“Jimi Thing” by Dave Matthews Band
Euphemism: “Sometimes a Jimi Thing slides my way”
The unfamiliar phrase “Jimi Thing” could be replacing something that society would find offensive or inappropriate.
Imagery: “I’m on my back/ Staring up at the ceiling”
This creates a mental visual image that assists the listener in seeing the world through the eyes of the narrator.
Alliteration consonance: “take a taste”
Ambiguity: “If you could keep me floating”
This could have either literal or figurative meaning. The narrator could be physically floating or just using the word “floating” to describe continuance despite hardships.
Ambiguity: “the end of this tunnel”
This could indicate either a real tunnel or some kind of a challenge that the narrator wants to overcome.
“Free Bird” by Lynard Skynard
Imagery: “There’s too many places I gotta see”
This creates a mental visual picture because the listener is able to imagine a variety of places in the world that the narrator wants to see.
Simile: “I’m as free as a bird now”
The narrator is so free that he is able to compare himself to a free bird.
Alliteration assonance: “leave here”
“Mrs. Robinson” by Simon and Garfunkel
Alliteration consonance: “Sitting… sofa… Sunday”
Hyperbole: “Look around you, all you see are sympathetic eyes”
This could be an exaggeration; even if one sees a lot of sympathetic eyes, there is a very small chance that nothing else is visible.
Allusion: “Joe DiMaggio”
Joe DiMaggio was a baseball player who is still famous today and is being referred to in the song.
Allusion: “Jesus loves you more than you will know”
This refers to not only Jesus Christ himself, but also the song that was written about him, which says, “Jesus loves me, this I know…”
Imagery: “Stroll around the grounds”
This allows the listener to imagine her wandering around, trying to find where she is comfortable.
Personification: “A nation turns its lonely eyes”
Although a nation is composed of individual people, a nation is not one individual person. In a way, it cannot turn its eyes if it is not a person.
Euphemism: “Put it in your pantry with your cupcakes”
This could be considered euphemism because by adding on the prepositional phrase, “with your cupcakes,” the writer makes this line sound more innocent.
Monday, June 14, 2010
new version of "Ain't It Good"
(based on "Ain't It Good" from the musical "Children of Eden," written by Stephen Schwartz)
Oh, look up there, on the calendar!
Is it the month of June?
On the twenty-second of this month,
We’ll be out before noon
We’ve been in school so long
That we can’t wait for it to end
The heat is broken, and our books are unattached
When school is closed, we won’t attend it
Ain’t it sweet to think about it,
The last day of junior year
Will it come?
We start to doubt it,
Though we know
It’s almost here
No more tests, and no more quizzes
They’ll release us from our pen,
Also known as N.H.S.
Though it’s good enough, I guess,
We get homework in excess
Where we’ve been
Ain’t it good?
Ain’t it good?
Ain’t it good to see the sun again?
When AP took over my life,
And I sold my soul to Ms. Madden,
There were times I’d truly wonder
If I’d have a life again (Wondered if I’d ever have…)
But (there’s) no year can last forever,
Though we feel so helpless now (oooo-oo!)
Soon we’ll all turn on our fans,
Have our tans and water bans,
Sounds like some good summer plans
For twenty-ten!
Ain’t it good (It will be good)
When smoke is clearing,
We can say summer’s begun,
And our hopes are reappearing,
Since all our struggles are almost done,
Should we, now, believe what we’re hearing?
We never thought we’d get a real vacation!
When it’s hard to concentrate,
It’s more difficult to wait,
And we all anticipate it,
Greater time!
Brother, ain’t it good, oh ain’t it good?
Ain’t it good to see the sun again, my Lord?
After all the days we stood,
Smelling dust and moldy books
Ain’t it good to see the sun again?
Oh, ain’t it good to see the shining summer sun again?
Oh, look up there, on the calendar!
Is it the month of June?
On the twenty-second of this month,
We’ll be out before noon
We’ve been in school so long
That we can’t wait for it to end
The heat is broken, and our books are unattached
When school is closed, we won’t attend it
Ain’t it sweet to think about it,
The last day of junior year
Will it come?
We start to doubt it,
Though we know
It’s almost here
No more tests, and no more quizzes
They’ll release us from our pen,
Also known as N.H.S.
Though it’s good enough, I guess,
We get homework in excess
Where we’ve been
Ain’t it good?
