"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.
Monday, May 31, 2010
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.
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