Lyrical Literacy

That Dog Was Struttin | Lyrical Literacy
 
Lyrical Literacy presents Aesop's classic fable of the greedy dog as a soulful blues narrative. The performance features alternating male deep bass and female baritone vocals telling the tale of a prideful dog who, upon seeing another dog (his own reflection) with meat, tries to take that meat too—only to lose his own to the flowing water. The arrangement blends acoustic guitar, banjo, harmonica, violin, and gospel organ to create an authentic blues/folk atmosphere that perfectly complements this timeless lesson about greed and contentment. Through call-and-response vocals and instrumental solos, the cautionary tale unfolds with a distinctive American roots music flavor that transforms ancient wisdom into a memorable musical experience.
Origin
This piece adapts one of Aesop's most famous fables, "The Dog and Its Reflection" (sometimes called "The Dog and the Shadow"). Attributed to Aesop, the Greek storyteller from the 6th century BCE, this concise tale illustrates the consequences of greed and the importance of being satisfied with what one has. In the original fable, a dog carrying a piece of meat crosses a stream and sees its own reflection in the water. Mistaking the reflection for another dog with another piece of meat, it greedily opens its mouth to grab the "other" meat, dropping its own into the water and losing it forever. The moral traditionally warns against giving up certainties for the sake of greedy desires.
 
#BluesFable #AesopsBlues #MusicalStorytelling #GreedAndLoss #RootsMusic #AcousticWisdom #FolkParable #CallAndResponse #SoulfulLessons #LyricalLiteracy #AmericanBlues #HumanitariansAI
 
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Pretty Little Cavalinhos | Lyrical Literacy Lullaby
This Lyrical Literacy Lullaby presents a melodic bilingual reimagining of the classic lullaby "All the Pretty Little Horses." The arrangement weaves together the traditional English verses with Portuguese lines ("Todos os lindos cavalinhos"), creating a soothing multicultural soundscape. The expanded lyrics paint vivid imagery of magical horses with "silver saddles" and "golden reins," carrying listeners through dreamy landscapes "where fireflies and dream seeds blow." This gentle composition bridges cultural traditions while maintaining the comforting essence of the original lullaby, making it perfect for both children's bedtime and language learning.
Origin
"All the Pretty Little Horses" is a traditional American lullaby that likely originated in the Southern United States during the 19th century. Some musicologists believe it may have African American origins, possibly sung by enslaved mothers to their children. The song became widely known through folk music collections and has been recorded by numerous artists over the decades. This adaptation preserves the core melody and opening verses of the traditional lullaby while expanding it with Portuguese translations and original verses that enhance the dreamlike equine imagery of the original.
Hush a bye don’t you cryGo to sleepy little babyWhen you wake you shall haveAll the pretty little horses
Painted ponies black and grayTails like clouds that drift awaySilken manes and dancing hooves
Hush a bye don’t you cryAll the pretty horses flyTodos os lindos cavalinhosDurma agora sem chorarVai sonhar meu docinho
Silver saddles golden reinsSoftest winds through windowpanesYou shall ride in morning lightWith horses glowing pure and whiteThrough the fields where willows growWhere fireflies and dream seeds blowAnd if you weep the stars will swayThe moon will hum your fears awayA lullaby for sleepy heads
Sleepy headsHush a bye don’t you cryAll the pretty horses flyTodos os lindos cavalinhosDurma agora sem chorarVai sonhar meu docinhoHush a bye don’t you cryAll the pretty horses fly
 
#BilingualLullaby #LyricalLiteracy #PrettyLittleHorses #PortugueseEnglish #MulticulturalMusic #ChildrensSongs #DreamyLullabies #MusicEducation #FolkMusic #SleepyTimeMusic #HumanitariansAI
 
