S5 E5: Songs for the People by Frances Ellen Watkins
Let me make the songs for the people,
Songs for the old and young;
Songs to stir like a battle-cry
Wherever they are sung.
Not for the clashing of sabres,
For carnage nor for strife;
But songs to thrill the hearts of men
With more abundant life.
Let me make the songs for the weary,
Amid life’s fever and fret,
Till hearts shall relax their tension,
And careworn brows forget.
Let me sing for little children,
Before their footsteps stray,
Sweet anthems of love and duty,
To float o’er life’s highway.
I would sing for the poor and aged,
When shadows dim their sight;
Of the bright and restful mansions,
Where there shall be no night.
Our world, so worn and weary,
Needs music, pure and strong,
To hush the jangle and discords
Of sorrow, pain, and wrong.
Music to soothe all its sorrow,
Till war and crime shall cease;
And the hearts of men grown tender
Girdle the world with peace.
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper’s poem "Songs for the People" serves as a poignant call for hope, unity, and resilience in the face of life's struggles. The poem emphasizes the power of music and song to inspire and uplift individuals across generations. She begins with a declaration of intent: she wants to create songs that resonate universally, stirring feelings akin to a battle-cry but focused not on violence, but on enhancing the human experience.
The poem contrasts images of conflict and discord with those of peace and solace. Frances expresses a deep empathy for the weary, the poor, and the aged, suggesting that her songs would serve to ease their burdens and illuminate their paths. The reference to music as a calming force highlights her belief in the transformative power of art, portraying it as a remedy for societal woes, ultimately emphasizing the necessity of compassion and community.
Throughout the poem, Frances’s language is rich with a rhythmic quality that reflects the very music she evokes. Her use of direct address "Let me" underscores her urgency and desire to address the collective human experience. By the poem's conclusion, she envisions a world where tenderness prevails, advocating for a collective uplifting through shared melodies.
I believe the poem, "Songs for the People" by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper is essential reading in our current reality. Frances captures the struggles and aspirations of marginalized communities, emphasizing themes of hope, resilience, and social justice. Despite being published in 1896, its messages resonate today, reflecting ongoing issues such as inequality and the fight for civil rights. The poem serves as a reminder of the enduring human spirit and the importance of advocating for change, making it highly relevant in contemporary society.
Thank you for joining me in my reading room,
Rebecca
Poetry Recitation by Rebecca Budd
Music by Benjamin Kling “Like Clockwork” Epidemic Sound
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/uq38LkIbas/
Vancouver Public Art “Should I Be Worried?” By Justin Langlois
Location: Vancouver Seawall
