WhaleSong Sounding by Lowland Folk is a mournful and suggestive melody that speaks eloquently of man’s complicated relationship with nature specifically whales. There are lyrics steeped in historical factors and reflective meditation on themes like expropriation, regret as well as an optimistic plea for coexistence and veneration of all life forms. In addition to being a dirge it also has redemptive qualities and calls for harmony.

A serene tone is set from the beginning where it refers to the first encounters between humans and whales: “When first our fathers heard your song / Sounding, sounding / No warning note of right or wrong / Sounding away.” The opening lines are respectful and spiritual, recognizing the timeless presence of whales. By using “Sounding away,” this implies that whale songs have been there throughout ages unchanged by human judgment.

As the lyrics continue, they tell the story of whaling: “Sailing far from land and home / To cast their strength against your own / To reap a harvest never sown / Sounding away.” This futile battle against something magnificent seems silly when trying to pursue these animals. “To reap a harvest never sown” highlights how whaling was unsustainable since man took without giving back thus interfering with nature’s equilibrium.

In addition, industrial whaling intensifies in the second verse: “Then we came with shafts of fire / Sounding, sounding / The toll of death rose ever higher / Sounding away.” These harpoons symbolize “shafts of fire”, adding more violence and destructiveness to the narrative. Polar seas ran red with blood sharply contrasts with initial harmonious exchanges showing how destructive human greed plus technological progress can be.

However, there is a turning point in the bridge that offers some hope within this song: “Still your gentle song goes on/ Calling to our hearts again; Sing on sing on, we hear you/Sing on sing on, we’re listening now.” The plea here is for forgiveness and a promise of a new understanding of the plight of whales. Repeating “Sing on, sing on” brings out their resilience and perpetuity.

The song then broadens it’s scope in the last verse to include all forms of life that should live together: “Sing on for all life anew / Sounding, sounding / That we might share this world with you / Soaring eagle, tiger bright/ Forests reaching for the light/ Your hymn of life all hearts unite / Sounding away.” This speaks about interdependence between every living thing and importance of saving nature. For example “soaring eagle” or “tiger bright” in conjunction to “forests reaching for the light” creates an image of full blown ecosystem where each creature has its own niche.

The chorus serves as a poignant reminder that humans have responsibilities towards nature even after the song fades away; “Sing on, sing on, we hear you/Sing on, sing on, we’re listening.” It is also an appeal that asks us not only be aware but also respond by showing respect to natural voices in terms more respectful and symbiotic relationships.

The music, “WhaleSong Sounding” by Lowland Folk, is a well composed song that marries historicity with pathos. In it, the band calls on the audiences to ponder over previous human errors and dream of a time when human beings will live in agreement with nature. Allowing for timeless commemoration of natural beauty this song has poetic wordings through which its message gets conveyed.