What Lines From I Contain Multitudes Are Most Quoted?

2025-10-17 12:54:28 77

4 Answers

Olive
Olive
2025-10-18 23:04:23
I get a kick out of how a single couplet from 'Song of Myself' gets pulled out and lives its own life: the most quoted lines are the pair that go, "Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself," followed immediately by the parenthetical punch, "(I am large, I contain multitudes)." Those two lines get clipped, memed, tattooed, and posted on Instagram like they're little pockets of permission for complexity.

Beyond that, people often cherry-pick "I celebrate myself, and sing myself" when they want a more triumphant vibe, or they lean on the first clause as a conversation starter. The thing is, Whitman's lines function like magnets: you can quote just the contradiction line to claim moral ambivalence, or lift the "contain multitudes" fragment when you want to announce inner variety. Personally, I love that Whitman gives us both swagger and self-doubt in two short sentences — it's chaotic, human, and weirdly comforting.
Henry
Henry
2025-10-19 00:29:29
A small linguistic thing I geek out over is how those Whitman lines travel: the most quoted snippet is the doublet — "Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself" followed by "(I am large, I contain multitudes)." Scholars like to keep the punctuation and placement intact because the parenthesis adds a wry aside, but everyday quoting often strips the punctuation and uses only the "I contain multitudes" fragment.

That fragment functions like a psychological hashtag; it signals complexity, contradiction, and generosity toward the self. I find the popularity of that line telling — people want a poetic way to own their contradictions, and Whitman gives one that still fits in contemporary speech. It never fails to feel both bold and oddly tender to me.
Maya
Maya
2025-10-22 02:57:50
On the feeds and in playlists I follow, the Whitman snippet everyone drops is almost always that bright, defiant duo: "Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself," and then the mic-drop, "(I am large, I contain multitudes)." It's so quotable that musicians and writers borrow it constantly — Bob Dylan even named a song 'I Contain Multitudes' on his 'Rough and Rowdy Ways' album, which made the line trend again.

People use the quote as a badge of nuanced identity: in essays it shows humility, in tweets it reads like edgy self-acceptance, and on merchandise it becomes an identity marker. I love seeing how flexible it is: you can argue with it, cry with it, or slap it on a mug and still feel understood. It's oddly modern despite its 19th-century origin, which keeps making me smile.
Quinn
Quinn
2025-10-23 16:09:15
I've always been drawn to the two-liner that often circulates: "Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself. (I am large, I contain multitudes.)" Those words from 'Song of Myself' tend to be the ones people quote most because they condense Whitman's whole democratic, paradox-embracing ethos into a single moment. I notice academics will quote the full line with context, while pop culture trims it to the parenthetical for impact.

It's fascinating how the parenthesis itself becomes stylistic shorthand; some people even drop the parenthesis and write "I am large, I contain multitudes" as a standalone motto. That slight shift from prose to slogan changes tone, but the core idea — that a person can hold contradictions — stays surprisingly potent. I still find the cadence so satisfying when I read it aloud.
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

