Friday, July 16, 2021

Blackbird - Musical references in Middle Grade novels

 


These are two books I read very recently which referenced a song about blackbirds. I was curious about this. From the lyrics it was clear these were two different songs - one by Nina Simone and the other a famous Beatles tune. 

The Nina Simone song is used in Hurricane Child as a way to connect Caroline with a memory of her precious mother.

Why you want to fly Blackbird you ain't ever gonna fly

No place big enough for holding all the tears you're gonna cry

'cause your mama's name was lonely and your daddy's name was pain

And they call you little sorrow 'cause you'll never love again

So why you want to fly Blackbird you ain't ever gonna fly

You ain't got no one to hold you you ain't got no one to care

If you'd only understand dear nobody wants you anywhere

So why you want to fly Blackbird you ain't ever gonna fly

The Beatles song is used to give Stevie in Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel a little understanding of her grandfather Winston and his past life as a jazz musician.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these sunken eyes and learn to see

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to be free

Blackbird fly, blackbird fly

Into the light of a dark black night

Blackbird fly, blackbird fly

Into the light of a dark black night

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Doing a little research I have also discovered this book which I have added to my 'to read' list:


Here are some other books which reference music. It would be good to grab the music that is mentioned as you read these books - I'm sure that will add another dimension to your enjoyment.


















From the desk of Zoe Washington (Alternate title: The faraway truth)

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