Ballad of Birmingham

Straightforward and Simple

Randall didn't mince words or spend much time hiding obscure symbols in his work; what you read is what you get. But don't mistake his straightforward lines with lack of thought; keeping the poems simple makes them easy to memorize, much like a song. His style also lets the subject matter speak for itself; Randall's tragic subject matter doesn't need much dressing-up. For other examples, check out "Profile on the Pillow"  and "Booker T. and W.E.B".