Thea always knew she was destined for greatness. She has a fabulous voice, one that she believes will bring her out of the lowness of her situation. Though the townsfolk know that she has a great voice, it will do nothing for her future. Her voice coach Herr Munch is not at the caliber that she wishes to attain. She knows that there are better instructors in Chicago and her dream is to go there someday. Unfortunately for her, she doesn't have the money to travel there from Colorado and neither does her family. But one of her longtime friends, Dr. Archie, knows that she has always dreamed of going away and has endeavored to find a way for her to go. And when he does, she cannot refuse. Will the big city embrace her and her talent? Or will the city prove to be too fickle?

Song of the Lark is generally considered to be the second novel in Cather's Prairie Trilogy, following O Pioneers! (1913) and preceding My Ántonia (1918).