Give a poetic example of how, "the motive for metaphor, according to Wallace Stevens, is a desire to associate, and finally to identify, the human mind with what goes on outside of it" (Frye).
For the poetic source, please use a song you enjoy.
- Include your poem/song in your response.
- Try to place your poem/song after your introduction paragraph.
- Explain your choice. (See framework below & use any analysis notes from class)
- Cite your poem/song, using a MLA listing.
- In your response, I would like you to use the following guide to structure your posting.
A Framework for Responding to Poetry
Introduction:- Briefly introduce the title of the poem and name of the poet.
- Try to classify the type of poem it is e.g. sonnet, ballad, haiku, acrostic, shape, lyric, ode, limerick, elegy, dramatic monologue etc.
- Briefly explain the subject of the poem.
- Try to group the ideas in the poem is there a story that the poem tells?
- What do you think the poem is about?
- What are the pictures in the poem?
- Are metaphors/similes used to explain ideas?
- Are the five senses used to evoke certain reactions in the reader?
- How is the poem organised e.g. lines, verses, layout and shape.
- Why has the poet decided to structure the ideas in this way e.g. the sequence of ideas, length of lines, patterns etc.
- How does the poem rhyme? E.g. abab or aabb etc.
- What is the rhythm of the poem when read aloud?
- Why has the poet chosen this rhyme and rhythm to express these ideas?
- Think about the sound of the poem and choice of words
- The poet uses specific words because they have a certain association in the reader's mind.
- Look out for alliteration, onomatopoeia, assonance, personification, symbolism. How has the poet grouped words to achieve a desired effect?
- What is the poet trying to communicate to the reader?
- How effective are the devices/language that he uses?
- What is your response to the poem?
17 comments:
Rosanna, Rosanna…don’t forget to meet Rosanna all the way.
Glen Falls once said, “The truth is that poets are just as practical as people who build bridges or look into microscopes; and just as close to reality and truth. Where they differ from the logician and the scientist is in the temporal sense alone; they are ahead of their time, whereas the logicians and scientists are abreast of their time.” When entering the pantheon of poetic brilliance, one transforms into a somber critic that possesses undoubtedly the keys towards a dire crimson translation. To consider a poetic marvel as a mere utopian ideal is to live in a squalid state of being. The fundamental strata of all poetry is embedded with the opaque reminiscence of beauty, melody, an intense eloquence, and a harsh understanding of a universal truth. The American rock band, TOTO, portrays their sheer basic understanding of tragic loss and the universal truth behind love in their 1982 Grammy award winning song entitled, “Rosanna”,
All I wanna do when I wake up in the morning is see you eyes
Rosanna, Rosanna
I never thought that a girl like you could ever care for me, Rosanna
All I wanna do in the middle of the evening is hold you tight
Rosanna, Rosanna
I didn't know you were looking for more than I could ever be
Not quite a year since she went away, Rosanna
Now she's gone and I have to say
[Chorus:]
Meet you all the way, meet you all the way, Rosanna
Meet you all the way, meet you all the way, Rosanna
I can see your face still shining through the window on the other side
Rosanna, Rosanna
I didn't know that a girl like you could make me feel so sad, Rosanna
All I wanna tell you is now you'll never ever have to compromise
Rosanna, Rosanna
I never thought that losing you could ever hurt so bad
Not quite a year since she went away, Rosanna
Now she's gone and I have to say
[Repeat chorus]
[Instrumental break]
Not quite a year since she went away,
Who is it? Rosanna
Now she's gone and I have to say
[Repeat chorus]
Meet you all the way, meet you all the way, Rosanna
Meet you all the way, meet you all the way, Rosanna
TOTO’s epic lyrics create an intricate threadwork to the numerous themes that have been discovered throughout this semester. It brings to mind a vivid understanding of Dr. Frye’s take on how the imagination can cast a bright illuminative ray on the wants and the repressed desires of the unconscious mind. The infinite lines of emotional uniformity are broken when an underlying emotional conflict needs to be soothed. Unquestionably, the poet has witnessed the peculiarity of love and has tried to conjure their just analysis on what love means to them. As Henry Drummond states, “You know man who all but perfect, and women who would be entirely perfect, but for an easily “ruffled quick-tempered” or “touchy” disposition.”
In considering the main theme of the song ‘Rosanna’, it governs the very sacred unity of man and woman. It enlightens the reader/listener on a thought easily provoked by the mere sense of betrayal and loss. It leads towards a miserable state of being where life is embittering due to the departure of his true love. The main singer of TOTO wrote this song after his emotional breakup with the actress, Rosanna Arquette. The song beats with the sadness of his soul and his sudden astonishing realization that he never came into terms with their diminishing relationship. He is left in a devastated conundrum of reality where the mere resonance of hope for his doomed soul lies in the innocence of his love for Rosanna. He suffers the tragic penalty of a broken heart, where his ability to understand his true feelings are emitted through his heart provoking lyrics. The pictures evoked in the poem remind one of someone special—possibly reminds one of the epitome of innocence—a possible archetype for the angel, “I can see your face still shinning through the window on the other side.” It reminds one of all the treacherous paths embarked on just to meet one who is special to one’s inner being. The imagery beats in the frequency of a warm radiance and an ineffable intimate touch. A subtle comparison is made between her eyes and the Sun, which is the beholder of an infectious happiness, “All I wanna do when I wake up in the morning is see your eyes.” The poet could also possibly be hinting at a heavenly ascension where her ability to care can be compared to the biblical qualities of the Virgin Mary. It is a far stretch from the main theme of an enveloping tragic love.
The song is not founded on the basis of a complex symmetry of sentence structure. The verses are in short easily comprehended sentences where the concepts of rhyme and repetition help in the basic enlightment. The repetition of the name ‘Rosanna’ occurs a multitude of times, which points towards a lucid dedication towards the actress Rosanna Arquette. It makes one ponder, what did Rosanna do to break his heart, which compelled him to write a song about her? The constant repetition has a qualitative rhythmic effect, which helps in the understanding of the tragic disposition of the singer. The personal choice of the writer’s words can be related to the language of the common man, which makes the theme of tragic love easily comprehended. The language draws one into the vastness of a sordid relationship, which reverberates in a universal sadness, which evokes the mere feelings of a piercing empathy and sympathy, depends on the reader. It creates a subtle definition for pathos with a tolerable solitude. The primary thoughts leads to the world of obligation and an understanding of the basic human instinct wired as a basic biochemical trait—a genetic strand that leads to the depths of an intellectual unconscious. One comes to terms with the reality of disappointment where man’s soul can be condemned to the confines of a solitary companion.
The song ‘Rosanna’ adds a personal note towards one’s existence, which is easily mingled with the ideals of reality and poetic allure. It becomes a striking significance and a common denominator within human destiny, which entails the conundrum of the heart. It becomes a personal reality when one can relate to the exact feelings portrayed by TOTO. As John Keats once said,
Oh, sweet content, that turns the labourer’s sweat
To tears of joy, and shines the roughest face;
How often have I sought you high and low
And found you still in some quite place;
Here in my room, when full of happy dreams.
Works Cited
Toto. Rosanna. Feb. 2006. http://www.seeklyrics.com/lyrics/Toto/Rosanna.html
Toto. Rosanna. June. 2007 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq4ychrRkQA
Forever on the Dance Floor
The song that I have chosen to analyze is titled, “Forever” by Chris Brown. This song seems to have come from one’s heart if you were to carefully read and understand the words. In society today, it is hard for someone to find another individual who they could love and the feelings would be mutual. In certain predicaments, distance and time can impact a person’s relationship truly and cause difficulties to overcome it. When the topic of love is given, one might have positive feedback towards it while others would have negative feedback. Love can be a very hurtful feeling; however in some cases, it can be a very pleasant feeling. The lyrics of the song “Forever” are as follows:
Forever - Chris Brown
Intro:
1, 2, 3, 4..
Hey (eh)
Forever
Hey (eh)
Forever
Verse 1:
Its you, and me
Movin at the speed of light into eternity (yeah)
Tonight, is the night
To join me in the middle of ectacy
Feel the melody and the rhythm of the music around you (around you)
Bridge:
Ima take you there, Ima take you there
So dont be scared, Im right here, ya ready?