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Bo's Lullaby || Classic Nursery Rhymes Re-imagined | Lyrical Literacy
Lyrical Literacy project re-imagines the classic "Little Bo-Peep" nursery rhyme, beginning with the traditional verses before spinning into a whimsical new adventure. The extended narrative follows Bo-Peep's comical misadventures as she attempts to sew the lost tails back onto her wayward sheep, accidentally stitching one to her own leg in the process. The humorous tale maintains the musical rhythm of the original while adding modern wit and charm as Bo-Peep struggles with her constantly wandering flock. The performance blends traditional lullaby elements with playful storytelling, creating a nostalgic yet fresh interpretation that both children and adults can enjoy.
Origin
"Little Bo-Peep" is a popular English nursery rhyme dating back to at least the early 16th century, first appearing in print in 1805, though it was known orally long before. The classic four-verse rhyme tells the story of a shepherdess who loses her sheep and later finds their tails hanging in a tree. Like many nursery rhymes, it may have had political or social commentary roots, with some scholars suggesting it referred to wool taxes or smuggling in medieval England. The rhyme has been included in Mother Goose collections for generations and remains one of the most recognized children's verses in English-speaking countries.
Bo's Lullaby
Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep,And can't tell where to find them;Leave them alone, and they'll come home,And bring their tails behind them.
Little Bo-Peep fell fast asleep,And dreamt she heard them bleating;But when she awoke, she found it a joke,For still they all were fleeting.
Then up she took her little crook,Determined for to find them;She found them indeed, but it made her heart bleed,For they'd left all their tails behind 'em!
It happened one day, as Bo-Peep did strayUnto a meadow hard by--There she espied their tails, side by side,All hung on a tree to dry.
She heaved a sigh and wiped her eye,And over the hillocks she raced;And tried what she could, as a shepherdess should,That each tail should be properly placed.
She gathered the tails, each fluffy and fine,And thought, “These sheep, they’re out of line!”With thread and needle, she started to sew,Stitching tails on quick, row by row.
But soon she saw, to her surprise,A tail had somehow stitched to her thighs!“Oh dear,” she cried, “this can't be right,”With a tail on her leg, she was quite the sight!
She stitched through morning, stitched through noon,Stitched by the light of the high-hung moon,Till all were attached, tails snug and tight—But the sheep were gone, not in sight!
Then down the meadow, they came in a dash,Galloping fast in a sheepish flash,Each sheep looking bare, each sheep looking proud,Leaving Bo-Peep laughing, though crying out loud.
The sheep wagged their tails, fluffy and grand,Proud of their tails, like a marching band,But soon they grew bored, as sheep will do,And wandered off—without a clue!
The sheep wagged their tails, fluffy and grand,Proud of their tails, like a marching band,But soon they grew bored, as sheep will do,And wandered off—without a clue!
“Oh sheep, dear sheep, you’ll drive me mad!You leave me tail-tired, exhausted and sad!”And so with a sigh, Bo-Peep headed back,Hoping they’d learn to stay on track.
 
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#NurseryRhymesReborn #BosPeep #BedtimeStories #FolkTalesRevised #ChildrensPoetry #LullabyPodcast #ClassicRhymesRetold #SheepishTales #WhimsicalPoetry #ModernLullaby #HumanitariansAI

  Pokémon Mew | Mew, Mew, Mi Secret Fren’
This poem was created for Humanitarians "Lyrical Literacy" project (https://www.humanitarians.ai/lyrical-literacy) and  explores legendary Pokémon Mew through Caribbean patois-infused verses that blend gaming nostalgia with folklore storytelling. The piece transforms the elusive digital creature into a mystical entity that exists between code and imagination. Through alternating poetic styles inspired by e.e. cummings and Shel Silverstein, the narrative captures how Mew transcended its status as a hidden game character to become a shared cultural myth among gamers. The lyrics reflect on how this "secret friend" wasn't officially meant to exist in the original games but became real through players' collective belief and discovery of the famous glitch that revealed it.
Mew mewWagwan gyal where yuh dem go
Mew mew mi secret frenYuh hide weh di game cyant endMyth an’ data dream an’ schemeShe di pink one weh slip tween stream
Di mew of maybeCode inna hush toneA blinkin breezeDat never planFi be known
Dem check beneath di pixel truckDem mash di buttons pray fi luckNo sprite pop up screen cyant talkBut still dem swear dem see she walk
She drift tween code and breathLullaby riddim dodgein deathJust likkle flickerDat softly showDi ting dat gameboy never know
A tech yout wid sly lil grinSlip mew in code hid her withinDem neva plan fi she to stayBut ghost cyant leave when kids dem play
Not builtJus dreamtNot drawnJus feltA likkle pink parenthesesThe sizeOf self
Mew mew mi secret frenYuh hide weh di code cyant endMyth an’ glitch real or seemShe di pink dot weh slip tween dream
Mew mew under di treeCode or nah yuh real to mi
 
