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A Thought for Today
Some people think money can do anything,
those are the people who will do anything for money.
Happy Monday, as happy as the
first day of the workweek ever gets. Among things awaiting me this week
are rehearsals for “Tap Your Troubles Away,” an important meeting with
Varése-Sarabande tomorrow about upcoming Stanyan CD releases, a friend’s
Eulogy to write and two exhibitions to attend . . . and, oh yes, a few
Flight Plans to write. On to the mail.
ACCESSIBILITY & ASSOCIATION WITH THE ‘60’S
Rod:
Ever since first becoming aware of your work, I have regarded you as a
major American poet in the class of Robert Frost, Russell Lowell and
Archibald MacLeish. Do you believe that your accessibility and association
with the spirit of the 1960's has adversely affected critics and
academics' regard for your work?
Do you believe generally that a writer's persona (and particularly so in
the case of the poet) can influence critical evaluation of an artist's
work's? And finally, do you care what the critics have to say? With best
regards -- Alex Stein
Dear Alex: Thanks for the kind thoughts and the august company you’ve
placed me in. A long time ago I wrote, “I’d rather be a poet read than one
who postures for posterity.” Over the years my thoughts on how the
academics have treated me hasn’t changed.
Let’s be honest; if you believe what the critics say about you your head
could grow big as a basketball (pro) or small as a lemon (con). As a
writer and performer I’ve had my share of Hosanna’s and Harrumphs but I
always have to please the most important and only critic that matters; my
own expectations of myself. That’s difficult enough without having to
worry about what the critics who get paid by the inch and smile think.
A writer writes because he feels he has something to say so I’m grateful
that I have a wide and diverse audience. I never take my readers for
granted. The further along the way I go the harder I try to be a better
writer.
There’s no question that over the years my so-called ‘persona’ has, more
often than not, been reviewed as or instead of my poetry. It gives those
who know me a good laugh. Me? I don’t apologize for either my lifestyle or
my work. I have no complaints and no recriminations toward anyone. Art,
literature and music are a matter of taste. People either like what I do
or they do not. You can’t imagine how much I appreciate that; give me
passion over indifference every time. To those who go along with either
the pro or con pact without really reading or listening to my work, well
there is room in this world for sheep too.
In an atmosphere that only allows you success if you specialize I’ve been
able to excel in several fields so there’s no cause for me to bitch.
There’s no question that each of us would prefer to see our names next to
only friendly adjectives, but that’s not the way life works.
Poetry in America is a pretty closed shop. The academics are reluctant to
give the outsider an inch. Ah, but they all want to have dinner with me.
Love, Rod
FROM A STUDENT AT JHS
Dear Rod
McKuen, I am a high school student and my name is Kaley. We are just in
the progress of learning and studying the unique original writing of
poetry. As my teacher handed out a list of authors to do our studies on, I
chose you after reviewing many poems by many authors. To me your poetry is
so defined and direct. Awesome job!
I went on the Internet to begin the project. Our project is to give a
biography of you, write about a scenario, create a portfolio, and present
a poem that we fell in love with. In the beginning of my research I came
to the "Rod McKuen" site. As I was looking through the poems I found
"self-pity". An amazing discovery. I would really like to know what
triggered your heart to write such a deep poem. "When darkness falls it
falls forever" (Rod McKuen).
What ever triggered you to write poetry in the first place? I would also
like to know your favorite poem? Why it is your favorite? I would just
like to know more about you. What kind of poetic tools do you use? Kaley
Mitchell
Dear Kaley, Thanks for your letter and for deciding to make me the subject
of your project. I’ll do what I can to help. First off I’m sending you a
longer and more detailed biography than what is currently available on
this site. (Note: Ken will be substituting this version for the old one
soon.)
The more I think about it the less sure I am that any writer can tell you
why it is he or she is driven to write. I think we write because we have
to. A singer doesn’t sing because he knows the songs, he sings to learn
them and then to pass them on to others. I have always written and can’t
imagine not being able to do so in the future.
It’s hard to choose my favorite poem but one that always comes to mind is
Yeats’ “The Song of the Wandering Angus.” The language in it is so simple
and direct. The lyricism in his longing is almost heartbreaking. It sings.
The Song of the Wandering Angus
By William Butler Yeats
I went out to the hazel wood,
Because a fire was in my head
And cut and peeled a hazel wand,
And hooked a berry to a thread:
And when white moths were on the wing,
And moth-like stars were flickering out,
I dropped a berry in a stream
And caught a little silver trout.
When I had laid it on the floor
I went to blow the fire aflame,
But something rustled on the floor,
And someone called me by my name;
It had become a glimmering girl
With apple blossom in her hair
Who called me by my name and ran
And faded through the brightening air.
Though I am old with wandering
Through hollow lands and hilly lands;
I will find out where she has gone,
And kiss her lips and take her hands;
And walk among long dappled grass,
And pluck till time and times are done
The silver apples of the moon,
The golden apples of the sun.
- by W, B, Yeats from “The Wind Among the Reeds,” 1899
My lyrics to “An Isle in the Water” are a direct paraphrase of Yeats “To
An Isle In The Water” and there’s no doubt that one of my early songs,
“The Voyeur” has its roots in “The Song of the Wandering Angus".