We can go anywhere
Go anywhere
But first, its your chance
Take my hand
Come with me
Chorus:
Its like I waited my whole life
For this one night
Its gon be me you and the dance floor
Cuz we only got one night
Double your pleasure
Double you fun
And dance forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever (forever)
Ever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever on the dance floor
Verse 2:
Feels like were on another level (ohh ahh)
Feels like our loves intertwine
We can be two rebels
Breakin the rules
Me and you
You and I
All you gotta do is watch me
Look what I can do with my feet, baby
Feel the beat inside
Im drivin, you could take the front seat (front seat)
Just need you to trust me (trust me)
Girl girl girl
Its like now
Chorus:
Its like I waited my whole life (oh)
For this one night (one night)
Its gon be me you and the dance floor (dance floor)
Cuz we only got one night (ohh)
Double you pleasure
Double your fun (yeah)
And dance forever ever ever (ohh)
Forever ever ever (ever)
Forever ever ever (ever)
Forever (forever)
Ever ever ever (ever)
Forever ever ever (ever)
Forever ever ever (ever)
Forever on the dance floor
Verse 3:
Its a long way down
We so high off the ground
Sendin for an angel to bring me your heart
Girl where did you come from?
Got me so undone
Gazin in your eyes got me sayin
What a beautiful lady
No ifs ands or maybes
Im releasin my heart
And its feelin amazing
Theres no one else that matters
You love me
And I wont let you fall girl
Let you fall girl (ahh ohh oh oh yeah)
Yeah, I wont let you fall
Let you fall
Let you fall (ohh ohh)
Yeah yeah
Yeah yeah
Chorus + Ad Libs:
Its like
Its like I waited my whole life (whole life)
For this one night (one night)
Its gon be me you and the dance floor (me you and the dance floor)
Cuz we only got one night
Double your pleasure
Double your fun
And dance forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever
Ever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever on the dance floor
Outro:
ohh oh oh oh oh oh ohhh yeah
Forever ever ever ever
Forever ever ohh
The song reflects the love that one individual shares for another person and he has been waiting for this special someone. Another idea behind this song seems to come from the idea that these two individuals were separated and they finally found each other. All he wants to do when he sees her is dance with her, forever. There are a few symbols/pictures seen in this song that relate to the love that these two individuals share with one another. For example, the first symbol/picture I noticed was the “dance floor”. One can see this dance floor as a sign of unity because these two special human beings will be meeting there and professing their love for one another. I also believe the idea and concept behind the movement of dancing also can be a symbol of their love because they have waited so long to see each other and dance with one another. Some of the senses heard in this song are touch, hear and sight. The sense of touch relates to the concept of how he wants to hold her hand and escort her to the dance floor. The sense of hearing can be heard in almost every song because there is always an idea behind a song. The sense of sight is seen in this song because he wants to be able to see her and finally be able to dance with her, forever.
The song is outlined like any other song; but in this case, it begins with an intro, three verses, a chorus and an outro. The artist may have organized this song in this way because he begins with a short intro just to introduce the song. Then he starts off with his first verse introducing what he wants to do with this girl and when he wants to do it. He then moves into the chorus talking about taking her to the dance floor and dancing with her forever. What I have noticed in the chorus and some of the verses is the sense of repetition. In the chorus near the end, he repeats the word “forever” several times. In this song, there is no sense of rhyming but instead a sense of repetition. There is rhythm to this song which can be heard out loud when it is being sung. The artist is very careful at his choice of words because he wants his audience to be able to understand the story behind his song. I have noticed that the author has chosen a certain type of framework for certain words, such as “Hey (eh)”. He wants to give it an exaggerated effect and he also wants it to be repetitive so the audience finds it catchy and addictive.
The artist is trying to communicate to the reader that if you want something, all you need is time in order for you to get it. In regards to love as portrayed in the song, he waited for his special someone and then he finally got her and danced with her forever. The artist was very smart when he wrote these lyrics and the rhythm behind it because once you listen to this song; it is hard to forget about it. The use of language and rhythm gets stuck inside your head and you will find yourself singing to this tune all day. When I initially heard this song, at first I did not like it. As I heard it more often, the beat got inside my head and since that day, I have never forgotten them.
Works Cited
Brown, Chris. 2008.
http://www.lyrics.com/url.php?link=http://a-lyrics.blogspot.com/2008/04/forever-chris-brown-music-video-and.html
Mr. Cab Driver was the third single released from Grammy award-winning Lenny Kravitz’s Let Love Rule album in 1990. This three minute 52 second song can be classified as a narrative ballad, because it is a poem set to music, telling a short story from a first-person point of view. This poem is about discrimination and racism, and was written by Kravitz after he ran into an altercation with a cab driver, who refused to serve him based on the fact that he is an African American.
Mr. Cab Driver
Lenny Kravitz
Mr. Cab Driver won't you stop to let me in
Mr. Cab Driver don't you like my kind of skin
Mr. Cab Driver you're never gonna win
Mr. Cab Driver won't stop to pick me up
Mr. Cab Driver I might need some help
Mr. Cab Driver only thinks about himself
Mr. Cab Driver
Mr. Cab Driver
Mr. Cab Driver don't like the way I look
He don't like dreads he thinks we're all crooks
Mr. Cab Driver reads too many story books
Mr. Cab Driver pass me up with eyes of fire
Mr. Cab Driver thinks we're all 165'ers
Mr. Cab Driver fuck you I'm a survivor
Let me in
Mr. Cab Driver
Mr. Cab Driver
The theme of the poem is racism, as well as the idea of being undefeated. The story begins with the cab driver refusing to stop and pick up the narrator because of his skin colour, but goes onto say that it won’t stop him: “Mr. Cab Driver you’re never gonna win”. The next stanza discusses the idea that the narrator could possibly need help, but that the cab driver does not care enough to stop and pick him up, thus demonstrating his selfish characteristics. The poem continues with the cab driver being prejudice against the narrator and assuming that he is a crook because he has dreads. This exemplifies the stereotyping and generalizing that comes along with racism. In the last stanza, Kravitz describes that driver’s eyes as filled with fire. When he says: “Mr. Cab Driver thinks we’re all 165’ers”, he is referring to the assumption that all African Americans are customers who ask cab drivers to drop them off in a dangerous neighbourhood near 165th Street in new York, and either refuse to pay for the service or rob the driver. The stanza ends with the line: “Fuck you I’m a survivor”, displaying that the narrator will not allow a racist cab driver to break his spirits.
Imagery is used in the poem Mr. Cab Driver, as certain lines paint vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. This is especially true if the reader has experienced a similar situation. An example of strong imagery can be identified in the following line taken from the fourth and final stanza of the song: “Mr. Cab Driver pass me up with eyes of fire”. The eyes of fire depict evil, which is a common thread in the subject of racism and discrimination. Nowhere in the poem does it directly use the word racism or discrimination, however the metaphor of the cab driver refusing to pick up the African American customer signifies the theme. Of the five senses, sight is used to evoke certain reactions in the reader, as the imagery causes anger, frustration and rejection caused by racism.
The poem is organized into a verse format, and is divided into separate stanzas, each three lines long. There are two breaks in the poem where the words “Mr. Cab Driver” are repeated twice. This takes place after the second stanza, as well as after the final stanza. This specific structure has been used by the poet, because of the sequence of ideas. The poem tells a story, which is told in chronological order.
Each stanza of the poem has the distinct rhyming scheme of: ‘aaa’. The rhythm is quite evident when read aloud, as the last word of each line rhymes perfectly. The poet has chosen this rhyme and rhythm scheme to express these ideas because the theme is complex, yet the rhyming and rhythm is simple and sounds smooth when sung.
There are a number of language patterns used throughout Lenny Kravitz’s Mr. Cab Driver. Each stanza and each line except for one begins with the words “Mr. Cab Driver”. These words are also capitalized, which demonstrates alliteration, and more importantly personification, making the subject more intimate to the reader. Also, the poet uses the word “you” as a way of speaking to the subject, which is the cab driver. Symbolism is used in the phrase “eyes of fire”, to represent the evil found in the idea of racism. The poet grouped the words “Mr. Cab Driver” and used repetition to reiterate that he is the subject.
