Interpret theme song
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dadoo4050 — 18 years ago(August 16, 2007 06:40 AM)
A brave man once requested me
to answer questions that are key
is it to be or not to be
and I replied 'oh why ask me?'
Another simple stanza, but interesting in that it uses allusion (allusion=referencing an earlier work or historical event). The obvious allusion here is to "Hamlet." Young Altman tops the Dane's despair ("to be, or not to be?") with an even gloomier statement of futility ("oh, why ask me?").
"uva uvam vivendo varia fit" -
Warhol_Soup — 18 years ago(November 30, 2007 05:30 PM)
I always figured the lyrics were meant to be taken as a bit over the top. Kinda absurd. I've never seen it as other than what was supposed to be a bit of dark comedy where the guy singing was probably doing so with a big smile because he understood the context. I could be dead wrong, but tone can throw any reading of lyrics on its head.
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dadoo4050 — 18 years ago(August 26, 2007 03:35 PM)
And you, too, 2001-4, would be welcome in my class. You recognize that the lyrics are not meaningless, as indicated by your earlier post. That you do not find the mechanics of poetry engaging is OK with me; I would welcome your input as to interpretation. I am sure that you can liven things up.
A warning, though: in my class, a student is never allowed to use the word "boring" to critique a work they do not find engaging. Unless, of course, he or she goes on to explain just why the piece is boring.
"uva uvam vivendo varia fit" -
midnitelamp — 18 years ago(December 09, 2007 03:18 AM)
the folks in my office are so young they did not know the song had words.
i bought the sound track to the movie,and the song expands as it is done different ways,orcestrated and reprise. highly recommended. -
jacksontaylor800 — 17 years ago(June 09, 2008 11:29 AM)
No offense, but isn't the meaning of the song obvious without a lot of English Lit class explanation? Plus, I've always taken the song to be a reference to the character Painless, who thinks he's commiting suicide when he ingests the "black pill."
Always paint the ceiling before the walls.