#MewGlitch #GamingFolklore #DigitalMythology #PatoisPoetry #PokemonLegends #NostalgiaGaming #CodeSecrets #DigitalGhosts #GameBoyMemories #HiddenCharacters #HumanitariansAI #FusionPoetry
 
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Tumbling Down Di Hill: Jack an' Jill's Reggae Adventure
In this podcast presents a vibrant Caribbean patois retelling of the classic "Jack and Jill" nursery rhyme. The reimagined version maintains the core story of the pair's hill mishap but expands it with rich cultural flavor, humorous dialogue, and vivid sound effects. Jack still falls and injures his head, but the narrative is enriched with additional characters, modern references (like using a faucet instead of climbing for water), and Jill's empowered conclusion to have Jack fetch her drinks from now on. The performance features multiple voice actors, including patois verses, deep male narration, and female voices, complemented by animal sound effects that bring the comical tumble to life.
Origin
"Jack and Jill" is a traditional English nursery rhyme dating back to the late 18th century, first published in its most recognized form in 1765. The original rhyme consists of a simple four-line verse about two children who climb a hill for water, with Jack falling and breaking his crown (head), and Jill tumbling after. While various theories exist about the rhyme's origins—from references to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette to Norse mythology—it has become one of the world's most recognized children's verses. This Caribbean patois adaptation transforms the simple tale into a culturally rich, expanded narrative while preserving the core storyline.
Jack an’ Jill climb up di hillFi fetch a likkle wataBut Jill seh Jack yuh fool yuhselfUse faucet like mi fada
Jack tek one step trip pon rootAn’ tumble wid a shoutJill try grab on him ole bootBut both a dem roll out
Dey roll past goats an’ cows in mudBounce pon rock an’ stumpScare di duck dem inna pondDen crash into a dump
Di drivah bawl out wha dis messJack groan mi bruk mi brainJill seh mi tink mi soul jus lefBut maybe dat’s di pain
But Jill jump up an’ grab Jack shirtMi nah let yuh drop deadLet’s carry yuh home quick timeAn’ patch yuh likkle head
Jack mum look up an’ rub she browLawd Jack yuh againShe grab di vinegar and wrapHim skull fi stop di pain
Jill seh mi done wid hill fi realDem slope bring too much dreadFrom now mi sip mi lemonadeAn’ Jack go fetch mi stead
Oh Jack an’ Jill yuh neva learnDem hill a set yuh backStay low pon flat no more concernOr roll down like a sack
Jack an’ Jill tek mi adviceHill life come wid priceKeep yuh foot pon de level roadAn’ yuh cyaan mash up twice
 
#JackAndJill #PatoisRemix #CaribbeanNurseryRhymes #RemixedClassics #SpokenWordPoetry #ModernFolklore #CulturalAdaptation #NurseryRhymeReboot #CaribbeanStorytelling #HumanitariansAI
 