The poet is trying to communicate to the reader that racism and discrimination exists, however what is important is how the victim responds to it. Lenny Kravitz demonstrates that an optimistic outlook and confident demeanour makes it hard to let someone like an ignorant cab driver get him down. The devices and language used are very effective because although simple, they evoke feelings of anger, pity, and contempt. I particularly like this song because although I can not directly relate to the events, I can relate to the feelings of rejection and unjust attitudes of others based on the fact that I am a visible minority. I like the fact that Lenny Kravitz uses his personal experience with a cab driver to write a song which others can relate to.
Kravitz. Lenny. 1990.
http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Mr-Cab-Driver-lyrics-Lenny-Kravitz/A4DD39389230FE2C482568C80033CAA8
I Like Thanksgiving Because Everything is My Mother
Human existence is true mystery. I assume that millions of years ago our ancestors found out that they could make sounds with their mouths and vocal cords. The inevitable conclusion to this discovery is the invention of language. Since mankind does not have telepathic abilities we rely on language to communicate and express our inner feelings/thoughts. This fundamental communication and expression can then be taken to the next level to create poetry and poetics. Metaphor and simile are now the language of the imagination. Religion is also an essential part of human experience, unavoidably language and religion will conflict. Most other worldly or mystic experiences are unique because they are ineffable; they cannot be put into words. Thus is the predicament of Mount Eerie’s (Phil Elverum A.K.A. The Microphones) 2005 album "No Flashlight: Songs of the Fulfilled Night”. Although the album works best as a whole, some of the songs can be analyzed individually in order to understand the message. The song that concludes the album is titled “2 Moons” and the lyrics, which are essentially a poem set to music, deals with Zen philosophy and the concept of illusion.
WORDS:
There are 2 moons.
The one that everyone knows
Is a reflection in a bucket wearing clothes
We see reflections
The Second moon is actually the moon.
Without some kind of research of background information it is difficult to comprehend what Elverum is writing about. At first it might seem like the poet is trying to express a dualistic idea, in reference to the two moons. This is not the case. It is fairly evident that Elverum is trying to communicate a concept. Whether that concept is easy to understand is another matter. Zen Buddhism, in the Japanese tradition, deals with the unity of all life and impermanence of the universe. In Zen dualistic ideas need to be lost in order to achieve enlightenment. The body and mind are not separate but are one, just like the rest of the world. The two moons that Elverum refers to, with a little information on Zen, become the concept of enlightenment. “The moon that everyone knows” refers to the concept that enlightenment is something that is innate in all humans. “Is a reflection in a bucket wearing clothes” is a comment on the fact that humans tend to mask or disguise their knowledge of enlightenment with things such as dualism and materialism.
Assuming that the bucket is full of water, the source of the reflection in the bucket is the moon itself in the sky. “We see reflections” is the same idea that the clothes express; enlightenment is clouded. The last line of the poem delivers the central message. “The second moon is actually the moon” if people were able see the reflection for what it is; a disguise, and embrace the moon itself enlightenment could actually be possible. Essentially, I believe that on the album Elverum is trying to express his wonderment at the world, taken into account the influence of Buddhism on his life. In the liner notes of the album next to the lyrics Elverum provides a passage written by a Zen monk named Dogen, this appears to the main inspiration for the song. I will provide the passage here verbatim:
“Enlightenment is like the moon reflected on the water. The moon does not get wet, nor is the water broken. Although its light is wide and great, the moon is reflected even in a puddle an inch wide. The whole moon and the entire sky are reflected in dewdrops in the grass, or even in one drop of water. Enlightenment does not divide you, just as the moon does not break the water. You cannot hinder enlightenment, just as a drop of water does not hinder the moon in the sky. The depth of the drop is the height of the moon. Each reflection, however long or short it’s duration, manifests the vastness of the dewdrop, and realizes the limitlessness of the moonlight in the sky.” (Dōgen) Actualizing the Fundamental Point. Genjō Kōan.
Like Haiku poets Elverum uses minimal words to convey massive imagery. In Zen poetry complicated language is not something that should be used to convey meaning. Then again it is a subject matter that is not easily put into words, therefore the less the better. The first image that Elverum uses is that of the moon, the white orb in the sky that lights the world at night. The next image is that of the moon as a reflection wearing clothes in a bucket of water. The first thing that comes to mind is an image of the moon wearing clothes, which is comical. Elverum uses metaphor and simile to his advantage in this particular poem. The moon is something that humans cannot understand. Scientifically they can explain the gravatational aspects of the rock but we cannot explain its existence through science. It is something that is fundamentally alien to human understanding. The moon is used in this poem to convey the message of enlightenment and not in reference to its scientific properties. The moon is a tool in the poem to associate the human mind with the world outside it. These are religious concepts that are beyond language and the only way Elverum can convey his message is to compare his ideas to that of what he knows, the moon. As literary critic Northrop Frye states there are two worlds, the world you live in and the world you want to live in. Elverum uses language and metaphor to associate these two words.
One of the five senses is found in the poem, the sense of sight. Elverum refers to reflections twice in the poem. Most importantly this evokes imagery in the mind of reader.
Essentially, the poem is five lines. Line one, four and five are direct statements that only use one line. This was done to make the poem uncomplicated and easy to read. Rhyme is used once in the poem, there is no specific system of rhyme and rhythm. Elverum might have chosen to organize the poem this way because it makes room for imagery, and allows his central message to get across.
If literary patterns such as alliteration, onomatopoeia, assonance, personification, symbolism are applied to the poem, personification and symbolism are present only. The moon is personified by being described as wearing clothes. This personification is also a form of symbolism because the clothes represent the idea that enlightenment is disguised. The reflection that Elverum refers to also represents the dualism of the word that needs to be forgotten before enlightenment can be accepted.
Elverum is trying to communicate something to his listener that he cannot explain in words. Instead, he has to uses metaphor to explain the idea of enlightenment although it is something that not all listeners will ever experience.
My experience with his album is unique and special to me. I understand Elverum’s frustration with the inability to communicate complicated ideas in art forms. I remember the first time I listened to the last song “2 Moons” I instantly imagined the Dōgen quote and the reflections in the water. At the time I had no idea about this quote but I had read a Zen introductory book that used this metaphor to explain enlightenment. The idea of dualism also came to my mind, not at first knowing about Elverum’s Buddhist influence. For a while I was uncertain of the meaning of this song until I purchased the album at one of his concerts. I opened the large foldout and read the quote and instantly understood that I had initially grasped the concept of the poem. It was an interesting feeling to know that I had understood a concept that Elverum tried to explain, fully knowing that not every listener would understand.
Works Cited:
Elverum, Phil.2 Moons. Olympia: P.W. Elverum & Sun. 2005
Dogen. Actualizing the Fundamental Point.Berkeley: Zen Center. 2000
Raekwon and Ghostface Killah: An Analytical Representation of Lyrical Armed Robbery
Rap music today simply is not nearly as poetically stimulating as it used to be. It does not incorporate poetic tools like simile and metaphor as eloquently (if at all) or naturally as the lyrical interpretation presented by members of the greatest rap group of all time. “Can it Be All So Simple [Remix]”, a lyrical poem off of Wu Tang Clan member Raekwon (AKA the Chef)’s 1996 solo debut Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, one of the most groundbreaking east coast gangsta rap albums ever. The song (a remix of Wu Tang Clan’s 36 Chambers’ single of the same name) has Raekwon and fellow Wu member Ghostface Killah (AKA Tony Starks) reflecting on the past ways they survived in their brutal neighborhoods of Staten Islands, and how different it is now, when they are acclaimed rap stars.
It's the remix Son
Can it be?
Act like you know
Check it
Verse One: Ghostface Killah
Yo, check what happened out of state
I'm knocking off a half-a-cake Cash Rule, flying at a fast rate
I smoke the black dust, kept my hands clutched, I'm fallin in lust
Spore plush I played my hand like a royal flush
Baggy jeans, Wallabee Clarks, pretty woman
I put it in him, shot up in him, deadly venom
I hung around the big time bosses
Illegal force exchange thoughts, showing love to all my sources
Spades tried to bag me, like Cagney, and Lacey
Chef had that bitch Stacey slippin in Macy's
I dose off, catch a flashback on how I got trapped
and got licked like Papsy in a mob flick I got hit
Stumblin holdin’ my neck to the God's rest
Opened flesh burgundy blood colored my Guess
Emergency trauma, black teen headed for surgery
Can it be an out of state nigga tried to murder me?