Ain’t it good?
Ain’t it good to see the sun again?
When AP took over my life,
And I sold my soul to Ms. Madden,
There were times I’d truly wonder
If I’d have a life again (Wondered if I’d ever have…)
But (there’s) no year can last forever,
Though we feel so helpless now (oooo-oo!)
Soon we’ll all turn on our fans,
Have our tans and water bans,
Sounds like some good summer plans
For twenty-ten!
Ain’t it good (It will be good)
When smoke is clearing,
We can say summer’s begun,
And our hopes are reappearing,
Since all our struggles are almost done,
Should we, now, believe what we’re hearing?
We never thought we’d get a real vacation!
When it’s hard to concentrate,
It’s more difficult to wait,
And we all anticipate it,
Greater time!
Brother, ain’t it good, oh ain’t it good?
Ain’t it good to see the sun again, my Lord?
After all the days we stood,
Smelling dust and moldy books
Ain’t it good to see the sun again?
Oh, ain’t it good to see the shining summer sun again?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Another Poetic Song
"Beautiful Disaster (Live)" performed by Kelly Clarkson
This song is not found on the list, but it is full of poetic devices. There are so many devices that the song received a 197 based on the rating sheet. First of all, the title of the song is a paradox because disasters and beautiful things are usually imagined in contrast rather than comparison. Comparisons in the forms of similes and metaphors are also contained in the lyrics. There is a lot of characterization as she describes this one man throughout the song. Examples of alliteration consonance, such as "magic and myth," and alliteration assonance, such as "exquisite extreme," are also used numerous times. One example of verbal irony, which is located in the last verse, is "He's never enough,/ And still he is more than I can take." The heart of the man whom she is describing is personified in the line, "And more heaven than a heart could hold." These poetic devices, among others used in the song, serve to convey the message that one can still love others despite the fact that no one is perfect, and one should not refuse to love someone because he or she is not perfect.
This song is not found on the list, but it is full of poetic devices. There are so many devices that the song received a 197 based on the rating sheet. First of all, the title of the song is a paradox because disasters and beautiful things are usually imagined in contrast rather than comparison. Comparisons in the forms of similes and metaphors are also contained in the lyrics. There is a lot of characterization as she describes this one man throughout the song. Examples of alliteration consonance, such as "magic and myth," and alliteration assonance, such as "exquisite extreme," are also used numerous times. One example of verbal irony, which is located in the last verse, is "He's never enough,/ And still he is more than I can take." The heart of the man whom she is describing is personified in the line, "And more heaven than a heart could hold." These poetic devices, among others used in the song, serve to convey the message that one can still love others despite the fact that no one is perfect, and one should not refuse to love someone because he or she is not perfect.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Worst. Song. EVER.
"Crank Dat Soulja Boy" ~ Soulja Boy
This is arguably the worst song (if you want to call it that) ever written. Based on our class song rating sheet, it received a negative 320. That includes the five points that I awarded it for humor; this song is a joke. The vocals display no hint of talent, and to say that the song is repetitive would be an understatement. Many of the words sound like they are missing letters, so only parts of these words are heard.
When I was completing this assignment, I was convinced that every bad song has allusions. If the lyrics are weak, the songwriter tends to throw in a few allusions just so that the lyrics won't be all bad. Soulja Boy includes allusions to Bathing... I'm sorry, Bathin'... Apes, Robocop, Rubberband Man, Superman, Roosevelt, and...um... himself. Even when the allusions are used, they don't make sense, much like the rest of the lyrics, which mainly consist of random words put together that mean absolutely nothing. Because of phrases such as "Superman dat oh," the song sounds like something that someone wrote in their sleep. Even that may be giving this song too much credit; it should not be compared in any way to Paul McCartney's "Yesterday." However, Soulja Boy does use alliteration consonance: "lean to the left," "super soak," AND "do dat." (clever, I know)
This song has an abundance of poor word choices, some of which are not even real words.
"Haterz get mad cuz..." Haterz? Cuz? Really?
"And he's gon' crank it up fo' sho'" Wow, he managed to finish more than half of the words in this line!
"Now watch me you." When people use the phrase,"Now watch me..." they usually end it with a VERB.
"at yo local party"- I'm not even sure if it means "your" local party or not.
"they be lookin'"- That's not a grammar violation or anything...
"Im'a," "wanna," "tryna," ...enough said.
