That Belafonte Beat: A Dive Into a Classic Crossword Clue
Ah, the crossword puzzle. A daily ritual for some, a weekend treat for others, and a brain-tickling challenge for all. Few things provide quite the same feeling of satisfaction as slotting that final letter into place, completing the grid, and basking in the glory of a solved puzzle.
But let’s face it, not all clues are created equal. Some are straightforward definitions, requiring only a quick mental shuffle through your vocabulary. Others are cunningly crafted puns, demanding a healthy dose of lateral thinking. And then there are those clues that lean heavily on pop culture, geography, or historical knowledge, sending you scurrying to your trusty search engine for a little nudge in the right direction.
This brings us to today’s subject: a clue that’s been popping up in puzzles with delightful regularity: “Belafonte song starter.”
Immediately, several things spring to mind. We’re dealing with a musical reference, specifically connected to the legendary Harry Belafonte. This narrows the field considerably. We need to consider his extensive discography. Knowing Belafonte’s genre – primarily calypso, folk, and pop – can prove beneficial when recalling song titles.
But the crucial element is the phrase “song starter.” This tells us we’re looking for the
first word
(or possibly even the first few words) of one of his well-known tunes. It’s like a musical scavenger hunt within the crossword grid!
The beauty of this type of clue lies in its potential for deception. Is it one of his mega-hits, immediately recognizable to even casual listeners? Or is it a deeper cut, requiring a more dedicated Belafonte fan to recall? The length of the answer, as indicated by the number of spaces in the grid, offers a crucial clue. A short answer might suggest a simple, single-word start, while a longer answer hints at a more elaborate phrase.
Solving clues like “Belafonte song starter” often involves a multi-pronged approach. First, brainstorm a list of Belafonte songs you know, paying close attention to their opening lyrics. Hum them to yourself, if it helps! Then, consider the surrounding letters already filled in on the grid. These provide valuable context, potentially eliminating possibilities that don’t fit the emerging word pattern.
Don’t underestimate the power of deduction. If you know the song begins with a vowel, you can immediately rule out titles that start with consonants. Similarly, if the second letter is an “A,” you can focus your search on songs with titles that feature that specific letter combination in the initial position.
Finally, don’t be afraid to enlist the help of a friend, a family member, or even the vast knowledge base of the internet. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all you need to unlock the answer and experience that satisfying “aha!” moment. Just remember to approach your research methodically and avoid simply Googling the exact clue! The real joy lies in the mental workout and the sense of accomplishment that comes from solving the puzzle on your own. So, put on some Belafonte, sharpen your pencils, and get ready to flex those brain muscles! Good luck, and happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
DAYO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Kyle Beakley & David Levinson Wilk / Ed. Patti Varol