I should've stayed in Job Corp, but now I'm a outlaw
Ray Cartegna, carry a fo'-fo' nigga
Chorus:
{Can it be that it was all so simple then?}
Dedicated to the Gods and Earths
Dedicated to babies who came feet first
Dedicated to Up North and down state
Dedicated to rich niggaz who sell weights
Dedicated to projects with black kids
Dedicated to man who build pyramids
Word up! What the fuck yo?
We taking you on another chamber
Word up son, you know how we be on it
Yeah it's real
Show these crabs how to rhyme man
I think it's time to bless them, word up
Bulletproof
First chamber
Yo Chef yo
Verse Two: Raekwon
It started off on the Island, AK Shaolin niggaz wildin
Old folks scream : stop the violence!
True layin up yo, watchin these crack niggaz
Playin nuff crap games for what see?
Back in days, crime pays in mad ways
Sportin Tommy Hil with caves 360 waves
And no searchin for loose ends, now flex 300 Benz
Mad 10's with mad diamonds
Now that's the life of the good life, sometimes niggaz act trife
I paid the price throughout my hood life
Remember I got blasted, now that's in the past kid
God forbid I lay in the casket
But now I'm all about G-notes, no time for weed, mixed with coke
I wash my mouth out with soap
And I got my act together, 'Lo sweaters and better
and fat leather, so whatever
bring it on
{Can it be that it was all so simple then?}
The song has an intro featuring a flashback of Ghost and Rae exchanging words of an enemy gang member they notice outside their block, and the things they had to do to survive the confrontation with him, both getting severely wounded in the process. This clearly outlines the past both men had to live with as hoods growing up in a rotting ghetto of New York City, with crime and violence at all corners. As the beat begins, Ghost reflects of the situation of petty crimes and unreasonable aggression, and how different his life is now when he is involved with bigger crimes and actually making a name for himself in the New York underground. His verse compares his helpless feeling when he was a teenager, and how he feels now that he has made a name for himself. The chorus dedicates the song to people who had to work for what they are worth, and had to put so much effort into making themselves known. Raekwon’s verse figuratively compares his previous life to now where he is both rich and famous. He identifies the parallels of his old hood life to the present, his life as an aspiring rap star with a bright career.
This song is a great example of both Rae and Ghost’s ability to create images through their lyrics. The intro alone sounds like its ripped from a scene in Boyz n the Hood, and it definitely solidifies the topic of the song, and there are many examples of simile and metaphor use. For example Ghost, in four lines alone, references C.R.E.A.M (cash rules everything around me, a popular slogan of Wu Tang Clan), cocaine, shrooms, and poker. The song is a great example of Wu Tang Clan member’s ability to reference and reflect on many themes that create their group, their album, and their past lives. The senses are stimulated through the way they deliver their lines, in their trademark “swordz” (s-words, similar to the sound a sword makes when its swung through the air) style. It conveys in the listener an authoritative, experienced wisdom voice (Wu) rapping to them, and makes the whole song sound more authentic than the hard hitting New York beat already does.
The song incorporates many fast, highly structuralized, natural rhymes Wu Tang Clan is famous for. A lot of internal line rhymes, as well as a prominent display of trochaic foots engulf both Ghost and Rae’s verses. Ghost more prominently displays internal rhyming, and the song follows a lyrical pattern of ABAB throughout, with an odd end-word on certain lines. It goes unnoticed and does not feel awkward, as a continuation of the previous lines rhyme follows suit in the internal line rhyming of the next, and this model carries the song. This is a classic example of Raekwon and Ghost’s master of rhyme, and the uneven, unrhyming climaxes of their verses only help to grit up the sound of their unique prose, and help to further display the quality of their rhymes.
A unique aspect of this song is that Ghost and Rae have a similar use of words, yet it is noticeably distinguishable based on what images they create with them, and the desired effect both men achieve. Ghost talks of things in his life that make up his persona (on Cuban Linx…) and they create images that stick in the listeners head throughout the album, and are constantly being reiterated on it. He mentions things like “baggy jeans, wallabee clarks, pretty women”, an obvious reference to the style of clothing, shoes, and girls he now has, then goes on to recall how he “got licked like Papsy in a mob flick I got hit / Stumblin holdin my neck to the God's rest /Opened flesh burgundy blood colored my Guess”. The second quote identifies a reference to The Godfather (Papsy being slang for pop, or father), an ascent to Heaven, and his old clothes, Guess (a common brand of clothing). Raekwon’s verse has less internal rhyming, but his unique way with lyrics help to convey a sense of parallelism between past and present. “Back in days, crime pays in mad ways / Sportin Tommy Hil with caves 360 waves / And no searchin for loose ends, now flex 300 Benz / Mad 10's with mad diamonds”. In his past, he wore Tommy Hilfiger, another common line of clothing, and in his present good life he drives a Mercedes, has lots of money, and wears actual jewelry. The Chef goes on to talk of his past, how he got shot and almost died, and in the present how he does not deal with petty crime that he once did, as he realized its not worth it and doesn’t amount to what he does now in any stretch. The clothing in the song is a symbol for their lives and how different they are; poor people do not (generally, nowadays many people, especially teens paychecks go into shoes and t-shirts) wear big brand expensive attire. Ghost refers to the Godfather, which fits with the album’s theme of crime families. Rae refers to his old life of dealing with cracked out hoods and
Can It Be All So Simple [Remix] is a song of the past and present of two rappers Ghostface Killah and Raekwon the Chef. Though it may be sensationalized to fit with the albums central theme of drug dealing andNew York Crime families, it is a definitive example of the two poets incredible use of rhyme and simile to create imagery that still hits home, 12 years after the song was released. It is a testament to the struggle many youth deal with on a regular basis in rough neighborhoods of cities. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… is an album filled with complex rhythmical patterns and an immersive qualitiy only found in storytelling East coast rap albums of the 1990s. The entire song (and album) outlines the sheer struggle and hardness of an inner city street thug turned globetrotting rap star, and it’s as accessible as hard hip hop. Hey, if a 17 year old white kid from Meadowvale can appreciate it, it must be. Raekwon and Ghostface prominently display their skill as rappers and narrators in this song, and only strengthen and intensify this ability in their future musical endeavors. Though this song is one example of their ability, many others off their solo work and Wu Tang Clan albums clearly demonstrate. Today’s hip hop consists of Macarena-type ringtone songs and rhymes that don’t rhyme; yesterday’s was art, and valid comparisons, unfortunately, are still only counted with one hand.
The saga continues...
Works Cited:
Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, 1996.
http://www.metrolyrics.com/can-it-all-be-so-simple-remix-lyrics-raekwon-the-chef.html
Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, 1996. http://youtube.com/watch?v=gUEfGciFlTI
I Just Want You to Know Who I Am...
Written in 1997, Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls was the song to propel the band to stardom. Originally written for the movie “City of Angels”, Iris is a love ballad with simple yet powerful lyrics. The song is sung from the point of view of the main character in the film. The main character is an angel who falls in love with a living woman. He knows he can never be with her, and the only way is to give up his eternal life as an angel. The lyrics of the song are as follows:
And I'd give up forever to touch you,
Cause I know that you feel me somehow.
You're the closest heaven that I'll ever be,
And I don't want to go home right now.
And all I can taste is this moment,
And all I can breathe is your life,
And sooner or later it's over,
I just don't want to miss you tonight.
And I don't want the world to see me,
Cause I don't think that they'd understand.
When everything's made to be broken,
I just want you to know who I am.
And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming,
Or the moment of the truth in your lies.
When everything feels like the movies,
Yeah you bleed just to know you're alive.
And I don't want the world to see me,
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand.
When everything's made to be broken,
I just want you to know who I am.
And I don't want the world to see me,
Cause I don't think that they'd understand.
When everything's made to be broken,
I just want you to know who I am.
And I don't want the world to see me,
Cause I don't think that they'd understand.
When everything's made to be broken,
I just want you to know who I am.
I just want you to know who I am.
I just want you to know who I am.
I just want you to know who I am.