This is arguably the worst song (if you want to call it that) ever written. Based on our class song rating sheet, it received a negative 320. That includes the five points that I awarded it for humor; this song is a joke. The vocals display no hint of talent, and to say that the song is repetitive would be an understatement. Many of the words sound like they are missing letters, so only parts of these words are heard.
When I was completing this assignment, I was convinced that every bad song has allusions. If the lyrics are weak, the songwriter tends to throw in a few allusions just so that the lyrics won't be all bad. Soulja Boy includes allusions to Bathing... I'm sorry, Bathin'... Apes, Robocop, Rubberband Man, Superman, Roosevelt, and...um... himself. Even when the allusions are used, they don't make sense, much like the rest of the lyrics, which mainly consist of random words put together that mean absolutely nothing. Because of phrases such as "Superman dat oh," the song sounds like something that someone wrote in their sleep. Even that may be giving this song too much credit; it should not be compared in any way to Paul McCartney's "Yesterday." However, Soulja Boy does use alliteration consonance: "lean to the left," "super soak," AND "do dat." (clever, I know)
This song has an abundance of poor word choices, some of which are not even real words.
"Haterz get mad cuz..." Haterz? Cuz? Really?
"And he's gon' crank it up fo' sho'" Wow, he managed to finish more than half of the words in this line!
"Now watch me you." When people use the phrase,"Now watch me..." they usually end it with a VERB.
"at yo local party"- I'm not even sure if it means "your" local party or not.
"they be lookin'"- That's not a grammar violation or anything...
"Im'a," "wanna," "tryna," ...enough said.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
3 poetic songs
"Mad World" by Tears for Fears
The creator of the website was justified in choosing to include this song in the list of poetic songs. Most of the song is imagery, as the narrator describes his experiences and thoughts. Using a metaphor, people's daily lives are compared to "daily races going nowhere." The narrator conveys the message that people rush needlessly everyday, even though they are not rewarded for their needless rushing. It is ironic that the narrator says, "I find it kind of funny/ I find it kind of sad/ The dreams in which I'm dying/ Are the best I've ever had," for several reasons. First, it is contradictory to find something both funny and sad. Second, dreams about one's own death are commonly thought of as nightmares rather than the best dreams. The narrator uses the phrase "no tomorrow." This is a hyperbole because although he feels that he has no chance of a future, the future never stops becoming the present. Additional examples of hyperbole in this song are "drown my sorrow" and "look right through me." Both alliteration consonance and assonance are also employed to enhance the messages that the narrator gives about his sad and hopeless feelings.
"Dust in the Wind" by Kansas
Although this song is shorter than many others, it is definitely poetic enough to be included in the list. Imagery is used to help the listener to create a mental picture as a representation of the message of the song. The metaphor in the song compares us and our dreams to "dust in the wind." They are compared because they both do not stay forever. Various uses of alliteration, along with the hyperbole "all we do crumbles to the ground," exaggerate this message.
"Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
This song is also a good choice to include in the list of poetic songs. It is almost all imagery, allowing the reader to create mental visual pictures. Alliteration and allusions to the Bible, such as "the holy dove," are included to support the messages about praising the Lord, hence the name of the song. Personification is used in the phrase, "the moonlight overthrew you." There are always multiple interpretations, but it may be related to "the baffled king" in the first verse. "Broken hallelujah" is an example of hyperbole because a word that is not a physical object cannot be physically broken.
The creator of the website was justified in choosing to include this song in the list of poetic songs. Most of the song is imagery, as the narrator describes his experiences and thoughts. Using a metaphor, people's daily lives are compared to "daily races going nowhere." The narrator conveys the message that people rush needlessly everyday, even though they are not rewarded for their needless rushing. It is ironic that the narrator says, "I find it kind of funny/ I find it kind of sad/ The dreams in which I'm dying/ Are the best I've ever had," for several reasons. First, it is contradictory to find something both funny and sad. Second, dreams about one's own death are commonly thought of as nightmares rather than the best dreams. The narrator uses the phrase "no tomorrow." This is a hyperbole because although he feels that he has no chance of a future, the future never stops becoming the present. Additional examples of hyperbole in this song are "drown my sorrow" and "look right through me." Both alliteration consonance and assonance are also employed to enhance the messages that the narrator gives about his sad and hopeless feelings.
