Langston Hughes, Po’ Boy Blues

This post is one of a series honoring Black History Month.

Probably not a coincidence that Black History Month launches every year on Langston Hughes’ birthday (1902-1967). The great poet, novelist, humorist, essayist, and playwright stood at the very center of the Harlem Renaissance.

He wrote in the blues lyrical form a lot, so much so that when you read him you can almost hear the music that might go with it. This one, “Po’ Boy Blues”, is from his groundbreaking 1926 collection The Weary Blues

When I was home de
Sunshine seemed like gold.
When I was home de
Sunshine seemed like gold.
Since I come up North de
Whole damn world's turned cold.

I was a good boy,
Never done no wrong.
Yes, I was a good boy,
Never done no wrong,
But this world is weary
An' de road is hard an' long.

I fell in love with
A gal I thought was kind.
Fell in love with
A gal I thought was kind.
She made me lose ma money
An' almost lose ma mind.

Weary, weary,
Weary early in de morn.
Weary, weary,
Early, early in de morn.
I's so weary
I wish I'd never been born.