poetry Poetry Prompt 19 – Lullaby

[AC Benus]

Poetry Prompt 19 – Lullaby 

 

Let's Write a Lullaby! 

I suppose there are the sweet, made-up words to Brahms' Lullaby, and the child-bewitching lyrics to "…Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird…" but what I have in mind is more for grownups.

Songs about sleep, in the guise of a song to put one to sleep, have popped up over the years and decades.

In terms of form, metres vary. Rhyme also plays a part, but it is often subtle and not obvious to the hearer. The reason for that is also due the slower tempo of such poetry.

Shall we look at some examples? Opera will occasionally have Lullabies, and Mozart wrote a beautiful one for Zaïde, a singspiel from the 1770s.[1] Here, an enslaved woman encounters a manual laborer who is asleep out in the open. Loving him, she removes the few precious things she has and lays them around the man to encourage his dreams of freedom and hope.

Here is a performance translation of Ruhe Sanft as used in the film Amadeus, and sung by Felicity Lott.[2]

 

Safely rest my chosen lover

Slumber in contentment awhile 

Now, my picture, my picture will I give you

See, how tender, how tender is my smile.

 

Oh, happy fancies calling you

Bring dreams to set your heart on fire

To churn up our deepest desire

Then we can find your dreams come true. 

 

Here is the original, performed by Lucia Popp.

 

Ruhe sanft, mein holdes Leben,

schlafe, bis dein Glück erwacht!

da, mein Bild will ich dir geben,

schau, wie freundlich es dir lacht:

Ihr süßen Träume, wiegt ihn ein,

und lasset seinem Wunsch am Ende

die wollustreichen Gegenstände

zu reifer Wirklichkeit gedeihn.[3]

 

A more humorous take on the genre comes from different stage performers: musical comedians and social commentators Flanders and Swann. Their grown-up Lullaby is simply titled Bed.[4]  

 

The subject I wish to consider tonight
Comes under the general head –
Without an iota of “double entendre”
So no dirty sniggers – of Bed

Though everything else has been treated at length
In the various books I have read,
Spinoza, La Rochefoucauld, Schiller and Kant
Say – practically nothing on Bed.

So I’ve founded a new philosophical school
Of which you have probably heard
Propounding this thesis: “The too early worm
Is the one that gets caught by the bird.”

Delightful, delectable pillow and sheet,
Luxurious eiderdown spread,
Red hot water-bottle bowed down at my feet,
Oh bountiful blessing of bed!

To hell with ambition, it drives a man mad!
I can scarcely wake up to be fed,
Those people who keep making plans for the lad
Will find him, if wanted, in bed.

You Risers and Shiners whose insults are hurled
At my almost invisible head
Consider the mess you have made of the world
And stay out of mischief – in bed!

Six monasteries hourly are saying a mass
For a blessed relation, now dead,
Who left me a blanket – electric no less!
Now an integral part of my bed

Oh weep not ye maidens at solitary me
Now left on the highest of shelves,
Oh seek not ye matrons my solace to be
But keep your cold feet to yourselves.

Oh purest of pleasures, voluptuous sleep,
My eyelids are heavy as lead,
Oh soft, oh delicious, oh long, wide, and deep,
Oh warm ––– Oooooh (yawns).....oah...bed.

 

And finally, an example that purports to simply be about a mother's love for her infant child, but has always been perceived as allegory about the spirit of African Americans to 'spread their wings and take the sky.'

Summertime by George Gershwin is the opening number of his opera, and has lyrics written by DuBose Heyward.

Here is the number performed by Maria Callas.

 

Summertime, and the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high –
Oh, your daddy's rich and your ma is good-lookin'
So hush little baby, don't you cry.

 

One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singing
And you'll spread your wings and you'll take the sky –
But till that morning, there's a nothin' can harm you
With Daddy and Mommy standin' by.[5]

 

The prompt: write lyrics to accompany George Gershwin's piano version of his composition, Lullaby. On the video, the place to begin setting the words occurs at minute 0:27. Choose any metre and rhyme scheme you think appropriate. You also decide if you want to write a song about sleep, or a song to put someone to sleep.  

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk2TMZNv0Rc

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

--------------------------------------------

[1] Commonly said to be from 1779-1780, I have posted an essay on a more accurate dating scenario for this opera.

[2] Here is a second video of the same performance

[3] Zaïde is based on a work by Voltaire. Only the text of the musical numbers survive, and the libretto has been attributed to both Johann Andreas Schachtner and Emanuel Schikaneder by various authorities at various times.  

[4] Lyrics by Michael Flanders, and music by Donald Swann.

[5] Here is a great live performance of Ella Fitzgerald singing Summertime.

Edited February 2, 2023 by AC Benus

[Mikiesboy]

Lol love the Bed one! This sounds like fun, I need something to do, hehe

[AC Benus]

Lol love the Bed one! This sounds like fun, I need something to do, hehe

Thanks, Tim. I know this one is a challenge, but I did mention the prompts get harder as they go along, didn't I...?  