"Dust in the Wind" by Kansas
Although this song is shorter than many others, it is definitely poetic enough to be included in the list. Imagery is used to help the listener to create a mental picture as a representation of the message of the song. The metaphor in the song compares us and our dreams to "dust in the wind." They are compared because they both do not stay forever. Various uses of alliteration, along with the hyperbole "all we do crumbles to the ground," exaggerate this message.
"Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
This song is also a good choice to include in the list of poetic songs. It is almost all imagery, allowing the reader to create mental visual pictures. Alliteration and allusions to the Bible, such as "the holy dove," are included to support the messages about praising the Lord, hence the name of the song. Personification is used in the phrase, "the moonlight overthrew you." There are always multiple interpretations, but it may be related to "the baffled king" in the first verse. "Broken hallelujah" is an example of hyperbole because a word that is not a physical object cannot be physically broken.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
war songs
"Sunday Bloody Sunday" by U2
This song could apply to countless situations. At the time it was written, the lyrics specifically applied to the conflicts in Northern Ireland. Part of this conflict involved the murder of multiple civil rights activists, which is now known as "Bloody Sunday."
"All for You Sophia" by Franz Ferdinand
This song was written about the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whom the band named itself after. Although it wasn't written about a war, it was written about an event that caused a war. There were seven "Black Hands" who were there to carry out the murder, and the seventh, Gavrilo Princip, shot the Archduke, triggering World War I.
This song could apply to countless situations. At the time it was written, the lyrics specifically applied to the conflicts in Northern Ireland. Part of this conflict involved the murder of multiple civil rights activists, which is now known as "Bloody Sunday."
"All for You Sophia" by Franz Ferdinand
This song was written about the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whom the band named itself after. Although it wasn't written about a war, it was written about an event that caused a war. There were seven "Black Hands" who were there to carry out the murder, and the seventh, Gavrilo Princip, shot the Archduke, triggering World War I.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Allusion, Allegory, & Ambiguity
"Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult
This song includes an example of an allusion, which is a reference to a historical figure, thing, or event. The narrator refers to "Romeo and Juliet," a well-known Shakespeare play. In the play, Romeo and Juliet plan to be "together in eternity," and their plan results in the two of them dying together. In the song, the narrator explains that "like Romeo and Juliet...men and women everyday redefine happiness."
"The Battle of Evermore" by Led Zeppelin
This song is an allegory because like a fable, it tells a story using representations. It includes fictional characters, such as "ring wraiths," "the dragon of darkness," and "the queen of light." This assists the narrator in describing the battle between good and evil and the struggle "to bring the balance back."
"Roundabout" by Yes
This song presents examples of ambiguity. For instance, "Catching the swirling wind the sailor sees the rim of the land" has its literal meaning along with different possibilities of other meanings. The listener could imagine a sailor sailing to land or someone seizing opportunities to achieve a goal.
This song includes an example of an allusion, which is a reference to a historical figure, thing, or event. The narrator refers to "Romeo and Juliet," a well-known Shakespeare play. In the play, Romeo and Juliet plan to be "together in eternity," and their plan results in the two of them dying together. In the song, the narrator explains that "like Romeo and Juliet...men and women everyday redefine happiness."
"The Battle of Evermore" by Led Zeppelin
This song is an allegory because like a fable, it tells a story using representations. It includes fictional characters, such as "ring wraiths," "the dragon of darkness," and "the queen of light." This assists the narrator in describing the battle between good and evil and the struggle "to bring the balance back."
"Roundabout" by Yes
This song presents examples of ambiguity. For instance, "Catching the swirling wind the sailor sees the rim of the land" has its literal meaning along with different possibilities of other meanings. The listener could imagine a sailor sailing to land or someone seizing opportunities to achieve a goal.
Friday, April 30, 2010
social relevence
"The Times They are a-Changin'" by Bob Dylan
This song explains that it is necessary that we notice the changes around us in society. The narrator claims that "There's a battle outside/... It'll soon shake your windows." This message indicates that we cannot afford to ignore the changes because we will all be affected by them in some way. The lyrics of this song can be applied to any period of history because society is always changing.
"Give Peace a Chance" by John Lennon
In this song, the narrator points out the various topics that are focused on in society. However, he argues that they are not the most important things to worry about. He believes that society's first priority should be to just "give peace a chance." This song was released during the Vietnam War, in which the U.S. defended South Vietnam in a fight to contain communism. Although the time period suggests that the song is directed towards the Vietnam War, it could be applied to any time of war.
