This page features a video of the poem “Jazz Poem Two”, prescribed under the Karnataka State Syllabus for 10th Standard English Second Language. Along with its summary in three languages and transliterated songs. It serves as a valuable learning resource for students and parents, with each song accompanied by its respective lyrics for easy sing-along. The synchronized lyrics help learners follow and recite the song as it progresses, making memorization and learning by heart easier, more effective, and enjoyable.
Lyrics
English
There he stands, see?
like a black Ancient Mariner* his
wrinkled old face so
full of the wearies of living is
turned downward with
closed eyes. His frayed-collar
faded-blue old shirt turns
dark with sweat and the old
necktie undone drops
loosely about the worn
old jacket? Just
barely holding his
sagging stomach in. yeah.
his run-down shoes have
paper in them & his
rough unshaven face shows
pain
in each wrinkle
but there he stands. in
self-brought solitude head
still down eyes
still closed ears
perked and trained upon
the bass line for
across his chest lies an old
alto saxophone
supported from his neck by
a wire coat hanger.
gently he lifts it now
to parted lips. see? to
tell all the world that
he is a Black Man, that
he was sent here to preach
the Black Gospel of Jazz.
now preaching it with words of
screaming notes & chords he
is no longer a man, no not even
a Black Man. but (yeah!)
a Bird
one that gathers his wings & flies
high
high
higher
until he flies away! or
come back to find himself
a Black Man
again.
like a black Ancient Mariner* his
wrinkled old face so
full of the wearies of living is
turned downward with
closed eyes. His frayed-collar
faded-blue old shirt turns
dark with sweat and the old
necktie undone drops
loosely about the worn
old jacket? Just
barely holding his
sagging stomach in. yeah.
his run-down shoes have
paper in them & his
rough unshaven face shows
pain
in each wrinkle
but there he stands. in
self-brought solitude head
still down eyes
still closed ears
perked and trained upon
the bass line for
across his chest lies an old
alto saxophone
supported from his neck by
a wire coat hanger.
gently he lifts it now
to parted lips. see? to
tell all the world that
he is a Black Man, that
he was sent here to preach
the Black Gospel of Jazz.
now preaching it with words of
screaming notes & chords he
is no longer a man, no not even
a Black Man. but (yeah!)
a Bird
one that gathers his wings & flies
high
high
higher
until he flies away! or
come back to find himself
a Black Man
again.
Summary
The poem "Jazz Poem Two" focuses on work and perseverance. It presents details such as black, stands, face, closed, and eyes, helping the reader form a clear picture of the subject. The speaker uses these images, actions, or observations to express a particular feeling or idea. The poem also develops the thought that determination and continued effort can help people overcome difficulties. Overall, it encourages the reader to understand the subject more deeply and appreciate the message behind it.
Author
Carl Wendall Hines, Jr