The Voyeur
While walking in a lonely wood
I saw a big man fall a tree
his muscles bulging in the sun
he never said hello to me.
Once in a grey green meadow land
I saw a girl with yellow hair
she didn’t pause to speak my name
or even know that I was there.
Some children playing in the street
and bouncing balls against the wall
went right on playing in the street
and never noticed me at all.
I’ve been a stranger all my life
to everything and every one
just passing through this lonely world
until my journeying is done.
-by Rod McKuen, 1959
Another poem I’m partial to is Edna St. Vincent Millay’s “Renascence”. I
have a favorite recording of it as read by Judith Anderson. Again I’m
stricken by the plainness of the language and how Millay is able to
communicate a number of basic emotions in just a few lines. Here’s the
first verse:
Renascence (extract)
by Edna St. Vincent Millay
All I could see from where I stood
Was three long mountains and a wood;
I turned and looked another way,
And saw three islands in the bay.
So with my eyes I traced the line
Of the horizon thin and fine,
Straight around till I was come
Back to where I’d started from;
And all I could see from where I stood
Was three long mountains and a wood
-from “Renascence & Other Poems,” 1917
I like “Song of the Wandering Angus” and “Renascence” enough to have set
them both to music; for singing, not reading. On the surface these poems
deal with nature and even a cursory reading of my poetry or a
representative earful of the songs I write indicate my own preoccupation
with nature and the ethereal.
I consider Shakespeare, Whitman, Auden, Amy Lowell, e. e. cummings,
Sandburg, Dickinson, Donne, Frost, Blake and Langston Hughes not only my
ancestors but direct relations to (and of) some of the best contemporary
American poets. That list would include James Merrill, Adrienne Rich,
Elizabeth Bishop, Donald Hall, Robert Duncan, Robert Pinsky, Nikki
Giovanni, Randall Jarrell, Amy Clampitt and so many others (the trouble
with naming names is you always leave out some of the most important
ones.)
I owe much to French songwriters including Jacques Brel, Leo Feré, Georges
Moustaki, Barbara, Frank Thomas and Aznavour all of whom I’ve had the good
fortune to collaborate with in one form or another. French poetry has had
an effect on me too, particularly the works of Appollinaire, Baudelaire,
Rimbaud, Jacques Prevert and Georges Brassons. Spanish literature,
historical as well as modern, has produced great writers. I’m impressed by
ancient and contemporary Russian, Chinese and Japanese verse.
What I’ve learned and continue to find out every day about life I consider
my principle writing tools. But let’s face it, I’m sure owning a good
thesaurus would be a great benefit to my poetry.
I wrote “Self-Pity” to remind myself not to indulge in it. For a long time
I suffered from chronic depression and only began my long recovery from it
by asking the question, “What do I have to be depressed about?” The answer
was nothing. Life is far too short for all of us, if you are ‘down’ about
something get over it. Self-pity is a luxury I just don’t have time to
indulge in. One of the worst forms of beating up on yourself is not taking
responsibility for your own actions. The quicker we learn that each of us
is responsible for the circumstances good or bad that we find ourselves in
the faster we can successfully appreciate and deal with them. Besides
there are others – some we don’t even know - who are willing to kick us
around without our having to do so ourselves.
Once I knew where I wanted to go with the poem “Self-Pity" the words came
easily. I’m pleased that you like “Self-Pity” and I‘ve chosen to print it
below as today’s poem.
I hope all this has been of some help to you Kaley and I would very much
like to see your report once you’ve finished it. Good luck and warmest
regards, Rod
MUSIC FOR GUARDIAN ANGELS
I do
like "Music for Guardian Angels", I know of most of the origins of the
tracks but the "Plains of My Country" is new to me. Do you have any
information on this subject?
I thank you for your assistance, Robert Jackson.
Rod: “Music for Guardian Angels” is my favorite CD. Not just my favorite
McKuen CD but my all time favorite album by anyone. I always loved your
songs and poetry but I think your instrumental music goes far beyond
anything else you have ever created. Thanks and I hope we see more
instrumental discs by you soon. Respectfully, Ralph Sanger
Dear Mr. McKuen: I’m planning to send copies of “Music for Guardian
Angels” to everyone on my Christmas list. Doris Bohr
Dear Doris, Robert & Ralph: The extract from “The Plains of My Country” is
taken from a ballet I wrote with the same name. It was first performed at
Point Park College in Pennsylvania. The choreography was by Nicholas Petrov. The complete ballet suite hasn’t come out on CD but the LP is
still available from Stanyan By Mail. More instrumental music is in the
pipeline; “Written in the Stars” & “Something Beyond" will be combined on
one disc & Vol. II of “Guardian Angels" is on the way. Thanks for the votes
of confidence. Warmly, Rod.
AUTHOR NEEDED
Hi Mr.
McKuen, I hope this letter finds you well. I'm an independent
singer/songwriter from Orlando FL. I also happen to be the publishing
coordinator for Trans Continental Records here in Orlando. Trans
Continental is the company that started the BackStreet Boys, "NSYNC,
O-Town, LFO and many of the other "pop" groups out there.