"American Pie" by Don McLean
The lyrics of this song emphasize the importance of music in society. It has many allusions involving musicians that affected society. These allusions include but are not limited to Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones.
This song explains that it is necessary that we notice the changes around us in society. The narrator claims that "There's a battle outside/... It'll soon shake your windows." This message indicates that we cannot afford to ignore the changes because we will all be affected by them in some way. The lyrics of this song can be applied to any period of history because society is always changing.
"Give Peace a Chance" by John Lennon
In this song, the narrator points out the various topics that are focused on in society. However, he argues that they are not the most important things to worry about. He believes that society's first priority should be to just "give peace a chance." This song was released during the Vietnam War, in which the U.S. defended South Vietnam in a fight to contain communism. Although the time period suggests that the song is directed towards the Vietnam War, it could be applied to any time of war.
"American Pie" by Don McLean
The lyrics of this song emphasize the importance of music in society. It has many allusions involving musicians that affected society. These allusions include but are not limited to Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
6 song themes
"Life After You" by Daughtry
One of the main messages of this song is about joy. The narrator explains, "All that I'm after is a life full of laughter/ As long as I'm laughin' with you." He wants nothing more than to be with this person because he knows that it brings him happiness.
"Friends" by Led Zeppelin
It is clear from the title of this song that it is about friendship. It illustrates how important friends are and how easy it is to be kind to others. When someone is lonely or sad, the narrator advises that you should "trade a smile with" them, or in other words, make them feel better.
"Time" by Pink Floyd
Comfort is expressed at the end of this song. The narrator says, "Home again/ I like to be here when I can/ And when I come home cold and tired/ It’s good to warm my bones beside the fire." The song illustrates how time passes more quickly than we think it does. After describing the frustration of realizing how little time we have, the feeling of comfort is described, using the example of home.
"In My Life" by the Beatles
This song incorporates the theme of love, which is common among many well-known songs. The narrator explains, "Though I know I'll never lose affection/ For people and things that went before... In my life, I love you more." He admits that he has loved many people and things throughout his life, but he had not loved any of them as much as he loves this person.
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
Knowledge is one of the themes of this song, although there are many possible translations of it. Several lines indicate that the narrator is searching for knowledge. The song begins with, "Is this the real life?/ Is this just fantasy?" He wants to know the difference between reality and fantasy.
"Forever Young" by Bob Dylan
This song is based on religious ideas. This song is written in second person point of view, in the form of a blessing. For example, the narrator expresses hope that the listener will be strong, courageous, true, and righteous, which are all qualities that the Bible encourages people to have.
One of the main messages of this song is about joy. The narrator explains, "All that I'm after is a life full of laughter/ As long as I'm laughin' with you." He wants nothing more than to be with this person because he knows that it brings him happiness.
"Friends" by Led Zeppelin
It is clear from the title of this song that it is about friendship. It illustrates how important friends are and how easy it is to be kind to others. When someone is lonely or sad, the narrator advises that you should "trade a smile with" them, or in other words, make them feel better.
"Time" by Pink Floyd
Comfort is expressed at the end of this song. The narrator says, "Home again/ I like to be here when I can/ And when I come home cold and tired/ It’s good to warm my bones beside the fire." The song illustrates how time passes more quickly than we think it does. After describing the frustration of realizing how little time we have, the feeling of comfort is described, using the example of home.
"In My Life" by the Beatles
This song incorporates the theme of love, which is common among many well-known songs. The narrator explains, "Though I know I'll never lose affection/ For people and things that went before... In my life, I love you more." He admits that he has loved many people and things throughout his life, but he had not loved any of them as much as he loves this person.
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
Knowledge is one of the themes of this song, although there are many possible translations of it. Several lines indicate that the narrator is searching for knowledge. The song begins with, "Is this the real life?/ Is this just fantasy?" He wants to know the difference between reality and fantasy.
"Forever Young" by Bob Dylan
This song is based on religious ideas. This song is written in second person point of view, in the form of a blessing. For example, the narrator expresses hope that the listener will be strong, courageous, true, and righteous, which are all qualities that the Bible encourages people to have.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Simile/Metaphor
"Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd
The format of this song relates to a conversation between a doctor and a patient. Throughout the song, the narrator describes being comfortably numb, in which his feelings are gone, to represent his dreams being gone. One example of a simile is included in the song. When the narrator explains the "fever" he had as a child, he says, "My hands felt just like two balloons." This comparison between hands and balloons creates the idea of him being without feeling.
