Independent Lens Season 4 Episode 2 Off the Charts: The Song-Poem Story

Off the Charts: The Song-Poem Story is an episode from season 4 of the acclaimed documentary series, Independent Lens. The episode explores the fascinating world of song-poems, a phenomenon that has thrived for over 70 years in America. Song-poems are lyrics written by amateur poets that are set to music and recorded by professional musicians. The writers then pay a fee, and their songs are released on novelty records that are sold through ads in magazines and newspapers.

Through interviews with poets, musicians, producers, and fans, Off the Charts delves into the history of song-poems and their enduring appeal. The documentary reveals the often bizarre and humorous lyrics penned by amateur poets, which are brought to life by the talents of musicians like Mason Williams, who contributed to some of the most revered song-poem recordings.

Viewers are taken on a journey that explores the fascinating relationship between the amateur poets and the music industry, as well as the intersection between commercial interests and artistic expression. They witness the immense popularity of song-poems in the 1950s and how they evolved into the underground subculture they are today.

The episode also reveals the darker aspects of the song-poem industry, including the predatory practices of some producers who fleeced their poets and the discrimination faced by artists considered “outsiders” in the mainstream music industry.

Overall, Off the Charts is a thought-provoking and entertaining episode that sheds light on a little-known aspect of American music culture. It explores the blurred lines between high and low art and how art can be created and consumed in unexpected ways.