What I Want
What I Want
Aubrey Evans is married to the love of her life,Haden Vanderbilt. However, Haden loathes Aubrey because he is in love with Ivory, his previous girlfriend. He cannot divorce Aubrey because the contract states that they have to be married for atleast three years before they can divorce. What will happen when Ivory suddenly shows up and claims she is pregnant. How will Aubrey feel when Haden decides to spend time with Ivory? But Ivory has a dark secret of her own. Will she tell Haden the truth? Will Haden ever see Aubrey differently and love her?
7.5
49 Chapters
What Blooms From Burned Love
What Blooms From Burned Love
Five years ago, Suri ruptured her uterus pushing Bruce out of the path of a car. The injury left her unable to have kids. But Bruce didn't care—he still pushed for the wedding. After they got married, he poured nearly everything into her. Or so she thought. Then came the scandal. One of his business rivals leaked it, and just like that, the truth exploded online—Bruce had another woman. She was already over three months pregnant. That night, he dropped to his knees. "Suri, please. I'll fix it. I won't let her keep the baby..." And Suri? She forgave him. But on their fifth anniversary, she rushed to the hotel Bruce had reserved—only to find something else entirely. In the next room, Bruce sat beaming, surrounded by friends and family, celebrating that mistress's birthday. The smile on his face—pure joy. A smile she'd never once seen from him. That was the moment she knew. It was over. Time to go.
26 Chapters
Blurred Lines
Blurred Lines
Gregory Stevens, a newly arrived student at Blackwood International College, mysteriously disappears from the elite private school. Erik Wilson must track him down without anyone knowing that they are hackers. With every clue that Erik discovers the lines become more and more blurred surrounding Gregory, and who he truly might be. The first clue he finds is a half-burned cryptic note that reads "Ric$40" written on top of Gregory's uniform in his dorm room. That same clue appears on Gregory's smartwatch as well. The realm of hacking knows his name and invites him to join in, and play.
10
39 Chapters
What i never expected
What i never expected
A beautiful, but very sensitive young woman falls in love with Leonardo, an extremely promiscuous and dominant college student, besides being the son of a multimillionaire who manages companies in different countries and what, she thought she would never fall in love, that she had all her feelings under control, but a girl will sneak into his system and drive him physically and psychologically crazy, Camila will hesitate to listen to her heart again, after having already been disappointed by Leonardo.
Not enough ratings
50 Chapters
That's What I Know
That's What I Know
For someone who nearly dies because of an accident that wipes the memories of her 23 years of existence - the only thing that Sammia Avileigh can do is to depend on everything that her family told her. With the help and support from them, she did her best to live a normal life. She follows everything that her parents told her about who she was, what she likes, what she does, what she wants, what's her favorite, how she dresses, what she hates, and what she's not good at. A year later, she finally recovers, she's happy with her life despite forgetting those memories that define her. But her almost perfect life turns upside down when she saw a strange note on the empty abandoned room on the back of their house. 'Aliano Silvanus Rivvero, you need to kill him. Remember that.' What does the note mean? Why does she feel like it is connected to her? And if that's the case- why would she kill the man she is bound to marry? The man that she really likes, according to her parents? They say a memory can be a star or a stain, and Sammia Avileigh didn't know that the latter defines her lost memories. And that's, what they will never let her know...
Not enough ratings
13 Chapters
Crossed Lines
Crossed Lines
Elara Duval lives two lives. By day, she’s the invisible stepdaughter in a family that dismisses her. By night, she’s ShadowByte, the most elusive hacker in the digital underworld. Anonymous. Untouchable. Safe. Or so she thinks. Damon Cross rules his empire with an iron fist. The billionaire CEO of CrossTech is brilliant, arrogant, and mercilessly calculated. His empire thrives on power, but when a cyberattack threatens everything he’s built, he sets his sights on the one ghost who could save him: ShadowByte. When their paths collide, sparks turn to fire. Their battle of wills is as dangerous as it is magnetic. He sees her as a puzzle he must control. She sees him as the kind of man she swore to never bow to. But when a public scandal forces them into a contract marriage, the thin line between hate and desire begins to blur. What happens when the man who never loses falls for the woman who refuses to be owned? And when Elara’s secret identity risks exposure, will the truth destroy them, or set them free? Crossed Lines is a contemporary romance full of drama, badgirl energy, hidden identity tension, and hate-to-love chemistry, where girl power collides with the arrogance of a billionaire CEO, and the stakes are nothing less than love, loyalty, and freedom.
10
87 Chapters

Related Questions

Which Artists Covered I Contain Multitudes On Tour Dates?

