Bill Monroe's version of "Into the Pines" seems like more of a folk song than a pop song in its early stages. The melody of the song stays static, while the ideas change over the course of the song; the characteristics of a folk song that Ben discussed with us in class on the 6th. The tone that Monroe sings in does not change either, which is why I believe it's so hard to come up with an exact interpretation of the lyrics, because his voice does not match the content he's singing about. Monroe's version of the song though, is undoubtedly different from Leadbelly's original version of the song.
Monroe's lyrics evoke the image of a hard working man in 19th century America. He's a bit distressed from not being able to keep the time, and is heartbroken over a girl. Leadbelly's version seems much more melancholy. The melody of Leadbelly's song is not so upbeat and happy as Monroe's, and the lyrics are completely different. Leadbelly's haunting lyrics, "His head was found in a driving wheel/But his body never ever be found" were omitted from Monroe's version, probably to appeal to his specific audience, which probably consisted of the 19th century American working man. Both versions of the song are great in their own way, but I feel that the only thing they share in common, is the title.
Bill Monroe's version of "Into the Pines" seems like more of a folk song than a pop song in its early stages. The melody of the song stays static, while the ideas change over the course of the song; the characteristics of a folk song that Ben discussed with us in class on the 6th. The tone that Monroe sings in does not change either, which is why I believe it's so hard to come up with an exact interpretation of the lyrics, because his voice does not match the content he's singing about. Monroe's version of the song though, is undoubtedly different from Leadbelly's original version of the song.
Monroe's lyrics evoke the image of a hard working man in 19th century America. He's a bit distressed from not being able to keep the time, and is heartbroken over a girl. Leadbelly's version seems much more melancholy. The melody of Leadbelly's song is not so upbeat and happy as Monroe's, and the lyrics are completely different. Leadbelly's haunting lyrics, "His head was found in a driving wheel/But his body never ever be found" were omitted from Monroe's version, probably to appeal to his specific audience, which probably consisted of the 19th century American working man. Both versions of the song are great in their own way, but I feel that the only thing they share in common, is the title.