Since the song is based on the events in the film, it tells a beautiful love story. The first verse of the song explains the meaning of love and how when you love one person, you cherish the moments you are with them because they could be over so soon. The moments spent with them are so amazing because you ache for them when you are not with them. This idea relates to Northrop Frye’s The Educated Imagination, as he wrote, “I feel separated and cut off from the world around me, but occasionally I’ve felt that it was really a part of me, and I hope I’ll have that feeling again, and that next time it won’t go away” (29). The explanation Frye has is exactly what the song expresses. The song goes on further to explain how fragile love is, as there is a fear that it may all be too good to be true. This is shown through the line “you bleed just to know you’re alive”. There is also a sense of forbidden love, as the lines “I don’t want the world to see me/ ‘Cause I don’t think that they’d understand” are repeated. The man in need of love just wants the one he loves to know his feelings for her. The underlying meaning of this song is that when someone is in love with another so much, they would do absolutely anything to be with them. The simple words used are so meaningful, that it seems as though there would be no better way to show the feelings being expressed.
There are several pictures and images used in this song to attain certain feelings. First off, the line “you’re the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be” paints a beautiful picture of the essence of the woman the man desires. It explains that the woman must be as beautiful as an angel if she is like heaven. Another line which is also a great metaphor that creates a wonderful image is “when everything feels like the movies”. This wonderful line expresses the feeling of how everything seems to be fake or unreal. There are moments where things may seem too good to be true, which is what the line is referring to. Sometimes one must take a step back and look at the grand scheme of things. The senses which are used to create reactions to the reader are touching, tasting, and seeing. The opening line of the song expresses the longing to feel someone that is loved so greatly. The person would give up anything in order to feel their loved one again. The line “All I can taste is this moment” gives the feeling of how the experience is so great that it consumes all of the person’s senses. There is nothing else that matters but the joy coming from that one moment. The sense of seeing is expressed through the way the person does not want the world to see them. This may be because of something abnormal with the person, in this case the main character is an angel. The reader will get a sense of mystery as the one expressing their love is unknown. The imagery expressed through this song is incredible, and the lyrics used to express these feelings are phenomenal.
This song is organized in verses, the traditional way of a song. The song writer has used this method because of the traditions of song writing. In this case the songwriter, John Rzeznik, has put his ideas into separate verses. The first few verses explains the essence of love, and how a person would do anything to have the opportunity to love their intended. Rzeznik later goes on to explain how the love is forbidden as the outside may not approve of what or who this person is. Regardless, the protagonist wants to love and be loved by their special one. The next set of verses expresses how fragile love can be, and at times how things may seem fake. A reminder is needed to let it be known that the moments are real, and the feelings that were felt were true. Rzeznik wrote this song magnificently as it was organized well which makes the song flow beautifully.
The rhyming scheme of the song is ABCB. The rhythm of the song flows very well when it is read aloud. The rhyming scheme is very smooth and not too forced as some rhyming schemes are. The words come out nicely and the sound is soothing to the ears. Rzeznik chose this rhyming scheme and rhythm because the type of song it is fits perfectly. A love song like this is meant to have a smooth and soft feel to it. The idea of love is a serious matter which is presented best in a gentle way. Rzeznik put the rhythm together in a genius way which contributes to the success of this song.
The word choices in this song are exactly right. There are no better words to describe the message which is being expressed. The amazing thing about this song is that it uses such simple words that the readers or listeners can relate to it so well. The structure is so eloquently put together that the song would not have the same effect without the correct words. For example, the lines “And all I can taste is this moment/ And all I can breathe is your life” are a perfect example of how the right words give the right meaning. Rzeznik wants to express that the moment experienced by the person is so amazing and full of joy that it is all that matters. In that one moment all of their dreams come true and their happiness is never ending. The intimacy with their loved one is also expressed as the only thing that keeps them breathing is that one person’s existence. There is no other way to express the feelings but with the chosen words that are used. The simplicity of the words chosen only give it a greater impact. The right word choices are crucial, and without a doubt the right words were used in this song.
John Rzeznik has put together a great message through his song. He is trying to say that love is so precious that we have to cherish every moment we have with our loved ones. He also explains that at times we may be ashamed and care what others think, but it does not matter because as long as we are happy, and those that we love, love us back, then that is all that matters. The structure used by Rzeznik is incredibly effective as the listener to this song can understand it so easily because of the simplicity and clearness of the words chosen. I myself love this song, and I would go as far to say that it is one of my top 3 favourite songs of all time. It is so easy to listen to and can put things in perspective for real people. I am quite envious of Rzeznik because I would have loved to write something this beautiful and been so successful in doing so. Over all, Iris is a fantastic song which will be remembered for years and years. The song always sounds new and fresh, and generations with continue listening to it as long as music is being written.
Works Cited:
Rzeznik,John. Iris. 1996. http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/g/goo_goo_dolls/iris.html
Frye, Northrop. The Educated Imagination. Toronto: House of Anansi Press Inc, 2002.
The song which I have chosen to analyze is a entitled “16 at war” by Karina Pasian. Pasian is a young artist who is currently signed to Def Jam Records. This is a dramatic song that speaks about the struggles if being a teenager in today’s society.
16 At war
Karina Pasian
Aint no Daddy’s where I’m from Its just madd mothers
And eyes that still seem they can’t past color
Why am I disrespected by someone I should call brother.
And why girls feeling pretty and constantly hate each other
Bad air in my lungs.. Man I can’t breathe…
My eyes burning from all the dirt in the dubri
And its 3rd degree motionless on the scene.
Its like a disease the way Ya’ll killing me
I’m 16 and I shouldnt have to feel like this
I'm 16 every Young boy out here wanna kiss
I'm 16 and me and my momma going through it
16 on the Block 16 on the Block
I’m 16 ( at war) 16(at war) im 16(at war) 16(at war) I’m 16(at war) 16 (at war)
I’m 16 on the Block 16 on the Block
Around here cool is another word for fool
If he smoke then she smoke I gotta smoke too
Now what would I do if I didn’t have a clue
I’m 16 y.o. Asking God oh why oh?
If my clothes ain’t tight then he ain’t gon like me
Eyes on the prize so the next girl dress just like me
I’m so full of promise but why promise if will just be rewarded by bad actions
To him I’m just a transaction
I’m 16 and I shouldnt have to feel like this
I'm 16 every Young boy out here wanna hit
I'm 16 and me and my momma going through it
16 on the Block 16 on the Block
I’m 16 ( at war) 16(at war) 16(at war) 16 o wooh ohh(at war) I’m 16(at war) 16 (at war)
I’m 16 on the Block 16 on the Block
want you to love my mind, my smile, my style
I want you to know the best of me
I want to belong without being treated like property
Why does this feel like fantasy
I’m 16 and I shouldnt have to feel like this
I'm 16 every Young boy out here wanna kiss
I'm 16 and me and my momma going through it
16 on the Block 16 on the Block
I’m 16 (at war) 16(at war)im 16(at war) 16(at war) I’m 16(at war) 16 (at war)
I’m 16 on the Block 16 on the Block
I’m 16 (Oooohh Woo Ooohh) yeaee yeeaaaa
The main theme of the song identifies with the struggles that comes along with adolescence.The artist begins the song by addressing the issue of females who grow up without a father figure in their lives. The song all speaks about racism as it exist today; “eyes that still seem they can’t look past color” and the disrespect that is shown towards young females by males also ironically by other females.
In the chorus of the song, the artist displays how she feels about her situation “ I shouldn’t have to feel like this” as the continues to address the issue of being raised by a single parent. The topic of peer pressure is addressed. Peer pressure is a topic that every teen can relate to. “If he smokes, then smokes, I gotta smoke too”. The artist also speaks about her desire to be wanted by the opposite sex and yet, still be viewed as an individual. She addresses this struggle by stating “If my clothes ain’t tight then he ain’t gonna like me, eyes on the prize so the next girl dress just like me”.At the end of this verse, she realizes that the young man already has preconceived ideas about who she is “to him I’m, just a transaction”.In the bridge of the song she once again speaks about her struggle with individuality and sense of self. She also speaks about young males and their lack of respect for young women “I want to belong without being treated like property, why does this feel like fantasy”?
This song has a few metaphors within its content.The title is called “16 at War”.The use of the word “war” causes the reader to make an association with teen struggle. War is hostile, gruesome and dangerous. The artist plays on the struggle of teen living and associates these struggles with the act of “war”. Additional metaphors found in this song can be found in the lines “bad air in my lungs, man I can’t breathe, my eyes burning from all the dirt and the debris”. These images create a feeling that she is being suffocated and struggling to breathe. This may very well relate to the “struggles” that adolescents face in their quest to be understood.
