Transcendentalism

a philosophic and literary movement that flourished in New England, particularly at Concord (c. 1836-60). This romantic, idealistic, mystical, and individualistic belief was more a cast of thought than a systematic philosophy. The most important literary expression of transcendental thought is considered to lie in Thoreau's WALDEN and in such works of Emerson as NATURE, THE AMERICAN SCHOLAR, and "Self-Reliance." Below are a couple of songs that might help you remember some basics about Thoreau.

Henry David (sung to the tune of “Mr. Sandman”)
 
Henry David, What was your plan?
To live life simply, like no other man.
You lived at Walden and you planted beans.
You wrote a book with lots of nature scenes.
Henry David. You didn’t conform
Your drummer’s beat wasn’t the norm
You watched ants put up a fight---
Henry David, gee you’re all right!
 
The Ballad of H.D. Thoreau (Sung to the tune of “The Ballad of Jed Clampett”)
 
Let me tell ya all a story ‘bout a man named Thoreau
He lived at Walden Pond, and he liked to watch beans grow.
And then one day he was listening to a loon
And he knew spring was coming very very soon.
Spring that is. New life. More Beans.
Well, the next thing you know, he’s buildin’ castles in the air,
But he’s puttin’ down foundations, so his dreams don’t stay up there.
He said most men lead lives of quiet desperation,
So read Walden Pond, and he’ll be your inspiration.
Thoreau that is. Henry David.