Song of Myself

“Song of Myself” is a free verse poem by the American writer, journalist, and poet Walt Whitman. The poem is often classified as a work of transcendentalist literature. Originally self-published by Whitman himself in 1855, it was considerably revised and expanded over subsequent decades. In 1889, “Song of Myself” was released in its final form as part of the last edition of the collection Leaves of Grass. This final version—the version referenced in this guide—is considered by literary scholars to be the definitive statement of Whitman’s philosophy and poetic intent.

“Song of Myself” underwent several major structural changes over the years. In its original iteration, it did not have a title. In the second edition, it was called “Poem of Walt Whitman, an American,” which was shortened to simply “Walt Whitman” in the third edition. It was not until the 1881 edition that it acquired the title “Song of Myself,” as well as the section breaks which most modern publications include. In its final form, the poem is divided into 52 sections, thought to represent the 52 weeks of the year.

While “Song of Myself” received a lukewarm reception at best in Whitman’s lifetime, it is now recognized by literary scholars as one of the greatest American poems.