The song is organized in verse format and is seperated into different stanzas. In the chorus the words “16 at War” is repeated several time through out the chorus. This is the main message of the artist.
There is a rhyming scheme displayed in this song. It is mainly “aba”.This scheme can be heard when the song is sung or read out loud.
The song does use many words that force the reader to make associations in their mind. The goal of the song is to grab the readers/listeners attention by using strong words such as war and debris.
Karina is trying to communicate to her fans the struggles that she identifies with being “16” in today’s society. The draws on the universal struggles of teenagers, their quest to be understood as well as their fight within themselves and with peers.She also gives the listener hope to rise about these issues and ultimately survive the teenage years and beyond.
work cited :
http://www.lyricscafe.com/hits/song.php?grid=4&id=1017661
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karina_Pasian
Phillips Craig and Dean is a contemporary Christian band that formed in 1991 that consists of three Pentecostal pastors. With experience of performing at youth camps, these three pastors have a good sense of what young people look for in music that enhances and encourages a relationship with their heavenly father. The well known track “Mercy Came Running” is a song that describes the mercy God has made available for his people. Though Christians are called to follow the life of Christ, every human being has been given free will and still has the ability of sinning. As the main theme of this song is the gracious mercy of God, the author has decided to write this song in the form of a story, personifying mercy as a human being that has freed a prisoner from the prison his own sin has placed him in.
According to Wallace Stevens the motive for metaphor is a desire to associate and finally to identify the human mind with what goes on outside it. In Northrop Frye’s essay The Educated Imagination he mentions that “we have an impulse to identify unknown worlds” (p.18). This explains the reason for the metaphors, similes and imagery used in this song to help readers of the lyrics and fans of music relate and understand the non-human world that surrounds them, including the spiritual world. The use of a metaphor suggests that two things are the same and the use of similes suggest the similarity between the two. The most obvious metaphor is the personification of mercy representing a person who has come to set a prisoner free from his own bondage. In the first stanza imagery is seen as mercy is described with a face that is seen peeking through mesh material that separates Mercy from the prisoner. Continuing into the second stanza Mercy develops character and a face of a person eager to do its job of providing mental and spiritual freedom. As the story progresses the impulse mercy feels to get in touch with the human being a physical being is seen as Mercy begins to run as desperation simultaneously overwhelms both characters. Without the use of the easiest method of identification between humans and the non-human, the author accomplishes their goal of letting the reader understand the heart of God through his mercy without the use of the five senses.
Though it changes throughout the song a rhyming scheme is used in the song, which makes it easy to remember and creates a rhythm for the reader without the song being heard. When the rhyming scheme is read out loud it seems to be as follows:
AAAB
CCCB
DEF
GHHHHHH
IIJ
KKKL
MNN
OPOP
As a Christian with a preference for songs that relate to the needs and issues of today’s modern and secular society, this song is a personal favourite seeing it’s relation to the need for a merciful saviour in the lives of young people searching for second chance in life. The message being communicated is an awareness of mercy for those who feel that their sins have mentally, physically and spiritually restrained them from freedom. This goal is accomplished as the chorus of mercy saving the prisoner just in time is the rhetorical device of repetition is used to remind the reader of a way out of bondage.
Phillips Craig And Dean - Mercy Came Running
Once there was a holy place
Evidence of God's embrace
And I can almost see mercy's face
Pressed against the veil
Looking down with longing eyes
Mercy must have realized
That once His blood was sacrificed
Freedom would prevail
And as the sky grew dark
And the earth began to shake
With justice no longer in the way
Chorus:
Mercy came running
Like a prisoner set free
Past all my failures to the point of my need
When the sin that I carried
Was all I could see
And when I could not reach mercy
Mercy came running to me
Once there was a broken heart
Way to human from the start
And all the years left it torn apart
Hopeless and afraid
Walls I never meant to build
Left this prisoner unfulfilled
Freedom called but even still
It seemed so far away
I was bound by the chains
From the wages of my sin
Just when I felt like giving in
repeat chorus
Sometimes I still feel so far
So far from where I really should be
He gently calls to my heart
Just to remind me
repeat chorus
Site Source:
http://www.lyricsdownload.com/phillips-craig-and-dean-mercy-came-running-lyrics.html
It’s time to grow up and move on
Hedley is an amazing Canadian band that has been nominated for two Junos Awards, for Best Rock Album and New Group of the Year, the album has been just recently certified as platinum. The first time I’ve actually heard from the band was when their new single, “For the Nights I Can’t Remember”. That sing was very catchy and after that day I became a fan. Then the band released another smashing hit “Never too Late”. It reminded me of everything that went wrong within my life and how it’s never too late to fix your problems and fulfill yourself with happiness again. Just recently I heard the newest song by Hedley on the radio while I driving to work, it’s called “Old School”. This song is about growing up and it reminds me of how I’m graduating of High School very soon. It’s just another step that I take into becoming a fully grown and matured adult in my life.
"Old School"
Don't believe everything happiness says
Nothing feels better than hiding these days
We bury our fears in the drinks, in these tears
For the days we believed we could fly
Call up your brothers and sisters and friends
We'll go back to the place where the night never ends
We'll remember the fires, the burning car tires
Boy how in the hell did we get here?
So why don't you meet me, down behind the old school
We'll waste away the weekend, with perfect regard for how
Cavalier we used to be, that beautiful insanity
The apathy's surrounding me
Don't close your eyes or we'll fade away
Over and over and over again
We sat down for a minute, grew up into men
Now we're putting out fires and changing car tires
Man how in hell did we get here?
So why don't you meet me, down behind the old school
We'll waste away the weekend, with perfect regard for how
Cavalier we used to be, that beautiful insanity
The apathy's surrounding me
Don't close your eyes or we'll fade away this time
And we'll never get back what we
Gave away, when we still have that fire in our eyes
Don't believe everything happiness says
Nothings as real as our old reckless ways
When we drink by the fires
The burning car tires
Bad girls and good liars
The dreams we'd conspire
The days we went crazy
The nights wild and hazy
Man how in the hell did we get here?
So why don't you meet me, down behind the old school
We'll waste away the weekend, with perfect regard for how
Cavalier we used to be, that beautiful insanity
The apathy's surrounding me
Don't close your eyes or we'll fade away
Why don't you meet me, down behind the old school
We'll waste away the weekend, with perfect regard for how
Cavalier we used to be, that beautiful insanity
The apathy's surrounding me
Don't close your eyes or we'll fade….
The main theme of the song is astonishing; it’s about “Growing Up”. Everyone goes through his or her changes that build them up into becoming a better individual in life. It talks about the old school days these people had and how much fun it was. They reflect their past and remind each other of the good old days back at high school of how reckless and cavalier they used to be. Having a thing like these peoples high school years as a forever memory is something that sticks to this band.
They use images to represent there recklessness by using “fire and burning car tires”. By burning car tires it gives of a lot of heat and combusts a lot of fire to keep burning. Fire in a way associates with the energy, assertiveness, and passion the boys had back in the day and when it says “we still have that fire in our eyes” even though these people have grown up they still have that memory of the time they were reckless with the fire still in their eyes. They also use the image the “old school”, it very symbolic to the song because that’s where there life started for the people that used to go there. It’s a symbol to remind one of the exciting days that they had, when everyone dreamed, went crazy, the good and bad days they had and the new friends they made along the way throughout their high school years. It uses the sense of hearing which is sung by the artist through his voice the sound bring spontaneity and presence into one of a kind and seeing is a very strong sense also when he mentions “Don’t close your eyes or we’ll fade away”. He’s telling people to open their eyes so they remind and remember themselves the good days and to never forget because only closing your eyes will make those images in your mind and memory only fade away.
