Music has long been a source of inspiration for poets. Whether it’s about the joy of melody, the silliness of rhythm, or the struggles of creating the perfect tune, poetry and music have always shared a harmonious bond. Among the many poems written about music, some stand out for their humor, clever wordplay, and lighthearted take on the world of music.
In this article, we will explore 9 funny and famous poems about music. Each of these poems brings something unique to the table, whether it’s through satire, wit, or whimsical exaggeration. By looking at these poems, we can better understand how music can be a subject for humor, and how humor can make music even more enjoyable.
1. “The Ballad of the Piano” by Mark Twain
Mark Twain, best known for his humorous writing style, turned his attention to music in “The Ballad of the Piano.” Twain’s comedic touch is evident as he describes the frustrations and confusions that come with learning to play the piano. Through exaggerated descriptions of the piano’s keys and the sounds they make, Twain emphasizes the difficulty of playing an instrument in a way that many can relate to.
Here’s an excerpt from the poem:
“It is not good to play the piano well,
Or to sing a song that makes people yell,
For the music of the piano, my friend,
Is a thing you cannot soon amend.”
Twain’s playful tone captures the common struggle of learning music while poking fun at how piano players can be overwhelmed by the complexity of their instrument. His humorous perspective on the piano not only makes light of the challenge of mastering it but also reminds us of how something as beautiful as music can sometimes drive people to their limits.
2. “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt
Though not originally written about music, “The Spider and the Fly” has been adapted by many musicians and composers over the years due to its rhythmic qualities. The poem, written by Mary Howitt in 1829, features a witty conversation between a cunning spider and a naive fly. The spider invites the fly to join him in his web, using flattering language and sweet promises.
Here’s a portion of the poem:
“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly,
“Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I have many curious things to show when you are there.”
Though not directly about music, the whimsical rhythm of the poem lends itself to musical interpretations. Composers and musicians have used the playful and rhythmic nature of the words to create lighthearted musical pieces, adding layers of humor and imagination to the original poem.
3. “A Musical Instrument” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Though Elizabeth Barrett Browning is often known for her romantic poetry, “A Musical Instrument” is a humorous exploration of how music can be created from the strangest of materials. In the poem, Browning imagines an instrument made from a reed, shaped by the wind, and bringing out sounds that are both beautiful and unpredictable.
Here’s an excerpt from the poem:
“He took a reed, and the reed he shaped,
With a wind, with a sound, he played,
But the sounds he made were all too strange,
And the world could not adjust to the change.”
Browning humorously plays with the idea of music being made from nature itself, while also touching on how new and unfamiliar sounds can both delight and confuse. Her playful tone and clever language make it clear that music is not just about the familiar—it can be about embracing the unexpected.
4. “The Devil’s Dance” by Isaac Watts
Isaac Watts, a famous hymn writer and theologian, is best known for his religious and philosophical writings. However, in “The Devil’s Dance,” Watts turns his attention to the amusing concept of the devil trying to teach humans to dance. The poem uses the metaphor of dance to humorously explore the idea of temptation and sin, all while maintaining a light and playful tone.
Here’s an excerpt from the poem:
“The Devil, when he found the dance,
Did teach the very first in chance,
And ever since, his lessons play,
We dance the night and work the day.”
The poem satirizes the idea of temptation, using dance as a symbol for losing oneself in folly. By placing the devil in such a ridiculous situation, Watts allows the reader to laugh at the absurdity of the devil’s teachings, all while reflecting on human nature.
5. “The Ballad of the Army Musicians” by G.K. Chesterton
G.K. Chesterton’s “The Ballad of the Army Musicians” is a humorous poem that tells the story of a group of soldiers who are tasked with playing music for their army. Chesterton uses clever rhymes and a lighthearted tone to show how music is often reduced to a simple, almost absurd task when placed in the context of war.
