Poem Analysis - Pickin Em Up And Layin Em Down

Introduction: A Rambling Heart

Maya Angelou's "Pickin Em Up and Layin Em Down" is a lively and restless poem about a traveler's pursuit of love and beauty across America. The poem's tone is initially lighthearted and almost boastful, celebrating the speaker's freedom and attractiveness to women in various cities. However, a subtle undercurrent of loneliness and perhaps even regret emerges as the poem progresses, suggesting that the speaker's constant movement might be a way of avoiding deeper connection. The repetition of the central action creates a sense of both energy and a certain emptiness.

Themes of Freedom, Commitment, and the Open Road

One of the central themes is the idea of freedom. The speaker prioritizes the open road and the possibility of finding something "prettier" over settling down with any particular woman. Each verse demonstrates his ability to leave without hesitation, emphasizing his commitment to a transient lifestyle. The contrast between the women who want to “tie me down” and the speaker’s need to "run" highlights the struggle between freedom and commitment. Another theme is the elusive nature of satisfaction. Despite encountering attractive women in different cities, the speaker never finds lasting contentment. This suggests a deeper search for something beyond physical beauty, perhaps an ideal that is ultimately unattainable. The phrase "There ain't no words for what I feel about a pretty face" hints that his attraction is superficial and insufficient to ground him. A third theme revolves around avoidance. The speaker might be using the constant travel and pursuit of new relationships as a way to avoid facing deeper emotional issues or making long-term commitments.

Motifs of Travel and Superficial Connection

The recurring phrase "Pickin em up and layin em down, gettin to the next town Baby" acts as a potent symbol. On a literal level, it represents the act of traveling, perhaps on foot or by train, emphasizing the physical movement from place to place. Figuratively, it suggests a superficial approach to relationships. The speaker "picks up" a connection and quickly "lays it down" when faced with the possibility of genuine intimacy. This action becomes a repetitive cycle, highlighting the speaker's inability to form lasting bonds. The images of different cities—San Francisco, Birmingham, Detroit—create a sense of geographical breadth but also emotional distance. Each city represents a fleeting encounter, a temporary attraction that ultimately fails to hold the speaker's interest. It's never clearly defined what the speaker is moving on from, or what he might be seeking.

A Question of Longing

The poem's ending is ambiguous. While the speaker seems confident in his decision to keep moving, the line "But if I stay I just might miss a prettier one some place" could be interpreted in several ways. Is this a genuine expression of optimism, or does it betray a sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction? The constant pursuit of something "prettier" suggests a deeper longing that the speaker is unable to fulfill. It raises the question of whether the speaker is truly free or simply trapped in a cycle of superficial encounters, always searching for an elusive ideal that will never be found.

Conclusion: The Transient Heart

"Pickin Em Up and Layin Em Down" is a compelling exploration of freedom, commitment, and the elusive nature of satisfaction. The poem's repetitive structure and vivid imagery create a sense of both energy and underlying loneliness, capturing the complexities of a transient lifestyle. While the speaker celebrates the open road and the pursuit of beauty, the poem ultimately suggests that true connection may require more than just picking them up and laying them down. It’s a journey that raises questions about the balance between freedom and the need for deeper, more meaningful relationships.