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Latter Day Poetry

Cabbages and Kings

It has become an unfortunate habit in recent years to pass off popular music as a "native art form," while ignoring the lyric beauty and poetic worth of many of the top tunes. To further public appreciation of this art form, the CRIMSON annually undertakes to print messages from some of the more moving lyrics, while taking note of the literary forces and individuals who have influenced the song's content and technique.

Vachel Lindsay, for example, can be heard in the new favorite, "Jim Dandy:"

"Jim Dandy to the rescue

Jim Dandy to the rescue

Jim Dandy to the rescue

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Go Jim Dandy, Go Jim Dandy."

The mixed influence of Poe-James-Sade can be heard in "Love Me:"

Treat me like a fool

Treat me mean and cruel,

But love me.

Break my faithful heart

Tear it all apart,

But love me."

The same influence can be heard in a recent release of Frank Sinatra in less subtle phrasing:

"Hug me, squeeze me til I'm red,

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