Here’s an excerpt from the poem:
“The drummer drummed, and the trumpets blew,
And the fife was heard in the morning dew;
But the general looked with a serious face,
For they played not well, and they missed the race.”
Chesterton humorously contrasts the seriousness of a soldier’s life with the playful nature of music, showing how even in the direst situations, the lightness of music can provide a comical counterpoint.
6. “Ode to a Grecian Urn” by John Keats (A Funny Take)
While John Keats’ “Ode to a Grecian Urn” is generally considered a serious meditation on art, time, and beauty, it has been humorously parodied by many writers over the years for its flowery language and grandiose style. The poem speaks about the urn as if it could convey eternal truths, but through the lens of humor, one could argue that the urn might just be a bit overhyped.
Here’s a humorous take on an excerpt:
“Thou still unthinking urn, thou art so wise,
Yet here we stand, and all your wisdom lies—
In a dance that never ends, and a tune that’s played,
On repeat, until the future’s laid.”
This parody brings a light-hearted approach to Keats’ reverence for the urn, turning his lofty praise into a fun commentary on the permanence of music and art. The whimsical nature of the urn’s eternal dance and music make for a playful take on Keats’ original theme.
7. “A March for the Millionaire” by Ogden Nash
Ogden Nash, known for his light and witty verse, brings humor into the world of music and wealth in “A March for the Millionaire.” The poem pokes fun at the extravagant lifestyle of the rich, describing a grand march filled with sounds of luxury and indulgence.
Here’s an excerpt from the poem:
“The millionaire’s march is a grand affair,
With violins and trumpets blaring in the air.
They strut and preen and laugh with might,
As their pockets grow heavy with delight.”
Nash humorously contrasts the solemn nature of a military march with the ridiculousness of the wealthy parading around with their indulgent, over-the-top celebrations. The exaggerated imagery and the use of music as a backdrop only enhance the playful tone of the poem.
8. “The Piano and the Cello” by Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker, famed for her sharp wit and dry humor, wrote “The Piano and the Cello,” a poem that humorously contrasts two musicians—one who plays the piano with flair and the other who plays the cello with grace. The poem, though short, delivers a clever commentary on the differences between these two instruments and the personalities of the musicians who play them.
Here’s an excerpt:
“The piano’s keys are sharp and bright,
While the cello hums, a gentle light.
One is loud, the other soft,
And both will have you swaying aloft.”
Parker’s playful tone and light rhymes bring the two instruments to life, showcasing how music can reflect the characters and quirks of those who play it. The humorous contrast between the piano and cello adds an extra layer of fun to her poem.
9. “The Song of the Shirt” by Thomas Hood
“The Song of the Shirt” by Thomas Hood is not strictly a funny poem, but its inclusion in a humorous context has often been noted. In this poem, Hood humorously exaggerates the labor of the seamstress, turning her repetitive work into a “song” of woe. While the subject matter is serious, the poem’s rhythm and repetitive structure give it a musical quality that many have found amusing in its over-the-top depiction of hardship.
Here’s an excerpt:
“Work! work! work!
Till the brain begins to swim;
Work! work! work!
Till the eyes grow dim.”
The absurd repetition of “work” and the exaggerated sense of labor creates a musical rhythm that, in its own right, reflects the relentless nature of work. The poem serves as both a commentary on social issues and a humorous exaggeration of the human condition.
Conclusion
Music has always been an inspiring source for poets, and in these 9 poems, we see how humor and wit can be effectively combined with musical themes. Whether it’s through playful takes on instruments, exaggerated descriptions of musical struggles, or the lighthearted portrayal of music in society, these poems highlight the many ways humor can enrich the world of music.
From the whimsy of Mark Twain to the sharp satire of Ogden Nash, these poems show us that music doesn’t have to be all serious business—it can be a subject for laughter and joy. By exploring the funny side of music, we can appreciate not just the beauty of melody and rhythm, but also the humor that plays alongside it.
