"Sonnets are guys writing in English, imitating an Italian song form. It was a form definitely sung as often as it was recited"

This quote by Steve Earle is describing the sonnet kind of verse, which came from Italy throughout the 13th century. Sonnets are typically created in iambic pentameter and consist of fourteen lines. The kind was promoted by English poets such as William Shakespeare and Edmund Spenser. Sonnets were usually used to express love as well as dedication, and also were composed in a manner in which was indicated to be sung or stated. This quote is emphasizing the reality that sonnets were not only written, however likewise sung or recited. It is a suggestion that the sonnet form was not just a written type of verse, but likewise a form of songs. The quote is likewise highlighting the reality that the sonnet kind was originally an Italian song form, which English poets were imitating it. This quote is a suggestion of the influence that Italian culture carried English verse.