Lyrics Are Sometimes More Succinct Than Poetry
Let me say up front that I believe poetry is the ultimate verbal expression; however, there are times when lyrics express the situation more clearly and succinctly. Take for instance, the lyrics of Survivor’s, “Poor Man’s Son”:
“Baby if you really love me
You had better understand
That the silver in your pocket
Ain’t no measure of a man . . . “
It comes close what philosophers and theologians have been telling us for centuries.
The lyrics further state:
“. . . I’m a poor man’s son
Workin’ all night long
Got a bad guitar and a simple song . . . “
How beautifully asserted. The proletariat rises to make his song heard.
A modern take on a medieval fairy tale
Describing his relationship with a wealthy woman, the singer declares:
“. . . You’re a rich man’s daughter
Look at what you’ve done
You went a fell in love with a poor man’s son . . . “
Praising the “princess,” the singer asserts:
“. . . And girl you coulda loved for money
Coulda fooled around for fame
But you went and took a chance
On the real thing . . . “
The poor man declares his glory. Finally, these two lines encapsulate the whole situation:
“. . . You’re a rich man’s daughter
I’m a poor man’s son . . . “
Given the profundity of the lyrics, perhaps we should listen more closely to what young people pulse through their earbuds. It might just be a weighty sharing moment.