"Yesterday's Feelings" by The Used
This song is about letting go of worries from the past. The first verse includes one example of a simile. When the narrator gets rid of his worries, he can "See the changes, people's faces blurred out/Like sunspots or raindrops." In this simile, blurred out faces are compared to sunspots and raindrops. As he forgets about these faces, they gradually become less clear.
"I Am a Rock" by Simon and Garfunkel
Throughout this song, the narrator illustrates the fact that he is alone and without pain. Two metaphors are used several times to reinforce this image. The narrator says, "I am a rock,/ I am an island." An island can be compared to the narrator in this song because both are lonely in some way. The narrator is separated from other people, and an island is separated from other land. A rock can be compared to the narrator in this song because both do not feel pain despite being alone.
"You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC
This song appeared on the album "Back in Black" in 1980. The first line of the song is an example of a metaphor. The narrator says that "she was a fast machine." This is a metaphor because the woman that he sings about is compared to a machine without using the words "like" or "as." She is not literally a machine; he is comparing her traits to the characteristics of a machine.
The format of this song relates to a conversation between a doctor and a patient. Throughout the song, the narrator describes being comfortably numb, in which his feelings are gone, to represent his dreams being gone. One example of a simile is included in the song. When the narrator explains the "fever" he had as a child, he says, "My hands felt just like two balloons." This comparison between hands and balloons creates the idea of him being without feeling.
"Yesterday's Feelings" by The Used
This song is about letting go of worries from the past. The first verse includes one example of a simile. When the narrator gets rid of his worries, he can "See the changes, people's faces blurred out/Like sunspots or raindrops." In this simile, blurred out faces are compared to sunspots and raindrops. As he forgets about these faces, they gradually become less clear.
"I Am a Rock" by Simon and Garfunkel
Throughout this song, the narrator illustrates the fact that he is alone and without pain. Two metaphors are used several times to reinforce this image. The narrator says, "I am a rock,/ I am an island." An island can be compared to the narrator in this song because both are lonely in some way. The narrator is separated from other people, and an island is separated from other land. A rock can be compared to the narrator in this song because both do not feel pain despite being alone.
"You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC
This song appeared on the album "Back in Black" in 1980. The first line of the song is an example of a metaphor. The narrator says that "she was a fast machine." This is a metaphor because the woman that he sings about is compared to a machine without using the words "like" or "as." She is not literally a machine; he is comparing her traits to the characteristics of a machine.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Paradox/Irony
"I Can't Explain" ~The Who
This song includes a paradox with the phrase "I feel hot and cold." It is difficult to imagine feeling hot and cold at the same time because they are opposites.
"I'm A Believer" ~The Monkees
This song includes several examples of irony. The second verse ends with, "When I needed sunshine, I got rain," which could be considered situational irony. The contrast of the verses with the chorus could also be considered situational irony. Each verse explains the doubt that the narrator had possessed in his mind, but the chorus declares that now he has "not a trace of doubt in" his mind.
"Jumpin' Jack Flash" ~ The Rolling Stones
This song includes irony in the contrast between its verses and chorus. The verses describe horrible experiences of the narrator, but they all lead into, "But it's all right now..." This example could be argued as either situational or verbal irony because the reader could take it as either a sarcastic tone or as an unexpected situation occuring. It would typically not be expected that someone would be all right after being drowned and "washed up and left for dead."
This song includes a paradox with the phrase "I feel hot and cold." It is difficult to imagine feeling hot and cold at the same time because they are opposites.
"I'm A Believer" ~The Monkees
This song includes several examples of irony. The second verse ends with, "When I needed sunshine, I got rain," which could be considered situational irony. The contrast of the verses with the chorus could also be considered situational irony. Each verse explains the doubt that the narrator had possessed in his mind, but the chorus declares that now he has "not a trace of doubt in" his mind.
"Jumpin' Jack Flash" ~ The Rolling Stones
This song includes irony in the contrast between its verses and chorus. The verses describe horrible experiences of the narrator, but they all lead into, "But it's all right now..." This example could be argued as either situational or verbal irony because the reader could take it as either a sarcastic tone or as an unexpected situation occuring. It would typically not be expected that someone would be all right after being drowned and "washed up and left for dead."
