# my harp is tuned for songs of mourning

Here "my harp" represents Job himself, and also represents his desire to sing only songs of mourning. Alternate translation: "I play only songs of mourning on my harp" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# my flute for the singing of those who wail

Here "my flute" represents Job himself, and also his desire to sing only songs of crying. Alternate translation: "I play only songs of wailing on my flute" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# wail

To wail is to cry very loudly because of terrible sadness or pain.