- This is the one song everyone would like to learn, the song that is irresistible.

The song that forces men to leap overboard in squadrons, even though they see the beached skulls.

"Siren Song" by Margaret Atwood is about the capturing of a sailor.

It's basically the essence of why human beings act the way we do.

Oftentimes when we see someone in trouble, when we see someone in need, we rush to help them.

And in this poem we see the siren saying, I don't like doing this.

Please save me.

And that's what causes the sailor to fall for the trap.

On paper, it kind of sounds more like the siren loves what she does.

When I perform it, I choose to make it more regretful and remorseful and just full of sorrow.

"Siren Song," by Margaret Atwood.

This is the one song everyone would like to learn, the song that is irresistible.

The song that forces men to leap overboard in squadrons, even though they see the beached skulls.

The song nobody knows because anyone who has heard it is dead and the others can't remember.

Shall I tell you the secret?

And if I do, will you get me out of this bird suit?

I don't enjoy it here, squatting on this island, looking picturesque and mythical.

With these two feathery maniacs.

I don't enjoy singing this trio, fatal and valuable.

I will tell The secret to you.

To you.

Only to you.

Come closer.

This song is a cry for help.

Help me.

Only you.

Only you can.

You are unique.

At last.

Alas, it is a boring song, but it works every time.

(upbeat music) - [Voiceover] Funded by the North Dakota Council on the Arts and by the members of Prairie Public.