We real cool
As the title of the poem and the opening line of the section spoken by the poem's main speaker (the "we"), this line introduces the tone, diction, and clipped rhythm of the piece. Every line that follows contains the same vernacular three-word, three-syllable beat.
The young men's declaration of coolness doubles also as a signal of their own insecurity. By having to state that they are cool, they automatically introduce that question to the reader: Are they really cool? The introduction of the concept of "cool" in the first line of the players' voice also puts every line after it in the context of "coolness." In other words, we understand after this line that the speakers are suggesting an inherent coolness in drinking, skipping school, and dying young.
We
sing sin
These lines ascribe a destructiveness and self-proclaimed amorality to the players. To sin is to challenge the ultimate authority, a god or some higher power, which is a form of resistance. However, their destructiveness is enacted by singing, which is a form of creation and self-expression with the potential for beauty and harmony. Brooks suggests with this line that perhaps the young men's resistance is both necessary and beautiful.
We
Thin gin.
These lines refer to the action of watering down alcohol to make it last longer. It demonstrates the collective nature of the players' existence. They stand together and share their resources, but in the process of sharing, dilute the potency of that which they share. To thin gin is to weaken it, rendering the gin less intoxicating the more it is shared.
We
Jazz June
This quote refers to the player's creativity and the effect they have on their surroundings and community. June may be the month during which this scene is taking place, or it could refer to the summer month associated with sunny days and peaceful order; regardless of when the poem is taking place, this line communicates that the players contribute jazz to the air by virtue of existing. Jazz as a musical genre was created and introduced to the world by Black communities in America and is characterized by syncopation and improvisation. This line represents the players as seemingly discordant on the surface, but—like jazz—as being adaptable and containing a deep understanding of their condition. A great jazz musician can improvise and resolve syncopated musical phrases because of his deep knowledge and feeling for the instrument.
