The Song of Sorrow

The song of sorrow escapes the chains
With which we try to tie it down.
The song of sorrow is like the rains,
And like them it falls on the down,

And like them it falls on the green dike,
And like them it falls on the town.
The song of sorrow falls on all alike,
And the sorrows in more sorrow drown.

Why is it that babes newborn
Must still hear the song of sorrow?
Why is it that someone alive this morn
May be dead on the morrow?

Ah, if I knew that question's reply,
I would know God's secret name;
I could know why men die,
And to whom to assign the blame.

But I do not know that question's reply,
And meanwhile, over hill and hollow,
The song of sorrow calls us on to die,
And we have no choice but to follow.