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I first heard the song “The Great Figure” by William Carlos Williams on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I remember stumbling upon this song at a friend’s house, while we were lounging around and discussing our favorite poetry. Little did I know that this song would leave a lasting impact on my mind and heart.
The song begins with the lyrics:
“Among the rain
And lights
I saw the figure 5
In gold
On a red
Firetruck
Moving
Tense
Unheeded
To gong clangs
Siren howls
And wheels rumbling
Through the dark city”
These lines are a direct excerpt from William Carlos Williams’ poem of the same name. Published in his 1921 book Sour Grapes, this poem showcases Williams’ unique writing style with its single-word lines and close observations of objects. It is evident that Williams, an Imagist poet, believed in the power of visual imagery and simplicity in poetry.
William Carlos Williams’ encounter that inspired him to write this poem is described in his autobiography:
“Once on a hot July day coming back exhausted from the Post Graduate Clinic, I dropped in as I sometimes did at Marsden’s studio on Fifteenth Street for a talk, a little drink maybe and to see what he was doing. As I approached his number I heard a great clatter of bells and the roar of a fire engine passing the end of the street down Ninth Avenue. I turned just in time to see a golden figure 5 on a red background flash by. The impression was so sudden and forceful that I took a piece of paper out of my pocket and wrote a short poem about it.”
These vivid and concise lines capture the essence of that powerful moment. Williams’ ability to convey depth and complexity with just a few words is truly remarkable.
Listening to “The Great Figure,” one can’t help but be captivated by the intense imagery and the rhythmic cadence of the lyrics. The song brings to life the bustling scene of a firetruck dashing through a dark city, with gong clangs, siren howls, and rumbling wheels. It transports listeners to that precise moment when Williams witnessed the golden figure 5 on a red background.
The song, much like the poem, keeps its structure minimalistic and straightforward. The absence of excessive punctuation allows the words to flow freely, creating a sense of urgency and excitement. It is as if the song is in motion, mirroring the movement of the firetruck itself.
As a music critic, I find “The Great Figure” to be a perfect fusion of poetry and music. It encapsulates the power of concise storytelling, vivid imagery, and the impact of a single moment. The song’s ability to evoke emotions and transport listeners to a specific time and place is truly remarkable.
Whether you are a fan of poetry, music, or both, I highly recommend exploring “The Great Figure” by William Carlos Williams. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of a brilliant poet and showcases the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.
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