Lord Byron meets The King Blues

I suppose this wasn’t shown on BBC America, because somehow I missed this back in 2009. Apparently there was a show called Poetry Season. I wasn’t familiar with The King Blues either until seeing this poem online today, after which I started looking up their songs. And the reason I bring this to you tonight, in case you missed it too, is in hopes of sparking your imagination. What innovative way could an old poem that means something to you be presented in a relevant way to a new generation?

What do you think? Does the poem fit this setting? Does it matter what I think if it speaks to the kids? Judging by the comments on the YouTube page, it seems to have been effective.

So We'll Go No More a Roving
By Lord Byron (George Gordon)

So, we'll go no more a roving
   So late into the night,
Though the heart be still as loving,
   And the moon be still as bright.

For the sword outwears its sheath,
   And the soul wears out the breast,
And the heart must pause to breathe,
   And love itself have rest.

Though the night was made for loving,
   And the day returns too soon,
Yet we'll go no more a roving
   By the light of the moon.

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9 responses to “Lord Byron meets The King Blues”

  1. I don’t have any innovations but I love this video. It’s great to see old works presented in new ways.

    I was in my late twenties when I discovered Shakespeare could be done in less traditional ways. I loved that revelation.

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    1. Awesome. Yes, I think it was a local performance of “Kiss Me Kate,” which was a modern play about a group of actors performing the “Taming of the Shrew.” I must say it opened literary doors in my head as well.

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  2. Deborah Avila Avatar
    Deborah Avila

    Iits different indeed~ Shakespeare can’t be compared in my understanding ~ Thanks sweetie!

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  3. I thought it worked well, something old brought into a contemporary setting, but still quite relevant today he spoke and stressed very well indeed

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    1. I’m glad you liked it. I was really impressed with it myself.

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  4. […] Lord Byron meets The King Blues (dadpoet.wordpress.com) Share this:FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrMoreRedditStumbleUponPrintDiggEmailLinkedInLike this:LikeBe the first to like this post. […]

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  5. I absolutely loved this interpretation. This is the thinking we need to explore in order to reach more people. Poetry is beauty, but its grit and grime and life — like life. I shared this on my FB poetry page – I am interested in the response. Thank you for this post.

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    1. I agree with you 104%. Thanks for sharing this on Facebook! I am honored. Oh, and you are so very welcome. I’m glad you joined in. 🙂

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  6. […] traditional verse can be read in a way that is delightful to the modern ear. Mathew MacFayden and The King Blues are good examples of people who know how to do it. Groups like Poetry Out Loud work to spread […]

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