What does 'wassail' mean?

Wassail is an old English term for a festive toast or the warm, spiced drink that's traditionally enjoyed during celebrations, particularly during winter holidays. Its origins trace back to an Old Norse phrase that means "be in good health." Field uses this term to evoke a strong sense of age-old tradition in the celebration.

Who is the 'mentor' mentioned in the poem?

The mentor is probably the master of ceremonies or a senior figure overseeing the event—someone who will formally announce the start of the main celebration. The speaker hopes to slip in a toast *before* that official moment, adding a playful, eager tone to the poem.

Why does the refrain repeat with small changes?

Field swaps a few lines between the two refrains — most notably, the first ends with "Merrily let us drink," while the second wraps up with "To fellowship we drink." This variation prevents the chorus from sounding mechanical and highlights a subtle shift in focus: from simply drinking to celebrating human connection.

What does 'burthensome' mean?

It's an old-fashioned way to spell "burdensome" — which means heavy, troublesome, or stressful. Field suggests that the celebration takes a break from the weight of everyday life for everyone. It honestly acknowledges that real life can be heavy, and that's precisely why we need moments of joy.

Is this poem meant to be sung?

Almost certainly yes. The structure—two verses with a repeated refrain, a driving rhythm, and onomatopoeic sound effects like "clink, clink, clink"—is designed for group performance. Field was writing in a time when poetry was often performed at dinners and club gatherings, and this piece is a perfect match for that environment.

What is the main message of the poem?

That human connection — being together, sharing a moment, welcoming both old friends and new ones — is one of life's true joys. Field isn't trying to make a big philosophical point; he's simply saying: this, right here, is good. Soak it in.

Why does the second stanza welcome people from 'west and east and other foreign parts'?

Field intentionally expands the circle in the second stanza. The first stanza speaks to "brothers," a tight-knit group. In contrast, the second stanza invites outsiders and strangers in. This suggests that fellowship isn't an exclusive club; it's open to anyone willing to participate sincerely.

The Annotated Edition

A DRINKING SONG by Eugene Field

Summary, meaning, line-by-line analysis & FAQ.

Read aloud in ~2 minOpen reading mode →

A group of friends raises their glasses in a toast, honoring both the great memories they've shared and the wonderful moments yet to come.

Poet: Eugene Field
Themes: friendship, hope, memory

The PoemFull text

A DRINKING SONG

Eugene Field

Come, brothers, share the fellowship We celebrate to-night; There's grace of song on every lip And every heart is light! But first, before our mentor chimes The hour of jubilee, Let's drink a health to good old times, And good times yet to be! Clink, clink, clink! Merrily let us drink! There's store of wealth And more of health In every glass, we think. Clink, clink, clink! To fellowship we drink! And from the bowl No genial soul In such an hour can shrink. And you, oh, friends from west and east And other foreign parts, Come share the rapture of our feast, The love of loyal hearts; And in the wassail that suspends All matters burthensome, We'll drink a health to good old friends And good friends yet to come. Clink, clink, clink! To fellowship we drink! And from the bowl No genial soul In such an hour will shrink. Clink, clink, clink! Merrily let us drink! There's fellowship In every sip Of friendship's brew, we think.

§01Quick summary

What this poem is about

A group of friends raises their glasses in a toast, honoring both the great memories they've shared and the wonderful moments yet to come. The poem reads like a lively party song — it captures the pure joy of being with people you enjoy, whether they’re lifelong pals or new acquaintances from distant places. Picture it as a 19th-century "cheers" with a catchy chorus that you’d want to sing along to.

