For Sidney Bechet

For Sidney Bechet

This poem written by Larkin was dedicated to Sidney Bechet, a famous jazz musician.


Within stanza one 'like New Orleans reflected on the water' New Orleans is the city of music, especially jazz, the fantasy land. This is where Bechet was born along with the era of jazz. As far south as you can go before reaching the water. In Stanza two Larkin describes the 'Quarter Of balconies, flower-baskets and quadrilles, everyone making love and going shares' everything is perfect, a very idyllic setting.

In stanza three 'Oh, play that thing!' this presents the audiences appreciation
'sporting-house girls like circus tigers' these are prostitutes that have animalistic connotations, this is degrading and sexist.
'Priced far above rubies'  they were very expensive
In stanza four 'scholars manques'  they would have been scholars, therefore they're unfulfilled in their lives and dreams, they are obsessed with jazz music. they're practically experts.
'wrapped up in personnels like old plaids.' the audience was engrossed in the music.

In stanza five 'on me your voice falls as they say love should,' Does Larkin not know what love feels like? has Larkin ever been in love? Paradox as Larkin loves the sound of music but has never been loved. Within stanza six it only has two lines, the other five stanzas all have three lines. 'And greeted as the natural noise of good, scattering long-haired grief and scored pity'.  the overall poem has a theme of jazz not only in  the context but also in the structure of the poem. This poem is one of the very few of Larkin's poems that isn't cynical.