There’s Something about a Banjo

by John Herlihy

There’s something about a banjo,

More playful than the stately piano.

More country than the strumming guitar,

Singing of mysteries found in many a star.

Naked as the day not wearing a stitch,

Those twanging cords never loose pitch.

Nothing can prevent the soul from escaping,

Escaping from the banjo as if awakening.

The rhythmic stroking of the strings caressed,

The adept hand doing the stroking as if blessed.

In playing, the banjo sends forth its unique voice,

In the day of living, the day of dying, rejoice.

Out of the instrument flows miseries and sorrows,

From the pores of wood sings joys of tomorrows.

Inevitably in the life there comes upon us a day,

A day when in the depths of hearts nothing to say.

We brought nothing to this life, carry nothing out,

Blessing found in between, a smile, a cry, a shout.

Need to be get along, since we are losing daylight,

Before we know it, we be heading into the night.

On strings of my heart, I hear a banjo strummin’,

On my tongue, my lips, the song of life hummin’.

For one brief moment, the human soul may soar,

On the wings of banjo music, the Lord to adore.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Friday 7 November 2025