I went down to the river,
I set down on the bank.
I tried to think but couldn't,
So I jumped in and sank.
I came up once and hollered!
I came up twice and cried!
If that water hadn't a-been so cold
I might've sunk and died.
But it was Cold in that water! It was cold!
I took the elevator
Sixteen floors above the ground.
I thought about my baby
And thought I would jump down.
I stood there and I hollered!
I stood there and I cried!
If it hadn't a-been so high
I might've jumped and died.
But it was High up there! It was high!
So since I'm still here livin',
I guess I will live on.
I could've died for love—
But for livin' I was born
Though you may hear me holler,
And you may see me cry—
I'll be dogged, sweet baby,
If you gonna see me die.
Life is fine! Fine as wine! Life is fine!
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From guest myself (contact)
okay...I think I get why he wrote "if the water hadn't a-been so cold..." I didn't get it at first, but now I think I do. Did he just mean that as his wake up call? That it jolted him, like a slap across the face? Hm...still don't think I quite get this poem. Still like it, though -
From guest Morgan (contact)
It is a great poem and always will be. I dont think Langston could have written it any better. An awesome use of words as well as positioning them. Langston Hughes must have been a great and intelligent man in his days. If he were still around today i'd want to meet him. -
This is one of my most favorite poems by Langston. I have performed this poem on many ocassions. It makes me smile, and leaves me with a wonderful sense of well being.
Renee
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hi maam!
you said that the poem "life is fine" is one of your favorite poem...can i ask if u know what is the meaning of the poem?what kind of emotion the narrator show...the persona...please reply to my email address nilmerg_15@yahoo.com
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Hues was a man of integrity who knew his heart and that love was stronger than fear. Rigorous honesty kept him that way.
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its good. but, uh... i dont get it. maybe thats just because im dumb.. lol
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I absolutely love Langston Hughes! His work is amazing and I am so inspired by him. This poem is really good because he's saying that he will live life no matter what happens to him. Everyone should feel that way!
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This is so lovely...Life has so many ups and downs...but this poem taught me not to give up...life is fine..no matter how many problems we encounter each day..there's always a reason to survive..and that's how we were born..to live!!Hurray to Mr. Langston Hughes!
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Such a lovely flow to this poem. Hughes was truly great back in his time and he still is. I've always liked his poetry, such a hint of truth and a bit of musical bounce in them.
~CT -
This is a GR8 example of why Hughes is one of America's...no, the World's great poets.
Very accessible style of writing = more readers. Or it should, anyway. -
nice old piece here witha very musical quality
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