Life in these lines is compared to a simple song. Coming and going, laughing and weeping, darkness and daylight all move through the same melody. The speaker doesn’t pretend that pain or joy can be avoided; both are part of the tune. But the final line gently shifts the meaning: a song can sound sad or happy depending on how it is sung. The mood is calm, reflective, and accepting rather than dramatic. There is a quiet sense of peace with change and uncertainty. At the same time, the poem offers a small, steady reminder that while we cannot control everything that happens, we do have some say in how we carry it.
It Is But Coming and Going — Summary
It is but coming and going; Laughing or weeping; In dark or day! Life is but a lay: Rings sad or gay. Depending on our singing.