Why does the caged bird sing?

Answer 1

I'm going to assume that this is a serious question and will give it a serious answer.

Think about what the song is to the listener versus what it is to the singer. To the listener it is the pleasant sound of nature--there to entertain us. But to Maya Angelou, there is another side to it:

"But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing."

The "song" of the caged bird can also be a cry of despair, a scream of terror, a shout of anger and rage. Imprisoned in his cage, he cries out, calling for relief, for freedom. But how does the outside world interpret this cry? As a pleasant but mainly meaningless song.

There are some similarities between this poem and Sylvia Plath's "Not Waving But Drowning" which is another wonderful, if not very cheery poem.

It is also important to remember the context in which the poem was written. It was written in 1969 by a black woman. Sexism and racism continue to this day in the US and, as you might well imagine, they were much stronger and more widespread 33 years 37 years ago. Consider how the poem relates to Maya Angelou's situation, and how it relates to the situations of the people she knows and loves.

It is a beautiful, yet very frightening and disturbing poem that deserves serious thought.

Answer 2

In the movie The Ox Bowe Insodent the is an old Blackman who, if I remember correctly, just before the lynching sings a refrain as follows:

You got to go before your maker.
You got to get there on your own.
Can't nobody else go there for you.
& and you got to get there on your bond!

Don't wait to here what the caged bird sings!

Answer 3

Because the caged bird, having had freedom, knows better than anyone else the true joy of freedom, and holds out hope for a another taste of it.

Answer 4

Because music is an intrinsic and powerful form of freedom that doesn't depend on physical emancipation. I always thought Maya Angelou was speaking for all the slaves who sang as they toiled - and created some of the most powerful music ever sung.

Freedom is such a strong human need that we find whatever source and outlet that is available to us.

Answer 5

Freedom resides in the heart, mind and soul. Even a cage can be made beautiful with music. Being happy is all in your perspective.

Answer 6

in keeping with risk that is dreaming of Aspen wood. that's a attractive Day had this to declare: White chook, in a golden cage, on a wintry climate's day, interior the rain. White chook, in a golden cage, on my own. The leaves blow, around the long black street. To the darkened skies, in its rage however the white chook merely sits in her cage, unknown. White chook ought to fly Or she will die White chook, targets of the aspen wood, with their loss of life leaves, turning gold. however the white chook merely sits in her cage, starting to be previous. White chook ought to fly or she will die. White chook ought to fly or she will die. The sunsets come, the sunsets circulate. The clouds roll by ability of,and the earth turns previous. And the greater youthful chook's eyes do continually glow. She ought to fly, White chook ought to fly or she will die.

Answer 7

It may sound like a sweet song to you but that bird is saying things like "When i get the f*ck out of here im gonna sh*t on that b*stards head, keeping me in this god forsaken cage."

Answer 8

It's calling to other birds and hoping for a response.

Answer 9

cos he's got it made: spacious home in secure surroundings, his nutritional needs are met, great views, friendly neighbours, great health plan and insurance, burial arrangements all taken care...who wouldn't sing with all these mod cons?!!!

Answer 10

Maya Angelou would know