Monday, March 15, 2010
Songs with Personification
The first song that I chose was "Last Kiss," written by Wayne Cochran. It was brought back and performed again by several different artists, such as J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers & Pearl Jam. The first verse, in which two examples of personification appear, describes the car accident according to the narrator's memory. In the car ahead, "the engine was dead." An engine cannot literally die because it would not have been alive in the first place. In the imagery used to illustrate the crash, the narrator mentions "the screaming tires." Tires can make loud noises, but they cannot literally scream like a person screams. These human qualities are given to the parts of the cars to contribute to the tone. The narrator is describing a past event that he does not like to recall and which makes him feel helpless in the present.
I also chose the song "Brain Damage," by Pink Floyd. The beginning of the song describes the "lunatics." Personification is applied with the phrase, "The paper holds their folded faces to the floor." The ability to hold something is a human characteristic; a newspaper does not have hands to hold anything in. Like all other lyrics, there are numerous ways to translate the meaning of each line of this song. However, one possibility is that the paper is given this human quality to explain how it keeps the insane people insane.
I also chose the song "Brain Damage," by Pink Floyd. The beginning of the song describes the "lunatics." Personification is applied with the phrase, "The paper holds their folded faces to the floor." The ability to hold something is a human characteristic; a newspaper does not have hands to hold anything in. Like all other lyrics, there are numerous ways to translate the meaning of each line of this song. However, one possibility is that the paper is given this human quality to explain how it keeps the insane people insane.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Point of View
"We Didn't Start the Fire" ~ Billy Joel
This song is an example of both first person narrative and stream of consciousness. Each verse is basically a list of allusions. In the chorus, the narrator uses the pronoun "we" in the lines: "We didn't start the fire/ No we didn't light it/ But we tried to fight it."
"Get Back" ~ The Beatles
This song is an example of both third person omniscient and second person narrative. In each verse, the narrator tells stories about different characters and knows their thoughts, although the narrator is not part of the stories. "Get back to where you once belonged" shows how the audience becomes the characters that are sung of in the previous verses.
"What Else Can I Say?" ~ Chicago
This song is a combination of first person narrative and second person narrative. The narrator uses the pronoun "I" to express his thoughts. At the same time, the narrator uses the pronoun "you" to refer to the audience. In the lines, "I can't follow you there/ What do you have in mind?" the narrator is still referred to as "I," but he speaks directly to the audience in his expressions.
"Hey There Delilah" ~ Plain White T's
This song is an example of epistolary narrative. It is written as though it is a letter to "Delilah." The lyrics, "What's it like in New York City?/ I'm a thousand miles away" imply that Delilah is a great distance from the man who wrote the "letter."
This song is an example of both first person narrative and stream of consciousness. Each verse is basically a list of allusions. In the chorus, the narrator uses the pronoun "we" in the lines: "We didn't start the fire/ No we didn't light it/ But we tried to fight it."
"Get Back" ~ The Beatles
This song is an example of both third person omniscient and second person narrative. In each verse, the narrator tells stories about different characters and knows their thoughts, although the narrator is not part of the stories. "Get back to where you once belonged" shows how the audience becomes the characters that are sung of in the previous verses.
"What Else Can I Say?" ~ Chicago
This song is a combination of first person narrative and second person narrative. The narrator uses the pronoun "I" to express his thoughts. At the same time, the narrator uses the pronoun "you" to refer to the audience. In the lines, "I can't follow you there/ What do you have in mind?" the narrator is still referred to as "I," but he speaks directly to the audience in his expressions.
"Hey There Delilah" ~ Plain White T's
This song is an example of epistolary narrative. It is written as though it is a letter to "Delilah." The lyrics, "What's it like in New York City?/ I'm a thousand miles away" imply that Delilah is a great distance from the man who wrote the "letter."
