The Sinking City – Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards

Inspired by Spirit of the West’s Venice is Sinking. Re-imagined in what I think Woody Guthry might have done, had he wrote this as a folk song.

When the City of Canals takes a leisurely plunge, 

and the lagoon’s embrace deepens 

like a ballad sung in bourbon-soaked twilight, 

you’ll hear the echoes of a submerged serenade. 

The gondolas dance upon submerged streets, 

and the sinking symphony orchestrates a watery waltz.

Beneath the liquid mask of La Serenissima, 

where the moonlight refracts in aquatic lullabies, 

the aqua altar whispers secrets to the sunken bricks. 

In the sunsets drowned by salty tears, 

you’ll find a reflection of the melancholy, 

an elegy sung by the aqua altar.

Oh, Venice, the submerged siren, 

your sighs resonate in the undertow, 

and the canals cradle memories in sunken palazzos. 

Like a shipwrecked melody washed ashore, 

the minstrel troupe echoes through submerged alleyways, 

and the rippling tides bear witness to the poetic descent 

of a city ensnared by aquatic fate.

Artist Statement:

“The Sinking City” is a folk-inspired song that draws upon the thematic elements of Venice’s gradual descent into the water. Inspired by Spirit of the West’s “Venice is Sinking” and imagined in the style of Woody Guthrie, the song captures the emotional essence of a city engulfed by its aquatic fate.

Lyrics and Imagery:

The lyrics evoke vivid imagery of Venice’s submerged streets and canals. The opening lines, “When the City of Canals takes a leisurely plunge,” set the stage for a narrative of gradual submersion. The use of phrases like “ballad sung in bourbon-soaked twilight” and “submerged serenade” imbues the song with a sense of calm at the eventual fate of the city.

Musical Structure:

Given its folk-inspired nature, the song likely follows a traditional verse-chorus structure. The verses unfold the story of Venice sinking beneath the water, while the chorus, if present, may serve as a refrain that reinforces the central theme.

Instrumentation:

Instrumentation in folk music often includes acoustic guitars, perhaps supplemented by other string instruments like fiddles or mandolins. The choice of instrumentation should reflect the atmosphere of the song, with sparse arrangements allowing the lyrics to take center stage.

Melodic and Harmonic Elements:

The melody should be emotive and plaintive, reflecting the sorrowful narrative of Venice’s decline. Minor keys and modal scales can enhance the song’s melancholic mood. Harmonically, simple chord progressions may be employed, allowing for emphasis on the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.

Vocal Delivery:

The vocal delivery should convey the emotional weight of the lyrics, with a sense of introspection and lamentation. Variations in dynamics and phrasing can help to accentuate key moments in the song, such as the chorus or particularly poignant verses.

Narrative and Themes:

The narrative revolves around the theme of an aristocratic disaffectionate reaction towards a casual decay, as Venice succumbs to the water. The lyrics explore the city’s submerged beauty, drawing parallels between its watery depths and the depths of human emotion. Themes of nostalgia, longing, and acceptance permeate the song, creating a poignant reflection on the passage of time.