligning with the poem's central metaphor of love becoming "out of fashion like an old song." The tone is reflective and wistful, marked by a sense of resignation and sorrow as the speaker contemplates the changes that time has wrought upon his once deep and mutual love.
Themes of Love and Time
The primary theme of the poem is the impermanence of love and the inevitable changes that come with time. The speaker advises against loving "too long," suggesting that prolonged love can lead to disillusionment and obsolescence. This idea is encapsulated in the lines:
I loved long and long,
And grew to be out of fashion
Like an old song.
The metaphor of an "old song" conveys the notion that what was once vibrant and cherished can become outdated and forgotten. This comparison highlights the cruel passage of time, which can render even the most profound emotions obsolete.
Intimacy and Unity
In the second quatrain, Yeats reflects on the intense intimacy and unity that characterized the youthful phase of the relationship:
All through the years of our youth
Neither could have known
Their own thought from the other’s,
We were so much at one.
This depiction of mutual understanding and deep connection underscores the initial strength and beauty of their love. The phrase "so much at one" conveys a perfect harmony and synchronicity, where the lovers were indistinguishable in thought and feeling.
Sudden Change and Disillusionment
The poem's turning point comes with the abrupt change in the beloved:
But O, in a minute she changed —
This sudden shift signifies the fragility of human emotions and the unpredictable nature of personal growth and change. The use of "in a minute" emphasizes the quick and unexpected nature of this transformation, contrasting sharply with the long duration of the speaker's love.
The final quatrain reiterates the poem's central warning:
O do not love too long,
Or you will grow out of fashion
Like an old song.
This repetition reinforces the inevitability of change and the pain of becoming outdated or irrelevant in the eyes of a loved one. It serves as both a lament and a caution, suggesting that the longer one loves, the greater the risk of falling out of sync with the beloved.
"O Do Not Love Too Long" by William Butler Yeats is a poignant meditation on the impermanence of love and the inevitable changes brought by time. Through its melodic structure and evocative language, the poem captures the bittersweet reality that even the deepest affections can become outdated and unreciprocated. Yeats' use of the metaphor of an "old song" powerfully conveys the sense of obsolescence that accompanies prolonged love, offering a sobering reflection on the nature of human relationships. Ultimately, the poem serves as a timeless reminder of the transience of love and the poignant beauty of fleeting moments of unity and intimacy.