When Poetry and Music Merge Seamlessly

I derive great pleasure from listening to music. One of my favourite artists is Ed Sheeran. On listening to some of Ed’s songs I am struck by how closely music and poetry can blend together. Take, for example Sheeran’s song “Happier”

As with much poetry, “Happier” consists of a mixture of rhyme and half-rhyme. However most of “Happier” does rhyme, with “too”, “do” and “new” forming a simple (but highly effective) rhyming scheme as with

“You look happier, you do.
My friend told me one day I’ll feel it too”.

If you listen to the song, you will, I think hear the poetry therein.

Kevin

4 thoughts on “When Poetry and Music Merge Seamlessly

  1. Victoria Zigler (@VictoriaZigler)'s avatarVictoria Zigler (@VictoriaZigler)

    I’ve noticed that with a lot of music.

    I can’t remember where, but I heard or read somewhere once that, “Songs are just poetry set to music.” While that’s not 100% accurate for describing the differences, I can see where the idea comes from, and do think it’s the case to some extent.

    Reply

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