The Clark's Song Clowns

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Recommended: The role of religion in politics

Musical group, The Clarks, as well as poet, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, both believe that the state of America does not live up to its reputation nor does it represent the ideals of a government created for the people. The Clarks’ song Clowns puts great emphasize on the lack of genuine and caring members of the government through the use of extended metaphor that works powerfully to get the message across. Within the poem, I am Waiting, Ferlinghetti states that America has been corrupted by the people in it and he turns to God to find the answers and “wonder” that he feels America needs.
The Clarks begin their song with a metaphor of religion, in which it is said that “the good book’s words [are] justifying hate and murder.” This reference to religion …show more content…

The Constitution is they portrayed as a document that has been a means of travel into turning America into a nation where those who lead speak in riddles and care more for “gold lined pockets,” then for helping their constituents. Ferlinghetti utilizes religious allusions through his mention of the Grapes of Wrath. This idea of grapes is an allusion seen in the Bible, in which the Grapes of Wrath are representative of those individuals who create havoc and chaos within a community (About). Knowing this, it is seen that Ferlinghetti asks for the men and women who have severely hurt America, to either resign from power or to change their ways, because he is still perpetually waiting for a rebirth of wonder to the ideals of the United States and understanding of America’s true identity. Ferlinghetti has great hope for America as he states that he waits for a “new symbolic western

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