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The Ballad Of The Landlord


Landlord, landlord,
My roof has sprung a leak.
Don't you 'member I told you about it
Way last week?

Landlord, landlord,
These steps is broken down.
When you come up yourself
It's a wonder you don't fall down.

Ten Bucks you say I owe you?
Ten Bucks you say is due?
Well, that's Ten Bucks more'n I'l pay you
Till you flx this house up new.

What? You gonna get eviction orders?
You gonna cut off my heat?
You gonna take my furniture and
Throw it in the street?

Um-huh! You talking high and mighty.
Talk on-till you get through.
You ain't gonn a be able to say a word
If I land my fist on you.

Police! Police!
Come and get this man!
He's trying to ruin the government
And overturn the land!

Copper's whistle!
Patrol bell!
Arrest.
Precinct Station.
Iron cell.
Headlines in press:
MAN THREATENS LANDLORD
TENANT HELD NO BAIL
JUDGE GIVES NEGRO 90 DAYS IN COUNTY JAIL!

Notes

From THE LANGSTON HUGHES READER, p. 101, © 1957.
This poem by Langston Hughes grew out of conditions in New York City’s Harlem in the 1930’s. In graphic terms it describes the escalation of anger and frustration that Black tenants experienced trying to get landlords to make basic repairs. It is structured like an old time blues song.
Charley Noble

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Comments

1 - 8 of 8

  • July 1
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    Great

    From guest Edward (contact)
    I performed this poem came in first place when is was about 11 or 12. I almost forgot who wrote it!!!!


  • December 17, 2007
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    The Ballad of a Landlord

    From guest Brandon Richardson (contact)
    This,in my view, is one of the greatest poems ever written, and is my absolute favorite


  • December 5, 2007
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    The Ballad of the Landlord

    From guest Jacqueline Newton-Green (contact)
    In 1975, as a 8th grade student in Birmigham, Alabama, I was assigned to recite this poem for the Black History program and I never forgot it. I love sharing it with everyone I know because it's message is so powerful!


  • November 6, 2007
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    Ballard of the Landlord

    From guest Ms. Ragsdale (contact)
    I feel in love with this poem when it was first introduced to me by my sister. Even as a child I remember acting this poem out the was I visiualized it in my head. It was refreshing being about to teach it to my students and allowing them to be able to learn and feel this reality of this poem.


  • July 21, 2007
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    Ballard of the Landlord

    From guest SMW (contact)
    Thank you so very much. I performed this in 1977 when I was 14. I wanted to see did I remember to pass it on, & i did!! Loe this site. I will visit again & pass it on.


  • June 20, 2007
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    it contemporary in my country

    From guest bwire egesa (contact)


  • May 18, 2007
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    The ballad of the landlord

    From guest A. Granchi (contact)
    I am an eighth grade teacher and I am pleased to say I discovered this particular langston Hughes poem through a student who hand-copied it and presented it to me. Now it is a regular part of the poetry curriculum!


  • January 19, 2007
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    From guest bobby (contact)
    i love this poem i read it everyday when i applied for military school it asked me if i could meet one person who would it be i said it would be langston hughes


  • williamstown
    November 26, 2006

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    Nineteen thirties? I don`t think conditions are a whole lot better today. This is a sad poem but the writer can find a touch of humour with his words which is the sign of a master.


    • Charley Noble Moderators member
      November 26, 2006
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      I certainly agree with you. The poem is structured in the form of a blues song, and one of my good friends actually channeled the tune when we recorded it for Folkways Records in the 1970's; the recording is now available via Smithsonian Recordings and is titled WE WON'T MOVE!

      Charley Noble


  • October 26, 2006
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    I LOVE THIS POEM

    From guest Kellee Watts (contact)
    This was a poem that I had to remmber went I was in school and I still love it to this day.

  • sanmdr
    July 28, 2006
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    I would say illiteracy and poverty... are the only hurdles to fight any kind of social injustice and for their voices to be heard... not just discrimination of dark skinned people...







    • Charley Noble Moderators member
      July 28, 2006
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      Discrimination?

      But am I mistakened that in the period when this poem was composed that "dark skinned people" were discriminated against on the basis of race or ethnicity? I would agree that "illiteracy and poverty" compound discrimination but I believe that Langston Hughes' poem "The Ballad Of The Landlord" echoes the truth of the time, and that truth lingers on to the present day.

      Charley Noble


  • Nobody126
    April 10, 2006
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    very beautiful

    this poem is on of the leading example of the social injustice in society.where poor is getting poorer and the rich and the fudals are getting stronger and stronger.


  • megapenguinx
    April 4, 2006
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    Great

    This poem is a perfect look upon racism. I especially liked the twist at the end.


    • Charley Noble Moderators member
      April 12, 2006
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      Singing Version

      Back in the late 1970's I was co-producing an album entitle WE WON'T MOVE and we recorded this poem. A friend, Ray Kamalay, worked it up as a regular blues arrangement but we were all curious what would happen when he got to the last few lines where the rhythm changes. He nailed it perfectly. The album was distributed by Folkways Records and is now available on special order via Smithsonian.

      Charley Noble

  • stephanielucas651
    March 16, 2006
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    I like it

    easy to read

1 - 8 of 8