The structure of the song is broken into 8 verses each but is quite similar in a way of what they try to get across to the listener while hearing the song. He starts off with talking about how happiness won’t ever last forever so don’t go on believing it for too long. After he talks about how nothing would ever replace his best old days and how he would drink in order to bury his fears of ever having to grow up. The next verse he talks about bring everyone back to the place where it all happened, when he had fun with his old reckless ways then he asks himself “Boy how in the hell did we get?” He’s talking about how through everything he’s gone throughout his entire life how in the hell did he end up into what he has become now. Third verse he talks about reliving the life he used to live in back at the old school with his old friends and talks about wasting the week talking of how good and beautiful it all supposed to be back in the day. The memories bring sadness to him and as he keeps growing older and older he begins to lose his memory and it makes him want to close his eyes but he won’t because if he does then everything he’s ever known from the past will only disappear and drift away. The forth verse he talk about how him and he’s buddies talked about maturing and how they could became better people in life by using examples of putting out fires and changing car tires which totally meant the opposite from the second verse which they were talking about putting up fires and burning car tires. After all they’ve been through the good and the bad somehow it made them grow up and when I say “grow up”, it made them grow into men. He questions himself again on how this change could have happened and how it made him become a man. The rest of the 5 verses go on repeating the same message that was used throughout the whole entire song but added more words into it making it clearer for the listener to understand what the band Hedley is talking about.
The song has some use of rhythm of “iii” “err” but mostly he uses direct words that don’t rhythm in order to get his message across more better. He uses symbols in order to associate an example of what he’s trying to describe in the song. The use of personification is evident throughout the song when he uses words like “apathy” and “don’t close your eyes” into one form of an idea.
All in all he’s telling people that everyone grows up in their life after an experience they had and his was after high school years. He also tells people to never forgot the good times because by remembering them it’ll keep one happy and help one grow into that spectacular individual they’ll become eventually in their life time. I’m now in grade 12 and graduating high school and I could relate to this song because this is where I feel like I am at the process of growing up into that better person within my life. I feel there is still so much still to do in my life order for me to feel as if I have grown into that image of a man. This is my first step, graduating high school and I still have so much to do and look for in the future. The only way I’ll be able to go from my present state into the future is by me having the memory of my high school years behind my back because its where I feel my life begun and will only continue on as time goes.
Operation: Save the Girl
One of the most powerful, effective and recognized way in order to get a message or ones thoughts across is through poems. Poems are most recognized through songs and are effective because of its harmony with music. “Crying Out For Me” is a Billboard hit rhythm and blues/ hip-hop song by Mario Barrett. Since all songs can be considered as poems, his song can be classified as a lyrical poem since it expresses his own thoughts and feelings. It can also be classified as a narrative since he is also telling a story about love or it can be classified as a ballade because of the different stanzas and repetitive refrains. The subject of the poem is about saving a girl from the pain that love is bringing her. His story goes a little something like this:
"Crying Out For Me"
1, 2, 3, 4
Yeah (uh huh)
Polo the Don
Listen girl Mario Let’s go
Ladies
It’s like you caught up in a maze
You keep on going in circles girl you’re trying to find your way out
But its time I put on my cape and
Put that s on my chest
Girl I wanna come and save you
But I’m stuck in the middle of seeing you hurt
I know when you love him
And you wanna make it work
And I can’t help but think that I knew you first
It’s getting louder
Can’t ignore it no more
I can hear your heart crying out for me (crying out for me)
I can hear your heart crying out for me
(And it keeps on saying) Come on in, come on in come on in and save me
(And it keeps on saying) Come on in, come on in come on in and save me
(I can baby) I can hear your heart crying out for me
Baby, I should’ve never caught no feelings
But baby having late night conversion on your sofa
You telling me how he played you out over and over, over and over
But I’m stuck in the middle of seeing you hurt
I know when you love him
And you wanna make it work
And I can’t help but think that I knew you first
It’s getting louder
Girl I can’t ignore it no more baby
I can hear your heart crying out for me (crying out for me)
I can hear your heart (oh yeah) crying out for me
(And girl it’s saying)
Come on in, come on in, come on in and save me (Save me)
Come on in, come on in, come on in and save me (oh oh oh)
I can hear your heart (I can hear it yeah) crying out for me
Girl it’s crying it’s crying
I don’t wanna confuse things (no)
But I just can’t keep lying to myself
When you’re holding me (when you’re holding me)
I can feel your pain oh baby let me be your dream
I’m the answer come see me (see me)
And u don’t have to cry no more (u don’t have to cry)
Girl I can hear your heart baby
I can hear your heart
Girl it’s crying
Won’t you listen to your heart, baby
I can hear your heart crying out for me (girl it’s crying out for me)
I can hear your heart crying out for me
(And it’s saying)
Come on in, come on in, come on in and save me (Save me)
Come on in, come on in, come on in and save me
I can hear your heart crying out for me
Girl I can hear, hear it cry for me, for me, for me, for me
Ladies wave your hands in the air
Ladies wave your hands in the air
Oh baby
It’s crying for me
It’s crying for me for me
In every piece of literature lies an underlying theme. Barrett’s story is ultimately about love and its hardships. He focuses his story on the girl he is in love with who is confused because she is unhappy and hurting in her current relationship. As a result, he wants to stop the pain and rescue her from her despair. Although he wants to save her, he is struggling with himself because he knows that the girl still loves the guy and wants to make it work, but being her friend and a person who deeply cares about her, he finally realizes what he must do: save her and stop her tears from falling.
Imagery awakens the imagination and opens the eyes and the mind allowing a sense of recognition to ideas. He wants to be the archetype of a hero who saves the ‘damsel in distress’. Often in Barrett’s songs, he has the image of superman. In the song, he describes that he has become the girl’s superman, “But its time I put on my cape and/Put that s on my chest/Girl I wanna come and save you”. The senses are stirred as he constantly talks about the girl’s heart crying and speaking to him to save the girl, “It’s getting louder/Can’t ignore it no more/I can hear your heart crying out for me”. This could also portray a superman characteristic of super-hearing. The sense of touch is experienced from his line, “when you’re holding me/I can feel your pain” giving the sense that the pain that the girl is enduring is so immense that when they hold each other he can feel it. The lines “Let me be your dream/ I’m the answer come see me” and along with the superman imagery give the effect that he fits the archetype of a perfect boyfriend- making him worthy for the girl.
The poem’s structure and form are the frameworks in which words build upon in order to create the literary masterpiece. Barrett’s poem is arranged in stanzas/verses that contain four to five lines that slowly reveals his story. It is followed by a refrain that is repeated usually after every stanza/verse. He constantly uses repetition in order to emphasize the lines to allow his message to come across. It also acts as a reminder to him that idea that he should be her hero strengthens in his mind. It becomes an echo that causes his unconsciousness to push himself to do what he feels is right.
The rhyme and rhythm brings the harmony between the words and music that creates a flow that leads into the hearts and minds of humanity. The rhythm of the poem goes from a fast-slow-fast pace with a short pause at the end of the lines. Because of this rhythm, the rhyme of the words are not apparent. The pause allows a word to be added that gives a transition to the next line. The first part of the words that fall before the pause rhyme with each other because of their intonation, such as maze, way, cape and save. The rhythm sounds like normal speech when read aloud and the rhythmic rhyme of the verses allow the idea to come across easier since it is repetitive. Since it is similar to normal speech, the sincerity of Barrett’s ideas become more apparent because nothing is exaggerated within his verses and his choice of words give a familiarity that touches the readers and listeners.
Patterns are natural ways in order to send a message across. Barrett uses slang and words like baby and girl in order to help the generation of today to recognize his story more effectively. He uses personification, symbolism and assonance throughout his poem. He personifies the heart as if it can cry and speak and call out for him to save it. His descriptions give a superhero symbolism effect who saves the day. He is a symbol of ‘the friend’ who for all the guys who are worth more than the inconsiderate guy who is with the girl that they love- thus a perfect boyfriend. For the words within the verses--for example maze, way, cape and save- he used assonance in order to give rhythm and rhyme to the poem which help complete the effectiveness of his final message since it gives appeal to its audience along with the familiar imagery that give the audience a sense of recognition.
At the end of every story, a lesson is learned. In “Crying Out For Me”, Barrett tries to communicate with the girl in order for her to realize he can save her from her pain, and that it is up to her to let him. He also tries to impart to the audience that they should not ignore but rather, they should do something if the one that they love is in pain. His use of literary devices such as poetic structure, imagery, symbolism, rhythm etc. enable his audience to visualize and experience his story. The symphony of the words along with the rhythm become very memorable that give its readers/listeners a sense of identity that allow them to relate to the poem and because of this, Mario Barrett is deserving of the honour of having his work praised by millions around the world.