5 Answers2025-10-17 19:39:16
I've dug around this one a fair bit because 'i contain multitudes' is such a gorgeous, intimate song that I was curious who else might have tried to bring it into their live sets. The short, practical takeaway is that, unlike Taylor Swift's big radio hits, 'i contain multitudes' hasn't been widely adopted as a regular cover across major arena tours. Its subtler, literary lyrics and chamber-folk arrangement make it a tougher one to translate into a different artist's touring set — it shows up more as a quiet, one-off spotlight for singer-songwriters or acoustic openers rather than a repeat fixture on stadium run lists. If you want concrete places to check for documented covers on tour dates, I always start with setlist.fm — it's the best crowd-sourced record of what artists actually played night by night. Searching for 'i contain multitudes' there will pull up any recorded live performances by artists who slipped it into their sets. YouTube and Instagram are also gold mines: a lot of indie artists and local acts will post single-show clips of a cover, and festival sets sometimes get uploaded by attendees. Beyond that, Spotify Live Sessions, NPR Tiny Desk offshoots, and BBC live shows occasionally surface covers from touring artists who like to mix a deep cut into an acoustic number. From what I've seen, the covers that do exist tend to come from indie folk and singer-songwriter spaces — artists who favor storytelling and looser, slower arrangements. Tribute bands and Swift-focused cover acts will obviously have it in rotation, and sometimes opening acts on smaller bills will test it out as a powerful, intimate moment. The other pattern is one-off, surprise covers during special shows: artists will throw in a Taylor deep cut as a treat rather than as a regular part of a tour setlist. Those surprise performances are often the ones that get shared and talked about because they’re rare and emotive. If you want to track down who specifically has covered 'i contain multitudes' on tour dates, my best recommendation is to search setlist.fm for confirmed performances, then cross-reference with clips on YouTube or fan-shot videos on Twitter and Instagram. Fan communities on Reddit and Discord often collect these clips too, and searching hashtags like #icontainmultitudescover or #icontainmultitudesLive can turn up recordings from small venues. It’s a bit of a scavenger hunt, but honestly that’s part of the fun — discovering a lone, haunted cover in a tiny venue recording feels special, and it’s where this song tends to live outside of Taylor’s own performances. I love hearing how different singers interpret those lyrics, so if you dig into it you’ll find some really touching takes.

How Did The Song I Contain Multitudes Influence Pop Culture?

5 Answers2025-10-17 23:21:34
Every time I hear the opening lines of 'I Contain Multitudes' I get that giddy, slightly awed feeling that good songs occasionally give—like someone handed you a dense short story in three minutes. Released on 'Rough and Rowdy Ways', the song landed at a moment when people were hungry for deeper meaning, and Bob Dylan leaned into his knack for literary allusion and self-aware mystique. The Whitman echo—'I am large, I contain multitudes'—is impossible to ignore, and that kind of direct nod to classic poetry made the track feel like a bridge between high literary culture and everyday listeners. It’s not just a song; it’s a line of thought set to melody, and that naturally radiated outward into how people talked about identity, multiplicity, and what a modern pop lyric can do. Culturally, the impact has been subtle but persistent. The phrase itself popped up everywhere—from thinkpieces and academic essays to playlists and tweet threads—as shorthand for the idea that people aren’t one thing or another. Fans turned it into reaction texts and profile bios, which is a very 21st-century way of making a lyric part of personal identity. Podcasts and articles used the title as a jumping-off point to discuss everything from mental health to artistic reinvention, showing how a single line can become a conceptual meme. Musicians I hang with started citing it when talking about songwriting choices: longer lines, literary references, and willingness to include contradictory imagery suddenly felt permission-granted by Dylan’s example. That ripple effect is less about charts and more about tone-setting—encouraging risk and poeticism in contemporary songwriting again. On a scene level, I noticed it at open mics and small venue covers; people would pick the song or borrow the line in introductions and banter, and it made me realize how phrases can migrate from records into casual social life. It’s also seeded conversation in classrooms and book clubs that mix music and literature, which warmed my heart—watching teenagers debate a Dylan line like it’s a poem. For me personally, the song refreshed my appreciation for songs that require a little thought, the ones that reward repeat listens. It’s a piece of pop culture that doesn’t shout its importance; instead it slips into conversations, social media bios, and playlist titles, quietly expanding how we use music to express complicated selves. I still smile thinking about how a Dylan line became a tiny cultural flashlight, helping people point at the many things inside them—definitely one of those rare tracks that keeps on nudging the culture in small, honest ways.

