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.