Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Ballad of the Salvation Army," by Kenneth Fearing, is a satirical poem that critiques the Salvation Army and organized religion through vivid imagery and a rhythm that mimics the march of its members. By blending social commentary with dark humor, Fearing explores themes of exploitation, religious hypocrisy, and the commodification of faith.

The poem opens with the repetitive refrain: "On Fourteenth street the bugles blow, / Bugles blow, bugles blow." The repetition emphasizes the rhythmic beat of the bugles, setting a militaristic tone and suggesting a fervor that permeates the movement. The "red, red, red, red banner floats" hints at the symbolic color of the Salvation Army, while the description of "sweating angels" splitting their throats implies the exhausting, almost fanatical effort of the members. The image of marching "in burlap petticoats" adds a touch of irony, contrasting the religious fervor with the simplicity and humility often projected by the Salvation Army.

The second stanza introduces the image of God as a Bronx subway express: "God is a ten car Bronx express, / Red eyes round, red eyes round." This metaphor portrays God as a powerful and relentless force moving through the city, yet the "red eyes round" suggests a mechanical, impersonal deity. The stanza continues with a mockingly religious tone: "'Oh where is my lustful lamb tonight, / His hair slicked down and his trousers tight? / I'll grind him back to my glory light!'" Here, Fearing satirizes the Salvation Army's attempts to reclaim "sinners" through fear and control. The phrase "Roll, subway, roll" reinforces the metaphor of God as a relentless machine, suggesting the dehumanizing nature of organized religion.

The third stanza provides a sardonic vision of heaven: "Heaven is a free amusement park, / Big gold dome, big gold dome." This metaphor trivializes heaven, reducing it to a mere attraction. The "big gold dome" symbolizes material wealth and grandeur, mocking the commercialization of religion. The stanza continues with an image of religious conformity: "Movies at night: 'The life she led.' / Everyone sleeps in one big bed." The movie title implies moral judgment, while "one big bed" suggests a lack of individuality and the homogeneity of religious followers. The closing line, "The stars go around inside your head. / Home, sweet home," provides a sarcastic depiction of paradise as a place of delusion and mass control.

The poem concludes by returning to the refrain: "On Fourteenth street the bugles blow, / Bugles blow, bugles blow, / The torpid stones and pavements wake." The bugles represent the call to action of the Salvation Army, but the "torpid stones and pavements" suggest that the call awakens not people but the very streets, emphasizing the mechanical and impersonal nature of the movement. "A million men and street-cars quake / In time with angel breasts that shake" conveys the militaristic discipline of the Salvation Army's march, with the shaking "angel breasts" adding a touch of dark humor and irony. The poem closes with the emphatic "Blow, bugles, blow!" reinforcing the relentless rhythm of the march and the satirical tone of the poem.

Structurally, the poem uses rhyme and repetition to mimic the rhythm of a military march, reinforcing the satirical commentary on the Salvation Army's methods and fervor. The consistent use of metaphor and dark humor throughout the poem adds to the critique of religious hypocrisy and commercialization.

In "Ballad of the Salvation Army," Kenneth Fearing offers a scathing critique of organized religion and its commodification. By blending social commentary with satire and dark humor, Fearing exposes the contradictions and hypocrisies of the Salvation Army's methods, ultimately questioning the genuine intentions behind their fervor. The poem remains a relevant exploration of the challenges and pitfalls of faith in a commercialized world.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...