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The Wolf and the Lamb | Parable from  Aesop's
This powerful podcast presents two distinct poetic interpretations of the classic Wolf and Lamb fable. The first offers a rhythmic, traditional telling with simple rhyming structure, while the second employs experimental formatting and evocative imagery to create a haunting, modern retelling. Both versions explore the harsh reality that power often trumps truth, with the innocent lamb's logical defenses proving useless against the wolf's predetermined desire to harm. The experimental second poem intensifies the tragedy with its fractured structure, mirroring the breakdown of justice when might makes right.
Origin
"The Wolf and the Lamb" is one of Aesop's most renowned fables, attributed to the Greek storyteller from the 6th century BCE. The tale exemplifies how the powerful can and will abuse the weak regardless of logic or justice. The original moral warns that tyrants need no excuse to justify their actions. This fable has been retold across cultures for millennia and was later popularized in Jean de La Fontaine's 17th-century collection. It remains one of the most potent allegories about power imbalance and injustice in human society.
A wolf came stomping down the hillWith grumbly guts he couldn’t fillHe found a brook so cool and clearAnd saw a lamb was drinking near
You muddy up my water bratExplain yourself explain all thatThe lamb looked up with worried eyesI think the stream flows your side guys
A wolf came thunder thump down the hillHis belly a grumbling hole of neverSpied a drink and a lambSoftStillWet lipped with spring
You muddied up my sky he barkedExplain yourselfStream runs your wayWhispered lamb with eyes like rain
The wolf bared truth a fang in heatYou whispered last year lies of meSir I was not even yet a meWell then said wolfYou wear the face of guiltYour twin your blood your breath will do
And lamb stood small as duskWhile reason crackedShe tried to word to wishBut wolves don’t pause to hear a song
Down came death with no applauseJust teethAnd he our lord of lawless lawLicked his lipsCalled it justice
Beware little ones whose hearts are lightIn woods where power growlsThey eatFirstThenThink
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#WolfAndLamb #AesopRetold #PoetryPodcast #PowerAndJustice #ExperimentalPoetry #ClassicFables #ModernFables #SpokenWordPoetry #MoralTales #TruthVsPower #HumanitariansAI #PoeticWisdom

The Parable of the Dancing Kid and the Dumb Ol’ Wolf | Aesop's Fables
This podcast episode presents a delightful poetic retelling of a classic fable about quick thinking in the face of danger. A young goat (Kid) is cornered by a hungry Wolf on his way home. Rather than accepting his fate, the clever Kid requests one final dance before being eaten. When the Wolf agrees and attempts to play a pipe for the Kid's dance, the music attracts nearby dogs who come charging to the rescue. The Wolf laments his poor decision to be distracted from his natural purpose, realizing too late that his musical diversion cost him his meal. The tale cleverly illustrates how wit and creative thinking can overcome physical disadvantage.
Origin
This story adapts elements from Aesop's fables, particularly combining themes from "The Wolf and the Lamb" and other wolf-prey tales. Aesop was a Greek storyteller believed to have lived around the 6th century BCE, whose animal fables conveyed moral lessons through simple narratives. This particular adaptation incorporates the common folkloric theme of a weaker animal outsmarting a predator through cleverness rather than strength. The traditional moral suggests that intelligence can triumph over brute force, and that diversions from one's true nature (the wolf trying to be a musician) often lead to failure.
A little kid came skippin’ latePast fences fields and the farmer’s gateThen out from shadows teeth aglowA wolf appeared and blocked the road
Oh no said kid I know my fateYou’re here to chew not to chat or waitBut please one tune a final songSo I can dance before I’m gone
The wolf sat back and wagged his tailWhy not he said you’re small and frailLet’s make this fun I’ve got the timeA little dance before the crime
He grabbed a pipe left in the dirtBlew once or twice his lips all hurtThe tune was squeaky sharp and thinBut kid just twirled with a clumsy spin
But music travels as music doesAnd dogs don’t like what a wolfman wasThey heard the notes came charging nearWith bark and bite and growl and leer
Oh crumbs said wolf I missed the cueI’m not a piper it’s just not trueMy job is chompin’ not this danceI shoulda bit not played by chance
#CleverKid #FablesPodcast #AesopsRetold #WitOverStrength #MusicalFables #AnimatedStories #FolkWisdom #ClassicTales #CreativeEscape #ModernFables #KidsWisdom #HumanitariansAI
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Aesop's fable | The Wolf and the Crane
This podcast episode presents a rhythmic retelling of the classic Aesop's fable "The Wolf and the Crane." The story follows a desperate wolf who gets a bone stuck in his throat and pleads with a crane for help. The kind (but foolish) crane uses his long neck to remove the bone, risking his life in the process. When the crane asks for payment afterward, the wolf mockingly replies that escaping with his head intact should be payment enough. The moral warns listeners about the dangers of helping those of dangerous character, and how some will consider it payment enough that they didn't harm you, even when they promised rewards.
Origin
This fable comes from Aesop's collection, attributed to the Greek storyteller who lived around the 6th century BCE. "The Wolf and the Crane" is one of his most famous cautionary tales about ingratitude and the risks of trusting dangerous characters. The fable has been retold across cultures for over 2,500 years and appears in numerous collections, including those by La Fontaine. It's traditionally interpreted as a warning against expecting gratitude from the wicked or powerful, and demonstrates how self-interest often trumps promises.
 
