Perrine notes states explicitly that there is no clear cut definition between poetry and other literature, but poetry is in its essence the most highly condensed form of literature. Each word is often selected meticulously, with multiple factors considered such as what other meanings said word may have. "Ashes of American Flags encapsulates this perfectly. The song itself speaks of consumerism and how without realizing it, America has been left behind in its ravaging wake, and is no longer there so to speak. The lyrics never open state the word capitalism or consumerism. But the lines,
I could spend three dollars and sixty-three cents
On Diet Coca-Cola and unlit cigarettes
are clear indicators of these concepts. Coca Cola being one of the primary symbols for capitalism and consumerism. The song gets it's title from the idea that this capitalism and consumerism isn't what America is all about. That is the lie that is referenced in chorus. But since people have forgotten this it has left America burnt up and in ashes. As stated in the last stanza,
the ashes of American flags
And all the fallen leaves
filling up shopping bags
The ashes of the American flag are all that is left inthe wake of consumerism. As Perrine states a poem does not have to have a moral or grand truth about the world it just has to make you feel . Whether or not you agree with what the song is saying, it certainly does elicit feeling. At least within me, despite the fact that I don't fully agree with it.
This song is pretty harsh on America. The lyric "All my lies are always wishes/ I know I would die if I could come back new" seems to indicate that we're deluding ourselves as a society, and that we rely on our delusions to maintain our way of life. That's pretty bananas to think about.
ReplyDelete