Stretch of Imagination

Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music. - Jimi Hendrix

Penguin Cafe - Telephone and Rubber Band

Humming hope.

Strumming non-conformity.

A bridge over the abyss.

A heavenly kiss.

The music of this life pounds my brain.

Defibrilating the empty chambers of my heart.

Owning me as a master does a slave.

Hanging from my ears like festoons of Spanish Moss.

Prying open my truth like a nailed coffin lid.

I don't know where the melody ends and I begin.

I might be right but I can't be wrong.

I guess it doesn't matter because ...

... no one lies in a song ...

Author's Note

"When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." - Thoreau

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

that is right, no one lies in a song...and i love this poem because my life has been more than having a soundtrack of music, the lyrics and the beat have actually created the theme of it.

as was sung in a song...by kiki dee..."i got the music in me"

j.

[Pete]

perhaps one of the few bastions of honesty. it sure can feel that way - that our lives are a song. thanks for the reinforcing reminder j. can't go wrong by keeping a song in your heart ... :)

[barleygirl]

Last evening I watched a fairly-new DVD documenting David Crosby's life & one thing he comments on is how there was no poetry in music before the 60's. Everything was bubble-gum simplicity for conventional happy la-la BS living (1950's & prior). Your poem here exemplifies what DC was saying. I feel honored to have grown up during a time when lyrics were becoming alive & probing & whimsical & symbolic & multi-layered. I think it has influenced generations of poets (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Pete]

the 60's certainly ignited a revolution in music - sheer poetry in motion. crosby was a key, influential part of it. am also thinking of jim morrison who was a poet in college i believe before becoming part of the doors (from the book 'the doors of perception' by Aldous Huxley (about the psychedelic experience under the influence of mescaline. i find some of the most brilliant, heart-felt poetry in music ... :)

[barleygirl]

Interestingly, crosby was disgusted by morrison!

[Pete]

really? didn't know that. why pray tell? ... :)

[barleygirl]

Becuz crosby went into the Whisky-a-go-go high on acid & morrison reached up & pulled down crosby's dark glasses & called him out for being an idiot hiding behind dark glasses . . . crosby said he'd never forgive morrison for that & went on to staunchly hate the Doors' music!

[Pete]

hmm interesting. all bets were off because they were probably both high. things like that can sour us on people forever. too bad, two cool dudes ... :)

[barleygirl]

The climax of this documentary, crosby does a deep dive into how all the guys he used to make music with cannot stand him & will have nothing to do with him. From the Byrds & also CSN&Y . . . every hates crosby. He says, if it's one guy, then it could be his problem. But becuz it's everyone, I have come to realize my ego & a*s-holish-ness was over the top. It's a realistic confessional as he's about to croak from a number of serious ailments & overall lifelong body abuse!

[Pete]

wow! ... :)

[barleygirl]

I'm usually too cheap to pay $16 for a just-released DVD, but this was well worth it!

[John the Baptist]

I'm more into Corelli and Vivaldi, but yes, let the music flow. First rate imagery in this one.

[Pete]

ah - so you're a baroque brat. variety is the spice of life - something for everyone. can't go wrong no matter your preference. that's what makes life so grand. thanks j. the b. ... :)

[R.E. Ray]

Pete, first, I love the Jimi Hendrix quote. A great opening to this work. Though I wasn't familiar with the band, I understand every verse in this poem (a rare occasion for me). I couldn't write without music. Not only do lyrics speak to me (I listen to a range of music, except rap and punk whatever), but music inspires me. The best songs are damn good poetry, and that's what you've captured here. I often read the lyrics to a song after I've listened a few times, and I'm often amazed at the poetry, though often simple.

I've become a recent fan of Lady Gaga and Lana Del Rey, both exceptional writers/poets who can deliver the same on a stage. And, as your poem conveys, the truth not only leaks out, it often floods the audience. We love music not only for its entertainment, but for the poetry that speaks to us - like this poem. One of my favorites.

[Pete]

i've always thought that musicians and composers are some of the best poets - poetry in motion if you will. I do the same thing you mention - i will first be drawn to a song for the rhythm and melody, then i will start paying attention to the lyrics and trying to sing along, learning the lyrics. music inspires as it evokes feeling & emotion like nothing else can. thanks r.e. ... :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

I can't imagine life without it. It's such an integral part of my thought process that simply makes life itself extraordinary!

[Pete]

i'd be lost without it. we need it to put a strut in our steps. there is always a song on my lips and in my heart (especially in traffic & the grocery store) - is how i get through the day. thanks you for relating kelly ... :)

p.s. patriots having some problems against the good teams!

[Fran Marie]

What a sad place our world would be without the gift of happiness music brings..I could not imagine a life without its magic..it's the ultimate joy of living imo

[Pete]

thanks fran. so true, so true. and a one-a and a two ... :)

[Fran Marie]

you go of the beat; Pete
you re welcome..