Meaning of The Ballad Of Hollis Brown - Nina Simone
In the desolate landscape of a forsaken town, there lived a man named Hollis. He resided on the outskirts, where his crumbling cabin stood alongside his wife and five undernourished children (Lyrics). Hollis toiled in search of employment and sustenance, yet faced an insurmountable struggle. His family's hunger gnawed at him as their eyes pleaded for relief, while he could only offer empty promises (Lyrics).
The song "Hollis Brown" by Nina Simone revolves around the themes of hardship, desperation, and hope. The lyrics portray a man whose situation seems hopeless, with his resources scarce and his family suffering from hunger. He prays for relief but is met only with despair (Lyrics).
The narrative unfolds as Hollis's life spirals out of control. His flour has been pilfered by rats, leaving him without means to feed his family (Lyrics). His wife's anguished screams add to the chaos, and he finds himself unable to stand as his thoughts become a blur (Lyrics). In despair, Hollis reaches for his shotgun, desperate for a solution.
The song offers an introspection into the human condition, showcasing the struggle that many face in their day-to-day lives. The universal themes of hunger, poverty, and hopelessness are present in this poignant ballad. The narrative presents a stark contrast between the desolation faced by Hollis and the promise of new life somewhere in the distance (Lyrics).
The "Ballad of Hollis Brown" possesses a poetic brilliance that resonates with listeners due to its relatable themes. The use of metaphors, such as "cold coyote calls," adds depth to the song's emotional impact. Cultural references can be found in the mention of South Dakota, adding historical context to the narrative.
The conclusion of the song finds Hollis taking his own life, leaving behind seven people dead (Lyrics). The haunting imagery of the seven shots ringing out like the ocean's pounding roar adds a sense of finality to the tale. However, there is also a glimmer of hope in the existence of new life somewhere in the distance, suggesting that even in despair, there is always the potential for renewal and rebirth.
The song "Hollis Brown" by Nina Simone revolves around the themes of hardship, desperation, and hope. The lyrics portray a man whose situation seems hopeless, with his resources scarce and his family suffering from hunger. He prays for relief but is met only with despair (Lyrics).
The narrative unfolds as Hollis's life spirals out of control. His flour has been pilfered by rats, leaving him without means to feed his family (Lyrics). His wife's anguished screams add to the chaos, and he finds himself unable to stand as his thoughts become a blur (Lyrics). In despair, Hollis reaches for his shotgun, desperate for a solution.
The song offers an introspection into the human condition, showcasing the struggle that many face in their day-to-day lives. The universal themes of hunger, poverty, and hopelessness are present in this poignant ballad. The narrative presents a stark contrast between the desolation faced by Hollis and the promise of new life somewhere in the distance (Lyrics).
The "Ballad of Hollis Brown" possesses a poetic brilliance that resonates with listeners due to its relatable themes. The use of metaphors, such as "cold coyote calls," adds depth to the song's emotional impact. Cultural references can be found in the mention of South Dakota, adding historical context to the narrative.
The conclusion of the song finds Hollis taking his own life, leaving behind seven people dead (Lyrics). The haunting imagery of the seven shots ringing out like the ocean's pounding roar adds a sense of finality to the tale. However, there is also a glimmer of hope in the existence of new life somewhere in the distance, suggesting that even in despair, there is always the potential for renewal and rebirth.
