This page features a video of the poem “The Quarrel”, prescribed under the Karnataka State Syllabus for 7th 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 quarrelled with my brother,
I don’t know what about,
One thing led to another
And somehow we fell out.
The start of it was slight,
The end of it was strong,
He said he was right,
I knew he was wrong!
We hated one another.
The afternoon turned black
Then suddenly my brother
Thumped me on the back,
And said, “Oh, come on!
We can’t go on all night-
I was in the wrong.”
So he was in the right.
I don’t know what about,
One thing led to another
And somehow we fell out.
The start of it was slight,
The end of it was strong,
He said he was right,
I knew he was wrong!
We hated one another.
The afternoon turned black
Then suddenly my brother
Thumped me on the back,
And said, “Oh, come on!
We can’t go on all night-
I was in the wrong.”
So he was in the right.
Summary
The poem describes a quarrel between two brothers that begins over a small and unclear matter. Both brothers believe that they are right and that the other is wrong, causing their disagreement to grow into anger and hatred. The unpleasant situation makes the afternoon seem dark and unhappy. Suddenly, the brother takes the first step, admits that he was wrong, and suggests that they should stop fighting. The poem highlights the value of humility, forgiveness, and preserving loving family relationships.
Author
Eleanor Farjeon