Friday, February 12, 2010
Hyperbole
I chose the song "You Found Me" by The Fray because it has two good examples of hyperbole. One example is "The early morning, the city breaks." This is a hyperbole because it is not meant to be taken literally; the city does not literally break. In another example, which also includes alliteration, the narrator asks God, "Where were you when everything was falling apart?" Of course, he does not mean that everything physically collapsed. This hyperbole is used to express the helplessness that he felt when he was faced with challenges in life. He feels as though God was not there when he needed God's help the most.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Songs with Alliteration
"Good Times Bad Times" by Led Zeppelin
- "means...man"
- "those things the"
- "when...woman"
- "still...seem"
- "when...whispered"
- "wish...was"
"She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5
- "help her"
- "miles...miles"
- "can come"
- "things that"
- "back...begs"
"Gallows Pole" by Led Zeppelin
- "hangman, hangman, hold"
- "many mile"
- "some silver"
- "get...gold"
- "bring...brother"
- "brother...brought"
- "man, man"
- "yes, you"
- "blood...boiling"
- "sister...soul...so...see...swinging"
- "means...man"
- "those things the"
- "when...woman"
- "still...seem"
- "when...whispered"
- "wish...was"
"She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5
- "help her"
- "miles...miles"
- "can come"
- "things that"
- "back...begs"
"Gallows Pole" by Led Zeppelin
- "hangman, hangman, hold"
- "many mile"
- "some silver"
- "get...gold"
- "bring...brother"
- "brother...brought"
- "man, man"
- "yes, you"
- "blood...boiling"
- "sister...soul...so...see...swinging"
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Songs with Imagery
I chose to analyze "Crippled Inside" by John Lennon. This song falls under the catergories of both my theme and genre, and it demonstrates many examples of imagery. At the beginning of the song, the lyrics are: "You can shine your shoes and wear a suit/ You can comb your hair and look quite cute...You can wear a collar and a tie." These phrases describe one's appearance when one makes the effort to look attractive, and the use of imagery allows the listener to create an image in his/her mind. "You can hide your face behind a smile" creates the image of a smile on one's face, while the word "hide" suggests that the smile does not truly represent his/her feelings. The same message is illustrated in the phrase, "You can wear a mask and paint your face," where the images of one covering his/her face with paint and a mask once again refer to "hiding." An example of imagery of both sight and sound is "You can go to church and sing a hymn." This line is included in the song to support the message that although one can try to have a good appearance on the outside, it is impossible to hide the fact that one is "crippled" on the inside.
I also decided to analyze "The Sun" by Maroon 5. This song also falls under the categories of my theme and genre, and it also demonstrates effective usage of imagery. In the first verse, the setting is established with: "Walking home/ Fresh dirt under my fingernails/ And I can smell hot asphalt/ Cars screech to a halt to let me pass." This first instance of imagery appeals to sight, smell, and sound. Visual imagery is created when the listener is able to imagine how we look "through photographs/ Trying to recreate images life gives us from our past." Another example of imagery is: "several miles from the sun," which could create an image of either being literally close to the sun, or being hopeful. The second verse includes the phrases: "Moving on down the street/ I see people I won’t ever meet/ Think of her, take a breath/ Feel the beat in the rhythm of my steps/...The rhythm of her conversation..." This example of imagery is employed to explain how much the writer has been positively impacted by his relationship with the girl he refers to.
I also decided to analyze "The Sun" by Maroon 5. This song also falls under the categories of my theme and genre, and it also demonstrates effective usage of imagery. In the first verse, the setting is established with: "Walking home/ Fresh dirt under my fingernails/ And I can smell hot asphalt/ Cars screech to a halt to let me pass." This first instance of imagery appeals to sight, smell, and sound. Visual imagery is created when the listener is able to imagine how we look "through photographs/ Trying to recreate images life gives us from our past." Another example of imagery is: "several miles from the sun," which could create an image of either being literally close to the sun, or being hopeful. The second verse includes the phrases: "Moving on down the street/ I see people I won’t ever meet/ Think of her, take a breath/ Feel the beat in the rhythm of my steps/...The rhythm of her conversation..." This example of imagery is employed to explain how much the writer has been positively impacted by his relationship with the girl he refers to.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Theme/Genre
Rock music is the genre that I have decided on. The songs that I enjoy are not limited to one genre, so I tried to choose the genre that includes as much of the music that I listen to as possible. I wanted to choose a type of music that is general to give me more options of songs to use for each assignment. The genre of rock is open to various categories with many possibilities when it comes to choosing songs. Helplessness is the theme that I have chosen. When I began the process of deciding my theme, I thought of many of the songs that I listen to. I found common themes between these songs, and I made my decision based on the themes that I recognized.
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