Where Can Fans Buy I Contain Multitudes Vinyl Or Sheet Music?

1 Answers2025-10-17 15:49:08
Great pick — 'I Contain Multitudes' is such a mood, and I get why you'd want it on vinyl or in sheet form. If you're hunting for the vinyl, start with the obvious online storefronts: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and major music retailers often stock new pressings of Bob Dylan's 'Rough and Rowdy Ways' (which includes 'I Contain Multitudes'). For rarer or collectible pressings, Discogs is a dream — you can search by release, compare prices, and buy from sellers around the world. eBay also pops up with used and sealed copies if you don’t mind bidding or sifting through listings. Don’t forget the artist’s official site and the record label; sometimes they list special editions, deluxe pressings, or direct links to authorized retailers. If you prefer to support local businesses, check out independent record stores and chains like Rough Trade or local mom-and-pop shops — they often have new pressings, import versions, or can order a copy for you. I once snagged a surprisingly clean used pressing at a tiny shop that smelled like coffee and cardboard, and it sounded gorgeous on my turntable. For sheet music, there are a few dependable routes. Digital retailers like Musicnotes and Sheet Music Plus frequently have licensed single-song arrangements you can purchase and print instantly; they usually offer versions for piano/vocal/guitar and sometimes a guitar tab option. Hal Leonard and Alfred tend to publish official songbooks or artist collections, so look for a 'Bob Dylan songbook' or a 'Rough and Rowdy Ways' collection if you want multiple songs in one physical book. If you’re okay with user-created transcriptions, Musescore and Ultimate Guitar can be goldmines — the accuracy varies, but contributors often include chord charts, tabs, and PDF downloads that are great for learning. Libraries and secondhand bookshops sometimes carry songbooks too, so you might get lucky without spending much. One tip from my own fiddling: check the key of the arrangement before you buy — Dylan’s recordings sometimes sit in vocal ranges that sound different from common published keys, so you might prefer a transposed version. If authenticity or sound quality is your priority, prioritize official retailers and reputable sheet-music publishers. For vinyl, look at the condition (new, like-new, VG+, etc.) and whether the seller includes return or grading notes; for sheet music, check preview pages when available so you know the arrangement matches your skill level. If you want something immediate and cheap to start practicing, grab a guitar chord chart from Ultimate Guitar or a user PDF, then invest in an official book or vinyl once you know you’re hooked. Personally, spinning 'I Contain Multitudes' on vinyl while reading through a printed score felt like connecting two parts of the song’s soul — it just makes the lyrics and phrasing hit differently. Happy hunting, and I hope you find a pressing or score that gives you plenty of goosebump moments.

Does The Takedown Book Contain Spoilers?

5 Answers2025-08-22 10:57:19
I still remember how annoyed I was when a blurb spoiled the one twist I hadn’t expected — so I get the anxiety. If you mean whether "Takedown" contains spoilers about its own plot, of course it does: any novel reveals its story as you read it. If you’re asking whether promotional material or summaries give away major reveals, that can vary by edition and by publisher marketing. When I bought my copy I skimmed the back cover before deciding to read it later, and yes, there were heavy hints about the climax. My tip is to avoid the back cover and publisher summaries if you want a clean experience. Look for sample chapters instead or buy an edition that advertises “first chapters” only. Also check forums for spoiler warnings—people usually tag posts with "spoilers" so you can steer clear. If you want, tell me whether you already know a little about the plot or want a full clean read; I can suggest where to stop reading previews or which reviews to trust that respect spoilers.

Can A Preface Contain Spoilers For The Book?

3 Answers2025-08-20 00:31:58
As someone who has read countless books, I have mixed feelings about prefaces containing spoilers. Some authors use the preface to set the stage or provide context, which can include hints about major plot points. For example, in classic literature like 'Anna Karenina', the preface might discuss themes and outcomes without outright spoiling, but it still primes the reader. I personally avoid prefaces if I want to go in completely blind, but sometimes they add depth to the reading experience by framing the story in a certain light. It really depends on the book and how much you value surprises versus understanding the author's intent from the get-go.

