rse, “magnolia sweet and fresh/ then the sudden smell of burning flesh/ here is a fruit for the crows to pluck”. Holiday depicted the body of the black man who was being hung as pure and clean before his heartless hanging. However, after the hanging, she describes this unpleasant smell of burning flesh. Anyone who has smelt burning flesh knows that it probably is the most inhumane scent in the world. This scent is so brutal that only the crows would dare to go the swinging black body. This is just one of many examples of how Billie Holiday utilized poignant metaphors to deliver her powerful message to millions of American all across the world. The significance of this song is that it acknowledged the harsh reality of unjustly hanging African American men in America. Billie Holiday took a step towards establishing a healthier society by acknowledging the fact that America has severe cultural issues that need to be addressed before we can come together as a trusting, morally dignified, and righteous nation.In conclusion, music is influenced and modified by many artists. The history of music is unique and diverse. Music is a way for millions of musicians and singers to openly express them selves even if it is not socially acceptable by the dominant paradigm. One distinctive characteristic of music is that each musical piece could be perceived differently by the listening audience. Lastly, the diverse quality of music allows for exploration of the true meaning of its poignant messages. These exuberant pieces defined what jazz really is, and should be attributed to helping develop the diverse historical perspective of American Jazz. ...
