This Angelou poem is different than some of her better-known pieces. It’s very short and focuses on sound and imagery more than it does on an overall message. That doesn’t mean that it lacks meaning, though, and readers will likely, the more time they spend with this poem, find more and more meaning in its six lines.
To better understand this poem, approach it as a series of images that are meant to transport you to a specific place. It’s much easier to enjoy and appreciate it when you allow the images to dictate how you interpret the events.
Explore Country Lover
- 1 Summary
- 2 Structure and Form
- 3 Literary Devices
- 4 Detailed Analysis
Summary
‘Country Lover’ by Maya Angelou is a short, interesting poem in which the poet describes a small-town dance scene.
In the first lines, the poet mentions the “funky blues,” referring to the blues music that’s playing at the dance. She also describes the style of those dancing with their “Keen toed shoes” and their “high water pants.” This evokes a very specific fashion sense that’s worn with passion and pride.
The poet also describes the dance as a social gathering that may be a regular occurrence in this small community. The term “Saddy” is used instead of “Saturday,” which may indicate a colloquial speech pattern that matches the environment.
The final stanza describes the “red soda water” and “anybody’s daughter.” Here, the poet introduces a sense of inclusivity. She describes a carefree atmosphere where simple pleasures are enjoyed, and the dancers could be anyone.
The Poem Analysis Take
Expert Insights by Emma Baldwin
B.A. English (Minor: Creative Writing), B.F.A. Fine Art, B.A. Art Histories
The final lines can evoke a couple of different interpretations. The final line might suggest that to the male participants in the dance, all the women are the same. That they are “Anybody’s daughter,” and it doesn’t matter who they are.
Structure and Form
‘Country Lover’ by Maya Angelou is a short, two-stanza poem that is divided into one four-line stanza and one two-line stanza. The poem is written with a rhyme scheme of AABB CC. The “BB” rhymes could be considered half rhymes with the words “pants” and “dance.”
The poet is quite short and to the point, utilizing simple, direct images to provide readers with a snapshot into a place and experience.
Literary Devices
In this poem, the poet makes use of a few different literary devices. For example:
- Imagery: This is seen when the poet uses interesting images. For example, “High water pants” and “Funky blues.”
- Enjambment: This occurs when the poet cuts off a line before its natural stopping point. For example, the transition between lines one, two, and three in stanza one.
- SIbilance: This can be seen when the poet repeats the same “s” sound in multiple words. For example, “blues,” “shoes,” and “pants” in stanza one.
Detailed Analysis
Stanza One
Funky blues
(…)
Saddy night dance
In the first stanza of this short, image-rich poem, the poet describes four different images, one on each line. She also uses a simple rhyme scheme here, rhyming the first two lines and the second two lines.
The poet describes the music playing at the dance – “Funky blues” as well as some of the clothing items people are wearing. There are “Keen toed shoes” and “High water pants.” These descriptions help set the scene and allow readers to imagine what the people look like and what the atmosphere is.
Blues music is something that connects to Angelou’s oeuvre and her overall focus on the experiences of African-American communities. She also connects the poem back to the title when she uses the word “Saddy” instead of “Saturday.” This indicates a particular dialect which, when connected to the title, ‘Country Lover,’ adds to the poem’s overall atmosphere.
The opening lines are light-hearted and relaxed, with the speaker analyzing and describing what’s going on around them rather than truly digging into any particular emotion.
Stanza Two
Red soda water
(…)
In the final two lines, the poet writes about the “Red soda water” everyone is drinking and mentions “Anybody’s daughter.” This could lead readers to a couple of different interpretations. The reference to “daughters” could indicate that this is a place where anybody can fit in and that the women there come from many different families and backgrounds.
After the first opening lines, it seems likely that the poet was hoping to evoke a feeling of inclusivity rather than judgment. She ends on this note, allowing readers to fill in any more details they see fit.
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