And I Always Thought Poem by Dr Ian Inkster

Bertold Brecht originally wrote just 4 lines as a poem under this title. In considering it as a potential song I needed more length, even I cannot just repeat the same lines exactly 3 or 4 times to get my 4-minute quota in!

My idea - then - was to treble the poem by adding 2 more verses that so shadowed the original as to alter little in the way of meaning yet give an idea of an unfolding story, an atmosphere of challenging potential threat. This was not to play the purist but because there really is no easy way to know what was in Brecht's mind back then, or indeed at any time. Were the original stark 4 lines statements of independence, were they the teacher training and instructing others in social behaviour, were they entirely tongue in cheek?

I hope my song version of the completed poem keeps the thread and aim and renders the original idea in modern form. My slight changes do render the last lines of each verse more overtly socially criical and activist, enjoining all to defend positions whether political or aesthetic.

But when all is said and done I simply wanted to sing that first verse, so perhaps its not to be taken too seriously! Songs on MP3 do require headphones or earphones to get some sound quality.

Ian Inkster 11 November 2016.