The Dove by Ewan McColl

Well the dove she's a pretty bird, and she sings as she flies
She brings us glad tidings and she tells us no lies
Well she flies in the mountains and the valley so low
And if you live peaceful then she never will go

Come all you young men, take a warning by me
Don't you go for a soldier, don't you join no army
For the dove she will leave you and the raven will come
And death will come marching to the sound of a drum

And come all pretty young girls, come walk in the sun
And don't let your young men ever carry a gun
For the gun it will scare her and she'll fly away
And then there'll be weeping by night and by day

What analysis could you make about this poem? What is it about? Any symbols?
It would be great if you gave some web cites that had some information about this poem. Thank you in advance.

Try following the directions in these websites. Then let us know what you come up with.

http://www.uncp.edu/home/canada/work/markport/best/study/poetry.htm

http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/poetry-explication.html

And for literary terms:
http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/lit_terms_A.html
(Look up terms alphabetically.)

http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/

"The Dove" is a song written by Ewan McColl that addresses the horrors of war and its destructive impact on individuals and society. The song emphasizes the peace and tranquility represented by the dove, contrasting it with the violence and death symbolized by the raven and the drum.

The central message of the song is a warning against joining the military and going to war. McColl advises young men not to become soldiers, as it will lead to separation from their loved ones and potential death. He warns that once the dove, which represents peace, leaves, it will be replaced by the raven, symbolizing death. The sound of marching drums indicates the approach of violence and conflict.

The song also emphasizes the role of women in advocating for peace. McColl advises young girls not to let their partners carry guns, as it will scare away the dove, bringing sorrow and tragedy.

In terms of analysis, "The Dove" can be seen as an anti-war protest song that highlights the devastating consequences of war and advocates for peace and non-violence.

Unfortunately, I was unable to find specific web sources providing analysis of this particular song. However, you may find it helpful to explore websites dedicated to folk songs or anti-war songs, as well as websites or forums discussing Ewan McColl's work. Reading about the historical context of the song and McColl's own views on war and peace may deepen your understanding of the message conveyed in "The Dove."

"The Dove" by Ewan McColl is a song that contains powerful imagery and conveys a message about peace and the consequences of war. The song portrays the dove as a symbol of peace, hope, and innocence. It describes how the dove brings glad tidings and truth as it flies through both mountains and valleys. The song suggests that as long as people live peacefully, the dove will remain and bring joy to their lives.

However, the song also warns against the dangers of war and the devastating impact it can have. It advises young men not to become soldiers and join armies, as it will cause the dove to leave and be replaced by the raven, a symbol of death. The final stanza extends the warning to young women, urging them not to let their partners carry guns, as it would scare away the dove and lead to weeping.

In terms of symbolism, the dove represents peace and harmony, contrasting with the raven, which symbolizes death and destruction. The song's use of birds as symbols enhances the message of the poem, emphasizing the consequences of violence and the beauty of peace.

As for web sources, there are various sites where you can find more information and analysis about this poem/song. For example:
1. Genius (genius.com) - A platform where you can find the lyrics and interpretations of numerous songs, including "The Dove."
2. Mudcat Café (mudcat.org) - A website dedicated to folk music, where you can find discussions and interpretations of traditional songs like "The Dove."
3. Song Meanings (songmeanings.com) - An online community where people discuss the meanings and interpretations of songs, which includes "The Dove" by Ewan MacColl.

These sources should provide you with further insights and discussions about the poem, helping you to understand its themes and symbolic elements more deeply.