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During National Poetry Month, we can’t help but include the celebration of music as well. The marriage of music and poetry go hand in hand in terms of lyrics and accompaniment. During the History of Rock class that some of our co-workers are taking, the question was posed: “What songs do you feel everyone should know?” We loved this idea and asked our own library faculty and staff, “What 3 songs do you think every student should know?” Here are some of the answers we collected; these are an eclectic mix of tunes. Enjoy!

Kerry:

1. “My Way” (1969) by Frank Sinatra
2. “Man in the Mirror” (1988) by Michael Jackson
3. “What a Wonderful World” (1967) by Louis Armstrong

I chose these songs because, for me, they represent the importance of self-reflection, growth, change, and to appreciate the ups and downs that come our way. Even in the hard moments, there is learning and growth. Also, in today’s world with the constant presence and pressure of social media posts, it is incredibly important to know that none of that matters – taking care of ourselves, being our best self through growth and learning, and practicing gratitude are more fulfilling and real.

Amanda:

Here are three songs that highlight the marriage of poetry and music that should be known by every student, in no particular order:

1. “Dancing Barefoot” (1979) by Patti Smith: The godmother of punk brings us a dreamy lyrical song with a hard rock edge and a spoken word ending.
2. “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” (1971) by Gil Scott-Heron: This is a poem spoken over some very funky music. It is powerful commentary of social injustice and influenced a generation of hip-hop. Still very relevant.
3. “Strange Fruit” (1939) by Billie Holiday: Billie Holiday's performance is probably the most well know version of this poem turned song. Haunting and heart-wrenching.

Kelly:

1. “Eleanor Rigby” (1966) by the Beatles: I think it's important for students to think about others who might feel lonely and isolated, especially during this crazy time. “Eleanor Rigby” is powerful both instrumentally as a departure from traditional pop rock music of its time, but also thematically due to its lyrics highlighting the loneliness of the elderly.
2. “Do You Feel” (2007) by the Rocket Summer: “Do You Feel” encourages the listener to think about actions over lip service and how to better the world.
3. “Blackbird” (1966) by Nina Simone: This is an important song that speaks to the struggles of black women, struggles that continue even 50 plus years later.

Jenna:

1. “I Know the End” (2020) by Phoebe Bridgers: Every student should know this song because it reflects coming of age in the 21st century. Phoebe sings about leaving the places and people you are familiar with, going into an uncertain and at times apocalyptic future, and reinventing yourself.
2. “Mystery of Love” (2017) by Sufjan Stevens: This song perfectly encapsulates the wonder and pain in the experience of falling in love with someone new and reflecting on the past relationship after a breakup.
3. “Joy” (2019) by Bastille: “Joy” celebrates the importance of friendships and relationships in one’s life. This song is about being in dark places mentally but being able to come out of this by reaching out for help and relief from those around you.

Cathleen:

1. “Fancy” by Bobbie Gentry (1969)/Reba McEntire (1990): Bobbie Gentry wrote this song as the Women’s Movement was gearing up in our nation. When really listening to the rags-to-riches story, the listener will come to understand that the mother knows the only way for her daughter, Fancy, to rise out of poverty is to become a prostitute (remember the timeframe when women had limited opportunities). The development of Fancy’s self-empowerment and her understanding of her mother’s motives is impressive. Reba McEntire’s re-release was just as powerful as the original.
2. “Zombie” (1993) by The Cranberries: A song by the Irish alternative band which pays tribute to two children who died when the IRA set bombs off in the town of Warrington, England, in 1993 to protest occupied Northern Ireland by the UK. The late lead singer, Dolores O’Riordan, titled it “Zombie” because the IRA’s fight continues, never seeming to end. Dolores O’Riordan had an extremely powerful voice, as well.
3. “Circle” (1988) by Edie Brickell & the New Bohemians: Friends come and friends go throughout our lifetime. Sometimes it’s hard to keep good ones; it’s easier to give up. But the desire to not-let-go is human nature; we want to be alone, then we want our “circle” around us. The song seems to emanate with despair and exhaustion from trying too hard to keep that “circle of friends.” The haunting instrumental music really sets the tone of the song.

