Who said march to the beat of a different drummer

In "Different Drum", the girl mainly needs to maintain her freedom and independence, which would be lost if she stayed with a boyfriend who adores her too much. So, you will have to do without me, i. Another difference between the two phrases is that it makes more sense to say that a person marches to the beat of a different drum, than to tell a person to march to the beat of a different drum.

Quirky, unconventional people are not that way by choice. The phrase explains their odd behavior: they march differently because they hear a different drum than the one that most people hear. It doesn't make sense to tell an ordinary person to march to the beat of a different drum. Ordinary people hear the same drum that most people hear.

They don't hear the "far away" drum that quirky people hear. The Frank Sinatra song " I Did It My Way " suggests that even though he chose the hard, individualist path, he still succeeded by the usual standards of wealth and respect—more than most people, perhaps. The idiom "March to the beat of one's own drum" or the very similar "March to the beat of a different drummer" means someone who is unconventional, nonconformist, does things in his or her own way. Whether this is a positive or negative characteristic depends on what things those are, and perhaps even more on the attitude of the person making the comment.

Some people value conformity highly, and tend to see those who violate norms as selfish or antisocial. Other people think of the ability to make one's own choices to indicate bravery or praiseworthy resistance to the pressure of the majority.

Idioms Online linked above suggests that the phrase may have derived from a passage in Walden by Henry David Thoreau, which runs:. Thoreau seems to have regarded this as a good thing, but not everyone did then nor does everyone now. For example, this personal essay seems to regard "marching to a different drummer" in a very positive light, while this essay by a psychologist associates it with possible "determined and oppositional nonconformity", "an excuse for not fulfilling school expectations.

This difference of attitude toward the idiom is, at base, a difference of attitude toward nonconformity, and also what kind of nonconformity the speaker or writer has in mind. First, an important fact we must start with is that "Marching to the beat of your own drummer" is an idiom.

An idiom is "a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual word" oxford dictionary. This is essential because the words taken too directly or on their face, will lead to an inconsistent meaning. The phrase "marching to the beat your own drummer" is a phrase used to describe 1 although humans are alike and sometimes measured by the same standard, it is okay to progress economically, emotionally, intellectually at your own pace; and 2 march or act according to the beat of your own drum or your thoughts, ambitions, will, heart, etc.

The phrase was not meant to elicit a message of negativity. It can be interpreted as such, but that would be inaccurate because it is an idiom that has been used over time to describe a particular aspect. Give me more. What a great post. Truly the music which we hear is that still small voice that urges us to rid ourself from captivity by turning back to the source and holding fast to the iron Rod.

I love you Dr. Your wisdom has saved my life in every way. Thank you for restoring my faith in all things. You are a blessing to my soul. Yoga helps — I get still, and feel my feelings. Thank you for your loving presence in my life. I think of you as my spiritual father. Wow, this is an awesome post! Personally, I prefer to boogie to my own beat, lol. Un abrazo desde Per. This must be synchronicity. This reading is so life changing. I owe Wayne a debt that can never be repaid.

It is much to large. I will refer to this like I refer to his other teachings all so often. It is so obvious to me that Wayne is so authentic. I know he must be rich, yet for years and years he still marches to his inner calling.

The Beatles Were Right ». Sherry Blackwell, New Jersey says:. December 21, at pm. August 16, at pm. Lynn says:. August 2, at am. Nicole Rousselle says:. July 30, at pm. July 30, at am. She marches to the beat of her own drummer. According to the American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms , the idiom alludes to someone who is marching in a parade and is out of step. This page contains one or more affiliate links. See full affiliate disclosure. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible.

Top Definitions Quiz Examples march to a different beat. New Word List Word List. Save This Word! We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.

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