Walter's MUSC-1020 Blog

The song “Waiting for a Train” by Jimmie Rodgers is a blues song that came out in 1929. In this song, the singer laments about an unfortunate situation he has found himself in – on a rainy night, he is stranded in Frisco, Texas, waiting for a train he can take to return to his home in Dixieland. Unfortunately, he has no money, and has had no luck convincing a railroad worker to let him ride for free. The song ends with the powerful lyrics “I’m a thousand miles away from home just waiting for a train.” Musically, the song is as sad as its lyrics. The singer is accompanied by a muted horn and an acoustic guitar, which gives the song a uniquely somber quality. Because this song came out approximately when the great depression started, it is quite likely that its lyrics resonated deeply with its listeners – many people during this time period suffered from great financial hardships and poor mental health. The line “Nobody seems to want me or lend me a helping hand” must have been relat...

The song "I Got Rhythm" by George and Ira Gershwin is a jazz standard that is effective in evoking feelings of gratitude in its listener. This is accomplished throughout the song both musically and lyrically. The music that first accompanies the singer has a very reflective quality to it – this is accomplished by omitting the percussion section and utilizing slow, sighing winds. The rest of the song is very energetic and dance-like, featuring blaring winds and upbeat drums and cymbals. Though the song is titled “I Got Rhythm,” the line that is repeated most in the song is “Who could ask for anything more?” – this line is reference to the singer’s partner, as well as simple pleasures in life such as daisies, starlight, and sweet dreams. This is a statement that we as people should take more time to think and admire how much there is to be grateful for in life and not take people or small wonders for granted. Another repeated line is “Old man trouble, I don’t mind him, You won’...

    Hello! My name is Walter Payne, and I am a biology major and music minor at SUU. This is my senior year at SUU and I am preparing to graduate this spring.      My favorite genres of music are punk, alternative rock, and nu metal. Some of my favorite bands are blink-182, CAKE, System of a Down, and Slipknot. My favorite band of all time is Motion City Soundtrack.