The Chimney Sweeper (Songs of Experience)

The Chimney Sweeper (Songs of Experience), 1794

A little black thing among the snow:
Crying weep, weep, in notes of woe!
Where are thy father & mother! say!
They are both gone up to the church to pray.

Because I was happy upon the heath,
And smil'd among the winters snow:
They clothed me in the clothes of death,
And taught me to sing the notes of woe.

And because I am happy, & dance & sing,
They think they have done me no injury:
And are gone to praise God & his Priest & King
Who make up a heaven of our misery.

It is interesting to compare "The Chimney Sweeper" song of experience and the song of innocence.  They are both important and can be contrasted to see the difference between innocence and experience.  It is a great teaching tool.