Does The Ark Contain All Transformers Characters?

3 Answers2025-09-10 17:02:37
Man, diving into 'Transformers' lore is like opening a cosmic can of worms—especially when it comes to The Ark. From what I've pieced together across comics, cartoons, and even toy bios, The Ark *technically* carried a ton of major Autobots and Decepticons during that fateful crash, but 'all' is a stretch. Think about it: the universe is packed with obscure characters like the Japanese-exclusive 'Masterforce' bots or the 'Beast Wars II' crew who wouldn't fit the original timeline. Even in the '86 movie, new characters like the Junkions weren't on board. The Ark's passenger list feels more like a 'greatest hits' roster—Optimus, Megatron, Jazz—but leaves out niche favorites and later additions. That said, the beauty of the franchise is its fluidity. Some continuities, like the IDW comics, retcon characters into The Ark retroactively. Others introduce parallel dimensions (looking at you, 'Shattered Glass'). It's less about literal containment and more about symbolic legacy. The Ark's importance isn't in being a complete catalog but a narrative launchpad. Still, as a collector, part of me wishes it *could* hold every bot—imagine the toy shelf!

What Products Contain Alpha-Terpinene And Why?

4 Answers2025-10-05 14:21:44
Exploring the world of alpha-terpinene is a delightful journey, especially for someone like me who delves into the realm of natural compounds and their various applications. This fascinating monoterpene is found in multiple types of essential oils, particularly in tea tree oil, which is renowned for its medicinal properties. It's not just one of those chemical names that sound fancy; it actually contributes significantly to the oil's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, making tea tree oil a staple in skincare, especially for treating acne! You can also encounter alpha-terpinene in essential oils derived from citrus fruits. Oils like lemon and orange not only smell amazing but also have been praised for their uplifting and energizing effects. It's incredible how these products, often used for aromatherapy, utilize alpha-terpinene to evoke a sense of joy and freshness. In household cleaning products, manufacturers often capitalize on this compound for its natural antimicrobial properties, creating an effective yet eco-friendly cleaning solution. It's worth noting that while alpha-terpinene has so many applications, safety is always a priority. Some individuals may experience skin sensitivity when using products containing this compound, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. So, as someone with a passion for organic living, I always recommend doing a patch test before diving in!

What Manuscripts Contain The 7 Deuterocanonical Books?

4 Answers2025-09-06 14:51:56
Okay, this is one of those topics that gets me nerdy-excited: the seven books usually singled out as deuterocanonical — 'Tobit', 'Judith', the Additions to 'Esther' (often treated as part of 'Esther'), 'Wisdom' (the Wisdom of Solomon), 'Sirach' (Ecclesiasticus), 'Baruch' (including the Letter of Jeremiah), and 1 & 2 'Maccabees' — show up in a patchwork of ancient manuscripts and translation traditions. The big umbrella is the Greek Septuagint tradition, so the chief witnesses are important codices like 'Codex Vaticanus', 'Codex Sinaiticus', and 'Codex Alexandrinus', which preserve many of these books in Greek. They’re not all identical in what they include or where the books appear, but these three are primary LXX witnesses. Beyond the Greek, the Latin tradition (the 'Vetus Latina' manuscripts and later the 'Vulgate') carries virtually all of these books in Western churches. Then you have other ancient translations — Syriac, Armenian, Georgian, and Coptic manuscripts — which often preserve one or more deuterocanonical books that might be missing in a particular Greek codex. Archaeologically, Qumran (the Dead Sea Scrolls) delivered fragments of some, especially 'Tobit' and texts related to 'Sirach', so there’s even Hebrew/Aramaic backing for parts of the collection. So, in short: look to the major Septuagint codices ('Vaticanus', 'Sinaiticus', 'Alexandrinus') and to the Latin and eastern translation traditions if you want surviving manuscripts of the seven deuterocanonical books.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status