Gary:

1. “Wretched World” (2009) by Converge: If you ask me to name my favorite band, Converge will be my frequent answer. They never stop evolving, but each painful change doesn’t feel forced. They remain authentically urgent. While much of their catalog is some of the heaviest, complex, and abrasive material I’ve encountered, they’re not afraid to expose emotions dealing with loss. “Wretched World” is crushing! It helped me face and deal with one of the most difficult things I’ve ever experienced. I hope this might help someone else the same way it helped me.
2. “Get Better” (2015) by Frank Turner: After experiencing a song as heavy and emotional as “Wretched World,” you might need something that acknowledges the wreckage you just experienced but helps you to rebuild. Frank Turner’s, “Get Better,” should do the trick. The driving drum beat, a simple riff, thumping bass, uplifting piano, and charming British vocals are absolutely inspiring. The words fill me with joyful motivation and determination. Is there a wall you need to get over? This song is going to help you get over it and turn it into rubble!
3. “Colossus” (2018) by IDLES: IDLES! A complete experience! Their live shows are probably the loudest I’ve witnessed. Colossus is an assault on toxic masculinity that’s been passed down for generations. The build-up on this track is amazing!

Walt:

1. “Gimme Shelter” (1969) by the Rolling Stones: Merry Clayton gives a devastatingly emotional performance in her duet with Mick Jagger in this song that is increasingly relevant again.
2. “Jolene” (1974) by Dolly Parton: If you don’t know this song then you won’t get the parody of it that Dolly herself made when she got her Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the one for which she helped fund the research.
3. “Both Sides Now” (1966) by Joni Mitchell: At first it sounds a little corny, but then you realize that it is one of the most perfect examples of song writing for all time.

Lynne:

1. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (1939) by Judy Garland: Your dreams can come true.
2. “Joy” (2018) by for KING & COUNTRY: Put joy and in your heart and you will look at the world in a different perspective.
3. “Man In the Mirror” (1988) by Michael Jackson: If you want to make the world a better place, start by changing yourself.

Blog post written by Jenn O'Leary

Christian Sammartino: What is your major and what are some of the goals you want to accomplish during your career at WCU?

Karen Mercy: My major at WCU is French and English. What I want to complete in my time at WCU is to impact as many people as humanly possible because I want to make a difference and help others. 

CS: Who have some of your mentors been since you came to WCU and what impact have they had on you?

KM: Molly Scollo, she helped me realize that all it takes to leave an impact on people and your surroundings was by getting involved in your school. When you are involved, you are actively changing how your campus and community look by every action you take.

CS: What inspired you to run for Student Government Association liaison to University Libraries?

KM: I made amazing memories at the library with my friends and working on group projects. I wanted other peers and students to experience that joy of working in the library. 

CS: What are some of your duties as SGA liaison to the libraries?

KM: My duties of being a senator consist of thinking of better ways of improving the library that students are aware of the resources being offered. I also want students’ feedback about how we can improve our library, the resources and the technology.

CS: What are some of your favorite memories in the library?

KM: I was meeting with my friend in the beginning of the semester and she told me how unproductive she felt when the library closed early all the time this Fall Semester. I took her complaint to my associate, Amy Ward, and we were able to change the time when the library closed. 

CS: What advice would you give your peers about using the library?

KM: The library is a fun place to hang out and get work done when you are with friends all enjoying each other’s company. If you can’t work with your friends, the library offers a safe place to get your work done in a timely fashion where you can listen to your music in peace. The library also has anything you would need for your success.  

CS: What is a recent experience you had with a librarian?

KM: When I asked her for some flash cards, and she went out of her way to go downstairs and give me more than I needed for my presentation. I really liked that a lot because she could’ve just blown me off, but she didn’t, and I appreciate it.  The flash cards really helped me out a lot, too. 

Movies about poetry? Yes, here are some films with a focus on poetry and poets in honor of National Poetry Month.

Dead Poets Society – It’s hard to believe this film was released over thirty years ago. If you haven’t seen it, you should. Robin Williams, may he rest in peace, plays John Keating, an English teacher at an all-boys prep school in the late 50’s. He is the English teacher every student should have at least once  –  enthusiastic, creative, with a deep concern for his students. I admit the plot of Dead Poets Society is a bit predictable and the film is heavy with sentimentality, but the actors give such genuine performances the movie better than the sum of its parts.  