[Puppilull]

Oh, oh! More music! (Starts to run in excited circles.) This time I actually saw that there was music to take into consideration. Missed that when we hade the puff dress ladies for inspiration. LOL 

 

Hadn't thought of Summertime as a lullaby. Interesting. 

 

Edit: The Bed clip didn't work for me, but I found it on Spotify. I couldn't find another clip on youtube. 

Edited April 2, 2016 by Puppilull

[Mikiesboy]

Thanks, Tim. I know this one is a challenge, but I did mention the prompts get harder as they go along, didn't I...?

 

Erm ... yes, AC I believe you did!

[Puppilull]

And of course I had to listen to the others. And it appears some people claim it's in fact Harolyn Blackwell from the Met and not Maria Callas singing. I can't really tell.  

 

Edited April 2, 2016 by Puppilull

[Aditus]

I love Summertime! It's one of my favorite songs. I sang it for my niece many times. 'Fish jumpin'' were her first English words.

[Refugium]

Paranoid Lullaby

to music by George Gershwin

 

Hush,

Baby, hush,

No more race,

No more rush,

Slow your pace.

Never you mind,

Leave it behind.

 

Never mind the worry and care

Of the day,

Leave them there,

Let them stay

Where they fall.

You float away,

Free of them all.

 

Never mind the world outside.

Here is where we'll hide,

Double-locked and bolted,

This room's plenty wide

Till the clock has jolted awake.

 

Though troubles knock,

Ring our bell,

They can't break

This old spell.

They'll never win.

They can't get in.

[Mikiesboy]

Paranoid Lullaby

to music by George Gershwin

 

Hush,

Baby, hush,

No more race,

No more rush,

Slow your pace.

Never you mind,

Leave it behind.

 

Never mind the worry and care

Of the day,

Leave them there,

Let them stay

Where they fall.

You float away,

Free of them all.

 

Never mind the world outside.

Here is where we'll hide,

Double-locked and bolted,

This room's plenty wide

Till the clock has jolted awake.

 

Though troubles knock,

Ring our bell,

They can't break

This old spell.

They'll never win.

They can't get in.

Nice ... you made this sound loving and safe, I like it.

[AC Benus]

Paranoid Lullaby

to music by George Gershwin

 

Hush,

Baby, hush,

No more race,

No more rush,

Slow your pace.

Never you mind,

Leave it behind.

 

Never mind the worry and care

Of the day,

Leave them there,

Let them stay

Where they fall.

You float away,

Free of them all.

 

Never mind the world outside.

Here is where we'll hide,

Double-locked and bolted,

This room's plenty wide

Till the clock has jolted awake.

 

Though troubles knock,

Ring our bell,

They can't break

This old spell.

They'll never win.

They can't get in.

I think with the music it pitches the lyrics to the sweet and loving side, and I like the balance through contrast approach. 

 

Not too 'paranoid,' for overall the lullaby seems to tap into that wonderful moments of feeling safe and protected in bed with the person you love. In that regard I think it's beautiful! 

 

Thank you for taking the challenge, and I am super impressed at how quickly you wrote one. Great job, imo.

[Defiance19]

Paranoid Lullaby

to music by George Gershwin

 

Hush,

Baby, hush,

No more race,

No more rush,

Slow your pace.

Never you mind,

Leave it behind.

 

Never mind the worry and care

Of the day,

Leave them there,

Let them stay

Where they fall.

You float away,

Free of them all.

 

Never mind the world outside.

Here is where we'll hide,

Double-locked and bolted,

This room's plenty wide

Till the clock has jolted awake.

 

Though troubles knock,

Ring our bell,

They can't break

This old spell.

They'll never win.

They can't get in.

 

I didn't think this was paranoid at all.. I think I would feel comforted by this lullaby.. Well done. 

[Refugium]

Well, I guess I didn't make it paranoid enough, so I'll add a second verse.

 

Sleep,

Baby, sleep,

In your bed

Soft and deep.

Rest your head.

Pray the police

Leave us in peace.

 

Never mind the notes in the mail,

On the door,

Spots in Braille

On the floor,

Peering eyes,

They're no surprise,

Probably spies.

 

We should keep the air vents plugged.

 

If our phone is bugged,

It will not upset us.

Is our coffee drugged?

They are out to get us,

We know.

 

Low,

Darling, low,

So your head

Doesn't show.

Flying lead

Won't hit you here,

Never you fear.

[Aditus]

I posted my 'thing' over at Live-Poets Society, it will be part of my second week poem collection for NaPoWriMo on Friday.

Edited April 9, 2016 by aditus

[Puppilull]

With my other story under control, I suddenly became poetic this weekend! Go figure!

 

Here's my lullaby. I did my best to follow the music, even if the piano at times made it difficult to know where the main melody was.

