Swan Song: It Was My Final Effort and My Finest Work

English writers Chaucer and Shakespeare told the story of the swan's last song.Transcript of radio broadcast:
29 September 2007

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swan song has long been a part of the English language. At first, swan song meant the last work of a poet, musician or writer. Now, it means the final effort of any person. Someone's swan song usually is also considered that person's finest work.

the last hurrah. The expression may be used to describe a politician's last campaign, his final attempt to win the cheers and votes of the people. The last hurrah also can mean the last acts of a politician, before his term in office ends.

The Last Hurrah.

hurrah so loudly for Andrew Jackson during his presidential campaign that they became known as the hurrah boys.

last hurrahs in the campaign of another candidate, the man would replace him in the White House.


Voice of America Special English
www.manythings.org/voa/scripts/