Urban Safari- Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards

Inspired by Bruce Cockburn’s Wondering where the Lions are. Reimagined it being written as a Beat Poet rant only Bob Dylan can deliver.

In the heart of the city’s rhythm, 

where the pulse is a syncopated melody, 

you’re on a nocturnal odyssey, 

a modern-day quest for elusive kings of a different jungle. 

The cityscape becomes your savannah, 

skyscrapers the cliffs, 

and street-lamps the stars casting a dim glow on this urban safari.

The moon, your troubadour, 

croons tales of asphalt and dreams, 

as you navigate the alleys 

and boulevards with the swagger of a midnight cowboy. 

The city, your canvas, 

paints a chiaroscuro of shadows and neon lights, and 

you’re the lone poet seeking verses written in paw prints on concrete.

As you traverse the labyrinth of urban decay, 

you hear the whispers of the nocturnal orchestra

—the distant sirens, 

the haunting harmonicas of blues, 

and the echoes of footsteps creating a jazz percussion on deserted streets. 

Each alley becomes a stanza, 

each abandoned warehouse a chapter 

in this noir novel where the lions are the protagonists, 

elusive and mysterious.

You question the night, 

as if it were a wise oracle, 

seeking the whereabouts of these spectral felines. 

Are they concealed in the mist of forgotten dreams, 

or do they share secrets with alley cats 

who dance through the night 

like shadows in a smoky ballroom?

Your journey, a sweaty serenade, 

captures the essence of this concrete wilderness. 

With each step, you’re chasing ghost notes, 

searching for the resonant roar that echoes through the empty boulevards. 

The city’s heart beats slow and low, 

a rhythmic pulse that guides your steps through the darkened streets.

In this carnival of urban decay, you’re a wanderer, 

a speaker of stories written in the paw prints of the city’s enigmatic lions. 

The impresario would nod in approval, 

for you’ve embraced the nocturnal symphony 

and become a participant in the gritty ballad of the concrete jungle. 

Artist Statement:

“Urban Safari” is a poetic and evocative song that blends elements of beat poetry with the musical sensibilities of artists like Bruce Cockburn and Bob Dylan..

Lyrics and Imagery:

The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a nocturnal journey through the urban landscape. It utilizes rich imagery and metaphorical language to describe the city as a modern-day wilderness, with skyscrapers as cliffs and street lamps as stars. The use of personification, such as describing the moon as a troubadour crooning tales, adds depth to the imagery.

Rhythm and Meter:

The rhythmic structure of the song is akin to spoken word poetry, with a fluidity that mimics the natural cadence of conversation. While it doesn’t adhere strictly to a traditional meter, it maintains a steady flow that enhances the storytelling aspect of the lyrics. The use of enjambment, where lines flow seamlessly into each other without pause, contributes to the song’s rhythmic momentum.

Rhyme Scheme and Repetition:

The song employs a loose rhyme scheme, with occasional end rhymes that add musicality to the verses. However, the focus is more on creating an atmosphere through the repetition of key phrases and motifs, such as “urban safari” and “concrete wilderness.” This repetition serves to reinforce the central theme of the song while also lending it a sense of structure and cohesion.

Instrumentation and Arrangement:

While the lyrics provide the foundation of the song, the arrangement and instrumentation play a crucial role in enhancing its emotional impact. The use of sparse instrumentation, perhaps consisting of acoustic guitar or piano, would complement the intimate and introspective nature of the lyrics. Subtle embellishments, such as atmospheric sounds or subdued percussion, could further accentuate the urban landscape depicted in the song.

Themes and Symbolism:

At its core, it explores themes of exploration, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a modern world. The city serves as both a physical backdrop and a metaphorical landscape, where the protagonist embarks on a quest for elusive truths and encounters the ghosts of urban life. The imagery of lions and nocturnal creatures symbolizes the untamed spirit of the city dwellers and the perceived mysteries that lie within their streets.

Conclusion:

“Urban Safari” is a blend of poetry and music that invites listeners on a journey through the labyrinthine streets of the urban jungle. With its evocative imagery, rhythmic cadence, and introspective themes, the song offers reflection on the human experience and the enigmatic rhythms of modern life. It stands as a testament to the power of storytelling through song.