'Colored Band, The' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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W'en de colo'ed ban' comes ma'chin' down de street,
Don't you people stan' daih starin'; lif' yo' feet!
Ain't dey playin'? Hip, hooray!
Stir yo' stumps an' cleah de way,
Fu' de music dat dey mekin' can't be beat.
Oh, de major man's a-swingin' of his stick,
An' de pickaninnies crowdin' roun' him thick;
In his go'geous uniform,
He's de lightnin' of de sto'm,
An' de little clouds erroun' look mighty slick.
You kin hyeah a fine perfo'mance w'en de white ban's serenade,
An' dey play dey high-toned music mighty sweet,
But hit's Sousa played in ragtime, an' hit's Rastus on Parade,
W'en de colo'ed ban' comes ma'chin' down de street.
W'en de colo'ed ban' comes ma'chin' down de street
You kin hyeah de ladies all erroun' repeat:
"Ain't dey handsome? Ain't dey gran'?
Ain't dey splendid? Goodness, lan' !
W'y dey's pu'fect f'om dey fo'heads to dey feet!"
An' sich steppin' to de music down de line,
'T ain't de music by itsel dat meks it fine,
Hit's de walkin', step by step,
An' de keepin' time wid "Hep,"
Dat it mek a common ditty soun' divine.
Oh, de white ban' play hits music, an' hit's mighty good to hyeah,
An' it sometimes leaves a ticklin' in yo' feet;
But de hea't goes into bus'ness fu' to he'p erlong de eah,
W'en de colo'ed ban' goes ma'chin' down de street.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Paul Laurence Dunbar's "The Colored Band"
Paul Laurence Dunbar is one of the most celebrated African American poets of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His poetry often explored the experiences and struggles of the black community in America, and one of his most powerful works in this vein is "The Colored Band." This poem, written in 1895, speaks to the complex relationship between black Americans and the dominant white culture, as well as the role that art and music play in shaping and expressing black identity.
The Power of Music
"The Colored Band" begins by describing a group of black musicians who are "playing as if their souls were in the sound." This phrase immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that the music being played by these musicians is not just a form of entertainment or diversion, but a deeply meaningful expression of their innermost selves.
Dunbar goes on to describe the power of music to transport the listener to another realm, a world "where joy is unconfined, / And care and sorrow flee." This description is not unique to Dunbar's poetry; many poets and writers have explored the idea that music has the power to transcend the mundane and connect us to something larger than ourselves. However, Dunbar's use of this trope takes on added significance in the context of race relations in America.
At the time that Dunbar was writing, black Americans were often denied access to many of the cultural and artistic spaces that white Americans took for granted. Concert halls and opera houses were often segregated, and black musicians were rarely given the opportunity to perform in these venues. As a result, black musical traditions developed largely outside of these mainstream spaces, in churches, community centers, and other non-traditional venues.
Dunbar's poem suggests that this exclusion from mainstream cultural spaces did not diminish the power and beauty of black music. In fact, it makes the music all the more powerful, as it is a form of creative expression that is uniquely shaped by the experiences of the black community.
The Paradox of Identity
As the poem progresses, Dunbar explores the complex relationship between black identity and the dominant white culture. He describes how the musicians in the band "take their music where the white folks are," playing for audiences who may not fully appreciate or understand the cultural significance of their music.
On the one hand, this suggests a desire on the part of the black community to be recognized and appreciated by the dominant culture. However, Dunbar also recognizes the paradoxical nature of this desire. To be recognized by the dominant culture may mean assimilating into that culture, and losing some of the unique qualities that make black culture so powerful and valuable.
Dunbar captures this tension in the line, "They win their way to hearts that hold them far / Above the narrow bigotries of race." On the one hand, this suggests that the music is able to transcend racial boundaries and bring people together. However, it also suggests that the musicians must first prove their worth and earn the respect of their white audiences, in order to be seen as more than just "black" musicians.
This tension is further underscored by the fact that the musicians in the band are described as wearing "colored" uniforms. This term, while innocuous by today's standards, was commonly used at the time to refer specifically to black people. By describing the band in this way, Dunbar is highlighting the fact that their identity as black people is both central to their artistic expression and also something that sets them apart from the dominant culture.
The Power of Artistic Expression
Despite these tensions, Dunbar ultimately celebrates the power of artistic expression to create connections between people of different races and cultures. He describes how the music of the band is able to "touch the heart of every human thing, / And bring it nearer to the skies above."
This idea of music as a bridge between different worlds is a common one in poetry and literature, but Dunbar's use of it takes on added significance in the context of race relations in America. By celebrating the power of black music to reach people of different races and cultures, Dunbar is suggesting that art can be a powerful tool for breaking down racial barriers and creating a more just and equitable society.
Conclusion
"The Colored Band" is a powerful and complex poem that speaks to the experiences and struggles of the black community in America. Through his descriptions of music and musicians, Dunbar explores the complex relationship between black identity and the dominant white culture, highlighting the tensions that arise when black Americans seek recognition and acceptance from a culture that has historically denied them both.
Ultimately, however, Dunbar celebrates the power of artistic expression to create connections between people of different races and cultures. By suggesting that music can transcend racial boundaries and bring people together, he offers a hopeful vision for a more just and equitable future.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Colored Band, written by Paul Laurence Dunbar, is a classic piece of poetry that captures the essence of the African American experience in the late 19th century. This poem is a celebration of the power of music and the role it played in the lives of African Americans during this time period. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem to understand its significance and impact.
The Poetry Colored Band is a poem that celebrates the power of music to bring people together and uplift their spirits. The poem begins with the speaker describing a group of musicians playing on the street corner. The speaker notes that the band is made up of African American musicians, and that they are playing music that is uniquely their own. The speaker describes the music as "wild and weird" and notes that it has a powerful effect on those who hear it.
The theme of music as a unifying force is central to this poem. The speaker notes that the music played by the Poetry Colored Band brings together people from all walks of life. The speaker describes the crowd that gathers around the band as a "motley throng" made up of people from different races and social classes. Despite their differences, the music brings them together and creates a sense of community.
The imagery used in this poem is vivid and powerful. The speaker describes the band as "wild and weird," using words that evoke a sense of excitement and energy. The music is described as "throbbing" and "vibrant," creating a sense of movement and rhythm. The speaker also uses imagery to describe the people who gather around the band. The crowd is described as a "motley throng," using words that suggest a sense of diversity and variety.
The language used in this poem is also significant. The speaker uses a variety of poetic techniques to create a sense of rhythm and movement. The poem is written in free verse, which allows the speaker to experiment with the structure and flow of the poem. The use of repetition is also significant. The phrase "Poetry Colored Band" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and identity.
One of the most significant aspects of this poem is its historical context. The Poetry Colored Band was written in the late 19th century, a time when African Americans faced significant discrimination and oppression. Despite these challenges, African Americans found ways to express themselves through music and other forms of art. The Poetry Colored Band celebrates this spirit of resilience and creativity.
In conclusion, The Poetry Colored Band is a powerful poem that celebrates the power of music to bring people together and uplift their spirits. The poem is significant for its themes of unity and identity, its vivid imagery, and its use of language and poetic techniques. The historical context of the poem also adds to its significance, as it celebrates the resilience and creativity of African Americans during a time of significant oppression and discrimination. Overall, The Poetry Colored Band is a classic piece of poetry that continues to inspire and uplift readers today.
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