Meaning: The quote by David Antin, a prominent poet and art critic, challenges the traditional notion of what constitutes a song in literary circles. Antin's statement suggests that for several centuries, the definition of a song in literary circles was limited to any text that resembled lyrics suitable for a standard melodic setting. However, Antin's perspective implies that this narrow definition fails to capture the full range of possibilities for songwriting within literature.

Throughout history, the concept of songwriting in literary circles has been closely tied to the idea of creating texts that are suitable for musical accompaniment. This traditional understanding of songwriting often prioritizes the structure and rhythm of the lyrics over the depth of the content. As a result, many literary works that are considered "songs" may lack the complexity and depth found in other forms of poetry or prose.

Antin's critique challenges this limited understanding of songwriting by suggesting that literary circles have overlooked the potential for more diverse and innovative forms of song. By emphasizing the importance of the text's appearance and its potential for melodic setting, Antin highlights the need to expand the definition of songwriting to encompass a broader range of literary expressions.

In his assertion, Antin may be advocating for a more expansive and inclusive approach to songwriting within literary circles. This could involve reimagining what constitutes a song by considering a wider variety of textual forms, structures, and themes that may not conform to traditional expectations of song lyrics. By doing so, literary circles can open themselves up to a more diverse and dynamic range of songwriting styles that reflect the richness and complexity of literary expression.

Furthermore, Antin's quote invites us to reconsider the relationship between text and music within the context of songwriting. Instead of privileging the visual appearance of the text and its potential for melodic accompaniment, there is an opportunity to explore how the content and themes of literary works can inform and inspire musical compositions. This approach challenges the conventional hierarchy between text and music, suggesting that the two can exist in a more symbiotic and mutually enriching relationship.

In conclusion, David Antin's quote challenges the traditional understanding of what constitutes a song in literary circles. By questioning the narrow definition that has prevailed for centuries, Antin encourages a more expansive and inclusive approach to songwriting that embraces a wider range of textual forms, structures, and themes. His perspective invites us to reconsider the relationship between text and music, opening up new possibilities for creative expression within the realm of songwriting in literature.