 

Enjoy! 

[AC Benus]

With my other story under control, I suddenly became poetic this weekend! Go figure!

 

Here's my lullaby. I did my best to follow the music, even if the piano at times made it difficult to know where the main melody was.

 

Enjoy! 

I wondered if anyone would be up to this difficult challenge, so I'm pleased as punch so many of us 'Live-Poets' tackled it. 

 

I left a review for you on these fine lyrics

[Defiance19]

Well, my Prompt posted.. It's official. Now if I figure out how to link it back here, that will be success.. Till then, here it is..

 

 

Lullaby 

 

 

Hush, lay your head on my chest 

In my arms safely rest

Nothing to fear

I'll be right here

 

Let my voice be your guide

I'll be there at your side

Slip into the deep

Soothe you to sleep

 

Day is over, you've slain the beast

This safe haven will bring you peace

 

Hush, feel my love slumber on

Fingers ease your troubled brow

Let my touch spell you

As only I do

 

Let go I will count every breath

Till I'm sure you've reached the depth

Where dreams bring bliss

Of your lover’s kiss

 

Hush, though the world out there hurts

I promise to love you for better or worse 

You run to me first

I'll put it all in reverse

 

Feel my love wash the stain away

Tomorrow will be a brighter day. 

 

Hush, lay your head on my chest

In my arms safely rest

Nothing to fear

I'm always right here

[AC Benus]

 

Well, my Prompt posted.. It's official. Now if I figure out how to link it back here, that will be success.. Till then, here it is..

 

 

Lullaby 

 

 

Hush, lay your head on my chest 

In my arms safely rest

Nothing to fear

I'll be right here

 

Let my voice be your guide

I'll be there at your side

Slip into the deep

Soothe you to sleep

 

Day is over, you've slain the beast

This safe haven will bring you peace

 

Hush, feel my love slumber on

Fingers ease your troubled brow

Let my touch spell you

As only I do

 

Let go I will count every breath

Till I'm sure you've reached the depth

Where dreams bring bliss

Of your lover’s kiss

 

Hush, though the world out there hurts

I promise to love you for better or worse 

You run to me first

I'll put it all in reverse

 

Feel my love wash the stain away

Tomorrow will be a brighter day. 

 

Hush, lay your head on my chest

In my arms safely rest

Nothing to fear

I'm always right here

 

Fantastic, Def. I'll leave you a review in the morning. Congratulations on the wearing of the red

[Dolores Esteban]

Finally done. Since I wasn’t particular fond of the Gerswhin piano or string version, I looked for a rock version of Lullaby. The only version I found is a recording by Viktor Zinchuk, a Russian guitarist:
http://tidido.com/a35184373768689/al55d740db13b521ef2299bd8e/t55d740db13b521ef2299bdac

 

Here's my poem: Siren Song

[Mikiesboy]

Finally done. Since I wasn’t particular fond of the Gerswhin piano or string version, I looked for a rock version of Lullaby. The only version I found is a recording by Viktor Zinchuk, a Russian guitarist:

http://tidido.com/a35184373768689/al55d740db13b521ef2299bd8e/t55d740db13b521ef2299bdac

 

Here's my poem: Siren Song

Oh i'd never heard of Zinchuk, but he's quite good. And his version of summertime is good. I left a review for you, Dolores...

I have to write one still.. but (sigh) I'll get there!!!

[Dolores Esteban]

I also think Zinchuk's very good. Thanks for review!

[AC Benus]

Finally done. Since I wasn’t particular fond of the Gerswhin piano or string version, I looked for a rock version of Lullaby. The only version I found is a recording by Viktor Zinchuk, a Russian guitarist:

http://tidido.com/a35184373768689/al55d740db13b521ef2299bd8e/t55d740db13b521ef2299bdac

 

Here's my poem: Siren Song

It matches the music nicely! I've left you a review too.

[Emi GS]

Well, my Prompt posted.. It's official. Now if I figure out how to link it back here, that will be success.. Till then, here it is..

 

 

Lullaby

 

 

Hush, lay your head on my chest

In my arms safely rest

Nothing to fear

I'll be right here

 

Let my voice be your guide

I'll be there at your side

Slip into the deep

Soothe you to sleep

 

Day is over, you've slain the beast

This safe haven will bring you peace

 

Hush, feel my love slumber on

Fingers ease your troubled brow

Let my touch spell you

As only I do

 

Let go I will count every breath

Till I'm sure you've reached the depth

Where dreams bring bliss

Of your lover’s kiss

 

Hush, though the world out there hurts

I promise to love you for better or worse

You run to me first

I'll put it all in reverse

 

Feel my love wash the stain away

Tomorrow will be a brighter day.

 

Hush, lay your head on my chest

In my arms safely rest

Nothing to fear

I'm always right here

I just wanted to put my head in your lap and take a nap. Its so beautiful Aunt Def. I definitely missed here a lot...