I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.
Langston HughesRead
Jazz, to me, is one of the inherent expressions of Negro life in America: the eternal tom-tom beating in the Negro soul - the tom-tom of revolt against weariness in a white world, a world of subway trains, and work, work, work; the tom-tom of joy and laughter, and pain swallowed in a smile.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Jazz symbolizes the profound expression of African American life, reflecting both joy and struggle.
In this quote, Langston Hughes captures the essence of jazz music as an authentic expression of African American culture. He describes jazz as the heartbeat of the Negro experience, representing both the struggle against societal challenges and the ability to find joy and beauty in life despite adversity. It conveys the duality of laughter and pain, highlighting the resilience and creativity that emerge from a rich cultural heritage.
Themes
JazzNegro LifeExpressionResilienceCulture
In practice
Example use cases
During a presentation on the impact of jazz on American culture, this quote beautifully illustrates the connection between music and identity.
More from Langston Hughes
All quotes →My writing has been largely concerned with the depicting of Negro life in America.
Langston HughesRead
I tire so of hearing people say, Let things take their course. Tomorrow is another day. I do not need my freedom when I'm dead. I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.
Langston HughesRead
An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose.
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The calm, Cool face of the river, Asked me for a kiss
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The only way to get a thing done is to start to do it, then keep on doing it, and finally you'll finish it.
Langston HughesRead
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