There was a time when we only heard music as live performance. Before we learned how to record and play back sound, families and friends would gather to play instruments, dance, and sing. Those with money could attend concerts. The only instrument immediately available was our voice, so we’d hum to our children, sing as we cleaned house or plowed fields, harmonize as we gathered in sacred buildings. Handing down songs to the next generation was as important as handing down our family stories.
Music is now accessible to so many people across the globe that a single recorded song can reach millions. What instruments and melody can do for human psychology is basically the same, though. Upbeat music helps us celebrate. Sad music can comfort us. And music can provide a link to other kinds of artistic expression, including poetry.
Today, write a poem inspired by a song, an instrumental piece, or a musician. For inspiration, consider Langston Hughes’ poem, “The Weary Blues.” Hughes was one of the most important poets and novelists of the 20th century and a major force in the Harlem Renaissance.
Hughes begins with the site of man playing piano on the street, describes how the piano “moans” with music, and even weaves in his own repeated blues response: “he did a lazy sway… / he did a lazy sway...” Do yourself a favor today and read the whole poem at the Academy of American Poets site.
…Down on Lenox Avenue the other night
By the pale dull pallor of an old gas light
He did a lazy sway . . .
He did a lazy sway . . .
To the tune o’ those Weary Blues.
With his ebony hands on each ivory key
He made that poor piano moan with melody.
O Blues!
Swaying to and fro on his rickety stool
He played that sad raggy tune like a musical fool.
Sweet Blues!
Coming from a black man’s soul…
