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Life Is Fine" I went down to the river, I set down on the…

“Life Is Fine" I went down to the river, I set down on the bank. I tried to think but couldn't, So I jumped in and sank. I came up once and hollered! I came up twice and cried! If that water hadn't a-been so cold I might've sunk and died. But it was Cold in that water! It was cold! I took the…” quote by Langston Hughes
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““Life Is Fine" I went down to the river, I set down on the bank. I tried to think but couldn't, So I jumped in and sank. I came up once and hollered! I came up twice and cried! If that water hadn't a-been so cold I might've sunk and died. But it was Cold in that water! It was cold! I took the elevator Sixteen floors above the ground. I thought about my baby And thought I would jump down. I stood there and I hollered! I stood there and I cried! If it hadn't a-been so high I might've jumped and died. But it was High up there! It was high! So since I'm still here livin', I guess I will live on. I could've died for love-- But for livin' I was born Though you may hear me holler, And you may see me cry-- I'll be dogged, sweet baby, If you gonna see me die. Life is fine! Fine as wine! Life is fine!””

Langston Hughes

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The poet reflects on near-death experiences, choosing life over despair, and celebrates existence despite hardship.

In simple terms: Choosing life over death, appreciating existence.

Key Takeaway

Embrace life, even when it feels overwhelming.

Themes

resilience hope existence survival joy

Mood

defiant hopeful reflective

Type

poetic personal inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • mental health struggles
  • creative expression
  • overcoming adversity

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What keeps you choosing life in dark moments?
  • How does humor help cope with pain?
A Different Perspective

The poem may romanticize suffering, overlooking the need for help.

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