§02Themes

Recurring themes

§03Line by line

Stanza by stanza, with notes

Come, brothers, share the fellowship / We celebrate to-night;
Editor's note
The speaker gathers everyone for a celebration that's already underway. The term "brothers" immediately creates a friendly atmosphere—this isn’t a stiff event; it's all about warmth and inclusivity. "Fellowship" captures the essence of the evening, making its purpose clear right from the start.
There's grace of song on every lip / And every heart is light!
Editor's note
People are singing, and there’s a sense of freedom in the air. "Grace of song" captures how the music flows naturally, as if it truly belongs. This lightness of spirit stands in stark contrast to the "burthensome" issues that come up later — but for now, those concerns are put on hold.
But first, before our mentor chimes / The hour of jubilee,
Editor's note
Before the official celebration begins — indicated by the event leader — the speaker wants to make a toast. "Mentor" probably refers to a master of ceremonies or a senior member of the group. "Jubilee" indicates a noteworthy milestone to celebrate.
Let's drink a health to good old times, / And good times yet to be!
Editor's note
This is the emotional heart of the first stanza: the toast simultaneously looks back and ahead. Nostalgia and optimism coexist in the same glass. It's a clever move — you're paying tribute to the past without being trapped by it.
Clink, clink, clink! / Merrily let us drink!
Editor's note
The refrain kicks in with a clear "clink" that captures the sound of glasses clinking together. The tempo picks up, turning it into something more melodic, almost chant-like. Field emphasizes that the drink symbolizes "store of wealth and more of health," suggesting that the true worth lies in the act of sharing, rather than the drink itself.
And you, oh, friends from west and east / And other foreign parts,
Editor's note
The second stanza broadens the scope. While the first stanza spoke of "brothers," suggesting a close-knit group, this one openly invites outsiders from far-off lands. The sense of fellowship is inclusive, welcoming anyone who wants to be part of it.
Come share the rapture of our feast, / The love of loyal hearts;
Editor's note
"Rapture" feels like a powerful term for a drinking song—it evokes a sense of true joy rather than mere polite socializing. "Loyal hearts" indicates that the friendships being honored here have real substance and durability, going beyond just surface-level merriment.
And in the wassail that suspends / All matters burthensome,
Editor's note
"Wassail" is an old English word for a celebratory toast or the spiced drink that accompanies it. The notion that this celebration "suspends" our burdens is crucial — Field isn't ignoring problems; he’s simply suggesting that for tonight, they can be set aside. This reflects a genuine recognition that life can be tough, making moments like these all the more valuable.
We'll drink a health to good old friends / And good friends yet to come.
Editor's note
The second stanza's toast reflects the first — past and future once more — but changes from "times" to "friends." The poem transitions from honoring experiences to honoring people. This is a subtle yet significant increase in warmth.
Clink, clink, clink! / To fellowship we drink!
Editor's note
The refrain comes back with a subtle yet significant change: it switches "Merrily let us drink" with "To fellowship we drink," giving "fellowship" the final say. Field concludes by emphasizing the human connection over the act of drinking, highlighting the true essence of the poem.

§04Tone & mood

How this poem feels

Warm, lively, and truly loving. This poem is meant to be sung aloud in a bustling space. There's no irony or hint of sadness—Field truly means every word. The tone is welcoming and generous, creating a sense of belonging for everyone present.

§05Symbols & metaphors

Symbols & metaphors

The raised glass / the clink: The physical act of clinking glasses is the poem's central gesture. It represents mutual recognition — you see me, I see you, we're in this together. The playful "clink, clink, clink" makes the symbol nearly literal, transforming the poem into the sound of fellowship.
The bowl: A shared bowl (instead of individual glasses) is an older image of communal drinking, reflecting traditions like wassail. It captures the idea that everyone is drawing from the same source — the same goodwill, the same celebration, the same humanity.
West and east / foreign parts: The compass directions represent the wide variety of human differences. By referring to strangers from faraway places as welcome guests, Field uses geography to symbolize openness — the circle of fellowship has no barriers.
Good old times / good times yet to be: This paired phrase represents time in balance. The past is respected but not grieved, and the future is looked forward to without fear. Together, they imply that this present moment — this gathering — connects the two.
The wassail: Wassail is more than just a drink; it embodies centuries of tradition surrounding communal celebration and well-wishes for good health. Field uses it to link his 19th-century gathering to an ancient human practice of coming together to share joy.

§06Historical context

Historical context

Eugene Field penned this poem in the late 19th century, a time when American social life thrived with fraternal organizations, literary clubs, and civic banquets—gatherings perfect for performing a drinking song like this rather than just reading it. Field, a journalist and poet from Chicago, is best remembered for his children's verse such as "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod," but he also wrote extensively for adult audiences, often with a light and cheerful tone. The wassail tradition he mentions dates back to medieval England, where communal toasts were a key feature of winter celebrations. By referencing this tradition, Field links his American festivities to a much older European concept of community. The poem's catchy refrain and call-and-response format indicate it was meant to be performed out loud, perhaps at a club dinner or reunion, encouraging the audience to join in on the "clink, clink, clink."

§07FAQ

Questions readers ask

It's a toast — a celebration of friendship and great company. The speaker brings together a circle of friends, welcomes newcomers from afar, and raises a glass to the wonderful moments they've experienced together and the exciting times yet to come. The entire poem is essentially one extended, joyful "cheers."

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A DRINKING SONG by Eugene Field

A DRINKING SONG

What this poem is about

Recurring themes

Stanza by stanza, with notes

How this poem feels

Symbols & metaphors

Historical context

Questions readers ask

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