This page features a video of the poem “Sympathy”, prescribed under the Karnataka State Syllabus for 6th Standard English Second Language. Along with its summary in three languages and transliterated songs. It serves as a valuable learning resource for students and parents, with each song accompanied by its respective lyrics for easy sing-along. The synchronized lyrics help learners follow and recite the song as it progresses, making memorization and learning by heart easier, more effective, and enjoyable.
Lyrics
English
I lay in sorrow, deep depressed...
My grief a proud man heard...
His looks were cold. He gave me gold.
But not a kindly word.
My sorrow passed - I paid him back
The gold he gave to me.
Then stood erect and spoke my thanks
And blessed his charity...
I lay in want, and grief and pain.
A poor man passed my way.
He bound my head. He gave me bread.
He watched me night and day.
How shall I pay him back again
For all he did to me?
Oh! Gold is great. But greater far
Is heavenly sympathy!
My grief a proud man heard...
His looks were cold. He gave me gold.
But not a kindly word.
My sorrow passed - I paid him back
The gold he gave to me.
Then stood erect and spoke my thanks
And blessed his charity...
I lay in want, and grief and pain.
A poor man passed my way.
He bound my head. He gave me bread.
He watched me night and day.
How shall I pay him back again
For all he did to me?
Oh! Gold is great. But greater far
Is heavenly sympathy!
Summary
The poem contrasts material charity with genuine human sympathy. A proud
man gives the suffering speaker gold but offers no kind words. After
recovering, the speaker returns the gold and thanks him for his charity.
Later, a poor man gives personal care, food, and comfort without
expecting anything. The speaker realizes that heavenly sympathy is
greater than gold. The poem teaches that kindness and compassion have
deeper value than money.
man gives the suffering speaker gold but offers no kind words. After
recovering, the speaker returns the gold and thanks him for his charity.
Later, a poor man gives personal care, food, and comfort without
expecting anything. The speaker realizes that heavenly sympathy is
greater than gold. The poem teaches that kindness and compassion have
deeper value than money.
Author