Wolf was scarfing down his stewAs hungry hurried wolves will doWhen down his throat a bone did lodgeHe gagged and coughed like a furry hodgepodge
He howled and choked and rolled with painTill by came strolling a curious craneDear friend said wolf with watered eyePlease help me out or else I’ll die
You’ve got a neck so long and slimIt’s just the tool for something grimPlease reach inside my jaws so wideAnd yank this nasty bone outside
The crane though wise was kind and rashAnd poked his head past tooth and gashHe reached way in without a moanAnd gently tugged out the stubborn bone
There said the wolf I’m good as newI owe it all of course to youNext time I’ll chew with better careNo bones to trap no throats to tear
The crane stood still and cleared his throatI’d like my pay he dared to noteThe wolf just laughed with teeth still redYou got to keep your feathery head
So if you help a beast in needBe sure you’re not the one they feedFor kindness counts but not you seeInside a wolf’s economy
 
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The Parable of the Frogs Who Asked for a King | Aesop's Fable
A rhyming adaptation of Aesop's classic fable about frogs who, dissatisfied with their peaceful pond life, petition Jupiter (Zeus) for a king. When Jupiter sends them a log as king, they initially respect it but soon find it boring and demand a "real" ruler. Jupiter, annoyed by their ingratitude, then sends a stork who begins devouring the frogs one by one. The moral warns against discontent with peaceful governance and the dangers of desiring powerful but potentially tyrannical leadership.
Origin
This parable comes from Aesop's Fables, a collection of stories attributed to Aesop, a storyteller believed to have lived in ancient Greece during the 6th century BCE. The fable "The Frogs Who Desired a King" has been retold in many cultures and was later popularized in Jean de La Fontaine's 17th-century collection. The original tale was often interpreted as a political allegory about the dangers of rejecting peaceful democracy in favor of tyranny.
 
In a lily pad land with no worry or careThe frogs had no boss and breathed easy airThey splashed and they sang and they played in the bogBut one day they said we should vote in a log
We need a fine king the loudest one criedWith crowns and with laws and some national prideSo they croaked to the sky and made a big fussTill Jupiter tossed down a log just for us
It splashed with a crash ker thunk in the muckThe frogs dove in
But after a while they squinted their eyesWhy he’s not scary he’s loggish and wise
They leapt on his back they bounced on his headHe doesn’t do much but he’s better they saidThen one old frog said this isn’t a kingIt’s driftwood in robes just a meaningless thing
So up went a second request with a pleaDear Jupiter send us a real majestyJupiter sighed you frogs want some thrillsHere’s someone who bites and struts when he kills
The stork came striding with pomp and paradeNow that’s a fine king all the foolish frogs brayedBut one by one with snap and with clackThe stork had them stuffed like frogs in a sack
They croaked out help but the sky stayed stillThe king kept feasting with elegant skillSo if you’ve got peace in your pond every springDon’t whine to the heavens and ask for a king
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#AesopsFables #FrogsKing #ClassicFables #BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor #AnimatedFable #MoralStories #ClassicalWisdom #PoliticalFable #StorytellingTradition #AncientWisdom
 

Patti Cake,  Baker’s Woman
 
Patti cakeBaker’s womanBake me a cakeAs fast as you canPat itPrick itMark it with pAnd hide it warm inside an ovenFor baby and me
But waitShe whispers sidewaysEnough is never enoughGiraffes and glitterfluffA pinch of moonA whisper from marsCandles that singAnd smell like stars
She stirsWith a spoon of jellybean woodDances counterwiseAs all bakers shouldDrops a toadstoolA tickleA sneezeSprinkles of giggleSprinkles of cheese
The oven went boomA flip a slip a shipAnd suddenlyPirates cheering sugarfeetShiver me treatsFrosting dripsFrom the sails of the sea
Patti cakePatti cake wildly freeThis cake is a spellFor you and for meIf it wiggles or barksOr laughs like a beeFeed it a rhymeAnd a sip of iced tea
 
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