Poetic Justice – Janet Jackson is the title character Justice LaRue, a young hairstylist who has been living alone in South Central LA and grieving the shooting death of her boyfriend. She has isolated herself and is just getting by; she goes to work and writes poetry. When Justice’s car breaks down leaving her without a way to get to an important hair show in Oakland, she agrees to go on a road trip with her friend Iesha Ashley (Regina King), Iesha’s boyfriend, Chicago, and his buddy, Lucky, in his mail truck. The movie then becomes a road trip film; Iesha and Chicago fall out and Justice and Lucky fall in love. There are side trips along the way and Justice’s poetry features throughout. This is not a favorite for me, but it is a cult classic. The acting is strong, but I found the background music intrusive and repetitive. Also, there seems to be something missing between the end of the road trip part of the movie and the final scene.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? - Loosely based on the Homeric poem, “The Odyssey,” this playful comedy stars George Clooney as 1930’s chain-gang runaway, Ulysses Everett McGill. To escape, he tells the two men shackled to him, Delmar O'Donnell (Tim Blake Nelson), and Pete Hogwallop (John Turturro), about the loot he buried. They’re off; hijinks ensue. There are some scenes that parallel “The Odyssey,” but it is very loosely based. This film is full of fantastic bluegrass, blues, and folk music that just make the movie. The soundtrack won album of the year at the Grammys and has sold more than 8 million copies.

Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise – I’ve been trying to highlight our DVD collection, but I really wanted to include this documentary on Maya Angelou. Available on Films on Demand, this PBS American Masters biography is centered around a lengthy interview with Maya herself, interspersed with photos, clips of older documentaries, pieces of her writing, and interviews with famous people she knew and touched. There are parts of her history that are heartbreaking; I knew some of it from her books but still I was brought to tears at times. I also learned a lot about her life and her influence. “Phenomenal Woman,” indeed.

Blog Post Written By Amanda Brooks

Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine

Kali Fajardo-Anstine’s debut story collection has been widely spoken of since release, and deservedly so. Fajardo-Anstine provides a literary voice for Indigenous Latinas, combining rich storytelling and character portraits. Loosely connected, each story follows a different character and their lived experiences. Readers will be left with a deeper understanding of the weight of cultural legacies and how they inform opportunities, expectations, and outcomes.

I Hope We Choose Love: A Trans Girl’s Notes from the End of the World by Kai Cheng Thom

“If I can’t bring my family, then it’s not my revolution.

If I can’t bring my culture, then it’s not my revolution.

If I can’t bring my ancestors, then it’s not my revolution.

And if it’s not our revolution, then let’s build a new one.”

Winner of ALA’s Stonewall Book Awards Honor Book in Non-Fiction in 2020, this collection is a powerful contribution to queer, trans, feminist literature. Thom’s series of essays and poems takes on themes of community, belonging, and family as she lifts and critiques the movements she sees and belongs to. Thom doesn’t shy away from hard, honest truths, but her call-to-action leaves readers feeling a sense of connection and meaning to a larger story.  

We Should all be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

An excellent starting point for learning about inclusive feminism, this slim volume is an adaptation of Adichie’s 2012 TEDx Talk by the same name. In her essay, Adichie highlights the importance of feminism and the impact it has on everyone, as well as the approaches we can all take to become inclusive feminists.

Read the essay online or in print, or view her original 30-minute TEDx Talk here.

The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans

The author of, Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self, returns to a second, but no less impactful collection of six short stories and a titular novella. Evans tackles themes of race, culture, history, and asks: who audits for the truth? And what does it cost us to make those corrections? Sometimes absurd, sometimes devastating, The Office of Historical Corrections needs to be read.

Blog post written by Sarah Corapi

It’s that time of the semester! Don’t forget to return any books you requested through Interlibrary loan before you sign off for summer! Books can be dropped off at the Library in person, in the bookdrop right outside our building or even mailed to us. If you need a pre-paid UPS label to return any books, just let us know! Email us at: illoan@wcupa.edu.