How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Stanza)
Quote #7
He sings sometimes under his breath, / even now, / after so much sorrow. / He sings a man's song, / deep with what has happened to us. (60.3)
For Daddy, music is a private way to release his pain. He does it quietly, almost as if he's trying to hide it. Maybe he gets tired of trying to stay strong and lets himself reminisce about the music that was once in the house.
Quote #8
I ignored the pain running up and down my arms, / I felt like I was part of something grand. / But they had to give my ribbon and my dollar to my / father, / 'cause I couldn't hold / anything in my hands. (69.8)
Billie Jo's decision to enter the Palace talent contest reveals that she hasn't lost all hope—she wants to prove that she can still play piano, both to those who think the accident has washed her up and to herself. While winning third prize affirms her ability, the accident and Ma's absence still hover over her accomplishment in the form of the pain in her hands.
Quote #9
They kept time in the aisles, / hooting after each number, / and when Mad Dog finished his last song, they sent / the dust swirling, / cheering and whooping, / patting each other on the back, / as if they'd been featured / on WDAG themselves. (93.4)
Because we only get a very narrow window of life in the Panhandle from Billie Jo's perspective, it's difficult to see the impact music and art have on the townspeople. Mad Dog's performance from Amarillo on the radio, though, is one moment where the dust and hard times disappear and everyone gets to celebrate a local boy making good on music.