"I guess all songs is folk songs. I never heard no horse sing 'em"

The quote by Big Bill Broonzy, "I guess all songs is folk tunes. I never ever heard no horse sing 'em," is a deceptively easy yet profound declaration on the nature of music and its connection to human experience. At its core, this quote challenges the conventional classification of music, especially the difference in between "folk" music and other genres.

First of all, Broonzy's words recommend that music, regardless of category, is fundamentally a production of common individuals; it is an intrinsic expression of human culture, thoughts, and emotions. By specifying, "I never ever heard no horse sing 'em," Broonzy humorously emphasizes that music is a distinctively human phenomenon. It is individuals, with their varied experiences and stories, who infuse music with meaning and life. In this sense, all music can be thought about "folk" due to the fact that it stems from the collective experience of humankind.

In addition, Broonzy's statement highlights the universality and egalitarian nature of music. Categorizing music strictly as "folk" may suggest that it pertains only to a specific group or tradition. However, Broonzy argues that every song, no matter its origin or design, originates from the human condition and thus comes from everybody. This point of view democratizes music, suggesting that it is not confined to a particular class, era, or cultural background.

Additionally, the quote challenges ideas of musical elitism and category snobbery. Broonzy's words indicate that differences in between highbrow and lowbrow, or cultivated and vernacular music, are eventually artificial. By asserting that all songs are inherently "folk" tunes, he invites listeners and artists alike to value music based on its ability to resonate with human facts instead of its adherence to particular conventions or labels.

In conclusion, Big Bill Broonzy's quote works as a pointer of the shared human connection and cultural heritage intrinsic in all music. It encourages us to look beyond shallow categories and recognize the unifying essence of musical expression as a powerful reflection of the human spirit.