I, on the other hand, take more of a James Taylor story teller approach
with my songs. My biggest achievement thus far has been to write and
perform the theme song for the "2001" Special Olympics World Winter Games.
(check my site for details www.jackkapanka.com ).
Now that you have an idea of where I'm coming from, I'm hoping you can
help me with something. I recently wrote a song about mother earth for
NASA called "Home To Me". At the end of the song I would like to recite a
poem that I learned
as a child and have lived by ever since. I was told that you are the
author. Please let me know if this is correct.
We are all children of the universe No less then the trees or the stars We
have a right to be here Therefore be at peace with God What ever you
conceive him to be And remember Despite its pain drudgery and broken
dreams It's still a beautiful world Always strive to be happy.
This poem pretty much sums up every point I'm trying to make with my song.
At this time in history, this song and poem need to be out there. If you
can help, I would really appreciate any and all assistance. Thank you for
your time. Sincerely, Jack Kapanka, Publishing Coordinator, Trans
Continental Records
Dear Jack: Sorry, but the poem you quoted isn’t one of mine. I’m printing
your letter however in hopes that someone who reads this might be able to
give some help.
All the best of luck and especially good fortune with your song writing.
It sounds as if you are off to a good start. Warmly, Rod
STANYAN STREET
Hello! I
am hoping that someone will be able to answer a question for me! I am
writing on behalf of my mother, Mary Ann. She is a huge fan of Rod's and
has been for many years. Apparently, I was conceived while she and my
father listened to Rod's records in the early 70's.
I live in Ontario, Canada, and would like to find the record Stanyan
Street and Other Sorrows for a special gift for my mother. Could you tell
me where I could find it? I have done many searches both on the Internet
and in music stores and I can't find it. I think it was a double
record...I hope you can help! By the way, I am 29 years old myself and I
am a great admirer of Rod's honest and touching poetry. My favorite book
of poetry is Listen to the Warm. Sincerely, Sandra
Dear Sandra: Gee, you make me feel like a partial parent. The album of
“Stanyan Street & Other Sorrows” was only available for a short time as
part of a three record set on Warner Bros. Records entitled “The Essential
Rod McKuen.” The set also included an LP each devoted to “Listen to the
Warm” and “Moment to Moment.”
I think your best bet would be to order the CD “Speaking of Love” which
contains many recordings your mother will be familiar with including
several selections from “Stanyan Street & Other Sorrows.” Affection to you
and remember me to your mom. Rod
AVAILABLE CD’S
I have a
set of records that are from a collection containing The Sea I believe. It
is very worn and the cover is in bad shape. What I am wondering is....has
any of your recordings been re-done on CD? I have yet to find one. Thanks
so much for the joy your poems have given many people! Sincerely, Tess
Dear Tess, My CD’s available from Stanyan By Mail include:
The Platinum Collection
Early Harvest
Speaking of Love
At The Movies
Listen to the Warm
Beatsville
Music for Guardian Angels
Beautiful Music to Love By
and the Book & Double CD set “A Safe Place to Land.”
Unfortunately many of my discs have already gone out of print including
“Sold Out at Carnegie Hall, “Lonesome Cities”, the four “Greatest Hits”
discs, “Without a Worry in the World,” “New Carols for Christmas,”
“ConcertoWorks” and “After Midnight.” Most discs are pressed in somewhat
limited editions and once they are gone, that’s usually it. That’s the bad
news.
The good news is that we are working on re-issuing many of my best selling
albums on CD including the entire RCA catalog and a series of discs
containing 2 albums each of the material I recorded for Warner Bros. First
up in January is “New Ballads” & “The Beautiful Strangers” on a single
disc. Kindest Regards, Rod
A NOTE FROM KEN
Hi Rod: Two
things to think about.
1. I
think our 30 days of flying the flag are up. How about a new pic of you?
2. Our "Unpublished Poetry" section is now hopelessly out of date seeing
as all the poems currently contained therein have now been published.
Anything new we can replace them with?
Blue Skies, Ken
Dear Ken: Edward plans to take some new pictures tomorrow. Have a two week
growth of beard since I shaved it back in order to have a new growth for
“Tap Your Troubles Away” on the 11th.
I agree with you on the poetry. Am working on (and going through the
trunk) for some new things for you to post. Luv, R.
I hope your weekend was a good one and as my Sunday afternoon here in
California comes to an end & I get ready to watch “60 Minutes,” “Band of
Brothers,” a “Sopranos” re-run or two and assorted Crime Shows, I send my
best for a productive week. Sleep warm.
RM 10/28/2001 Previously
unpublished
THE FINAL
WORD
Even when
faced with the murderous madness of criminals, and in the presence of the
silent agony of their victims, it is incumbent upon us to choose between
escape and solidarity, shame and honor. The terrorists have chosen shame.
We choose honor.
–Elie Wiesel (Source: Parade
Magazine 28 October, 2001)
Details of Rod's next
appearance can be obtained by following the link below.
"Tap
Your Troubles Away" - the music of Jerry Herman
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