Captain Beefheart: Frownland

This weeks poem is Frownland by Capt. Beefheart. It’s available here!

So I’d like to take this week to share my thoughts on the difference between lyrics and poetry. Captain Beefheart’s real name, for those of you who are not familiar with his work, is Don Vilet. He was a member of a few avant-blues/rock bands in the 60′s and onward, using that as a medium for his poetry. Now several artists in my mind are in a grey area when it comes to this distinction (not that it really makes a difference), Jim Morrison, Robert Hunter (who I featured in a previous post), and even hip hop artists like Tupac and Saul Williams. I feel like music can either take away from a poem or add to it, but I believe true poetry can stand on its own and does not need a chorus or music to emphasize a point. Repetition in poetry is a useful device, but if the words cant stand on their own I see them more as a lyrical work than poetry. Poetry has rhythm, melodic content (think about it!), and accents naturally, do you really need music? What do you all think? Is it possible that there is no clear distinction? Is a cheesy pop song poetry or just words with music? Do you think hip hop has changed the way we view lyrics? I would love to keep this discussion going further because I don’t quite believe one way or the other maybe someone could convince me!

Oh, and the poem… I believe it stands on its own. It uses a simple extended metaphor essentially putting human emotions on a map. He knows where he’s been and where he’s going, I think we all need that direction in life (pardon my extension of the metaphor). If I get enough positive feedback on this poem I will post another, as this is a more simple read for starters. His work gets more and more abstract, it is quite interesting to read. Enjoy!

P.S. Look up avant if you need to, its important in understanding… well… anything you don’t understand.

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