I Hear America singing, the varied carols I hear; br Those of mechanics--each one singing his, as it should be, blithe and strong; br The carpenter singing his, as he measures his plank or beam, br The mason singing his, as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work; br The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat--the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck; br The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench--the hatter singing as he stands; br The wood-cutter's song--the ploughboy's, on his way in the morning, or at the noon intermission, or at sundown; br The delicious singing of the mother--or of the young wife at work--or of the girl sewing or washing--Each singing what belongs to her, and to none else; br The day what belongs to the day--At night, the party of young fellows, robust, friendly, br Singing, with open mouths, their strong melodious songs.