Works Cited:
Barrett, Mario. Mario- Crying Out for Me lyrics. 27 Nov 20087. AZLyrics. 15 June 2008 http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/mario/cryingoutforme.html
Large-scale mainstream bands that involve political issues in their lyrics are few and far between. Modern-day lyrics have faded from any sense of political orientation, because politics has become a subject that not many wish to discuss. Rage Against the Machine were - in their album-producing days, a band that communicated their political views and opinions. Testify is a song that deals largely with governmental control and information pertaining to the government’s role in society. The song talks about what the government tells its people, as well as how citizens are unknowingly fed information that the government wants them to know. The song also makes references to George Orwell’s Nineteen Eight-Four, talking about The Party.
The movie ran through me
The glamour subdue me
The tabloid untie me
I'm empty please fill me
Mister anchor assure me
That Baghdad is burning
Your voice it is so soothing
That cunning mantra of killing
I need you my witness
To dress this up so bloodless
To numb me and purge me now
Of thoughts of blaming you
Yes the car is our wheelchair
My witness your coughing
Oily silence mocks the legless
Ones who travel now in coffins
On the corner
The jury's sleepless
We found your weakness
And it's right outside our door
Now testify
Now testify
It's right outside our door
Now testify
Yes testify
It's right outside our door
With precision you feed me
My witness I'm hungry
Your temple it calms me
So I can carry on
My slaving sweating the skin right off my bones
On a bed of fire I'm choking on the smoke that fills my home
The wrecking ball rushing
Witness your blushing
The pipeline is gushing
While here we lie in tombs
While on the corner
The jury's sleepless
We found your weakness
And it's right outside your door
Now testify
Yeah testify
It's right outside our door
Now testify
Now testify
It's right outside our door
Mass graves for the pump and the price is set
Mass graves for the pump and the price is set
Mass graves for the pump and the price is set
Mass graves for the pump and the price is set
Who controls the past now controls the future
Who controls the present now controls the past
Who controls the past now controls the future
Who controls the present now?
Now testify
Testify
It's right outside our door
Now testify
Testify
It's right outside our door
The song doesn’t tell a story as much as it does inform its audience about certain political matters. With lyrics reflecting the band’s views on their government and how said government controls the flow information, the song is about how the general populous is misinformed due to government and media interference.
There are many images and comparisons made in Testify. Pictures of “Mass graves” lined up at a gasoline pump depicts how our civilization will blindly buy into any scheme set out by the government, all because of sheer convenience. The song also includes metaphorical references, talking about being fed with precision. The government feeds the public information that they believe will benefit them when presented to the population. A metaphor of a burning room is used to depict a person choking on the mass amount of false information there is in today’s community. Some of the five human senses are also used to help understand the lyrics of this song, such as hearing, when talking about the soothing voice of an anchorman, feeding the public information on Baghdad.
Testify is set up in a traditional song format; verses and choruses, with two stanzas dedicated to talking about a specific point. The two main verses are similar in size, probably to balance the need to talk about government interference as well as misinformation and the need to think independently. The chorus is short and direct; testify. Testify - as used in the song, can be seen as thinking independently about the situations of our countries. A stanza directed to informing us about how we accept high oil prices because we are forced to is said four times, emphasizing the idea of blind obedience.
Throughout the verses, Testify has no particular rhyming scheme. There are a number of two-line rhymes, and even a 5-line rhyme at one point, however there is no particular order or pattern to these rhymes. The rhythm of this song follows a three syllable pattern for the verses, and this continues throughout the rest of the song. RATM chose this simple, yet effective rhyming scheme in order to emphasize the points they are trying to get across to their fans. The simple expression of words in their entirety with no pauses or tempo-changes makes for an effective subject, as well as song.
Testify is a highly personal song for many people, and RATM realized that in order to have the points heard, they must associate the song with what Americans can relate to. Personifying America, and thinking of it as a single entity allows Americans to judge the government as if it were a single person. Ultimately this song achieves its desired effect, because people can relate to many problems outlined within its lyrics.
Rage Against the Machine - being a highly political-oriented band, wanted to pass on a point about how people are becoming too much like robots, blinding following in the footsteps of their government instead of thinking for themselves and taking their own route through life. Testify is a song geared towards promoting independence in political thought, as well as being able to be informed about what is actually happening in your world. The language used is easy to understand, as well as metaphorical and symbolic, and it works well in achieving what RATM hoped for.
It’s all Sunshine and Lollipops
The John Butler Trio is a eclectic roots/jam band from Australia lead by vocalist John Butler. In their song Peaches and Cream, he is talking about the love he has for his daughter and wife. The song fits the outline of a ballad because it is a story told through a song.
Well there's far too many questions to ask
To answer any of them tonight
For I wear too many masks
To tell you if any of them are wrong or right
And confusion casts a shadow upon me
Like a great big cloud in the sky
And now oh I pray for rain
Cause it's been so long since I let myself cry
For so long I've sang this sad old song
And it feels like my time is up
For she came and landed in my arms
And she filled my half empty cup
Yes she filled my half empty cup
There you are right in front of me
A brand new day, sunrise over sea
No Longer is my cup half empty
Cause there you are
You and you mum infront of me
And Now I look up above me and
I thank that great old God in the sky
For telling me my cup ain’t half empty
It took my little girl to show me why
For so long I've sang this sad old song
And it feels like my time is up
For she came and landed in my arms
And she filled my half empty cup
Yeah she filled my half empty cup
There you are right in front of me
A brand new day sunrise over sea.
No longer is my cup half empty
Cause there you are
You and your mum in front of me
Your peaches & cream to me
You both are peaches & cream to me
You both are peaches & cream to me
All I know is
All I know and
I love you….
In the song, it seems that he is looking at how he was before, and how negative towards the world he was. Then, with the birth of his daughter, he begins to look at everything in a positive note. He used to think that his cup was half empty, but in reality it was half full. It can relate to the mythology unit and asking questions of who am I and what am I doing here, because it seems that he thought that he knew himself until his daughter came into his life and now he has truly found himself and happiness.
Some of the images that can be seen in this song is the peaches and cream. It shows how sweet they are and how good each of them is individually, but together they are amazing. The image of the sunrise shows that the birth of his daughter is the turning point in his life. The half empty cup is the image of how he was negative toward the world and was empty inside. With the birth of his daughter, it filled him up with happiness and love. The simile of “And confusion casts a shadow upon me
Like a great big cloud in the sky” showed how deep into the shadow and negativity of the world he was looking at and he needed to rain so he could get rid of all of those ideas. The song is organized into a ballad. The ballad is usually meant for a love poem or song. It is a simple structure because there is a simple theme of love and it is easier to get the point across. The songs rhyme scheme is usually abcb. This fits perfectly with the ballad scheme. He wants to express the simple themes in the simplest ways, trying to get it across to his own daughter, and how all fathers feel about children. He uses the half empty cup because people always look at their own lives as either being half empty or half full. The symbolism of the sunrise shows that there is a new day and anything can happen.
The John Butler Trio is trying to show us that there is always going to be bad things happening in this world. The devices in the song are effective because the simplicity of the song is the main theme, and that he wants his daughter to know how much she means to him and how she has changed his life for the better. Though we want to try and change things and be angry at them, people should also notice that there are many good things in life and how amazing things are. For myself, I have always looked at the cup at half full, and trying to live to my full potential. Though now more then ever is the bad things in the world being shown on TV and the internet, people have to realize that the world has many good things, but you have to go looking for them if you want to find them.
Where is the love ?
This song has been one of the most popular songs of our time. Written by Will.I.Am, this song seemed to be influential and it voices out the writers opinions on the all the wrongs that go on in the world.
What's wrong with the world, mama
People livin' like they ain't got no mamas
I think the whole world addicted to the drama
Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma
Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here livin'
In the USA, the big CIA
The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK
But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah
Madness is what you demonstrate
And that's exactly how anger works and operates
Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all, y'all
People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek
Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love
The love, the love
It just ain't the same, always unchanged
New days are strange, is the world insane
If love and peace is so strong
Why are there pieces of love that don't belong
Nations droppin' bombs
Chemical gasses fillin' lungs of little ones
With ongoin' sufferin' as the youth die young
So ask yourself is the lovin' really gone
So I could ask myself really what is goin' wrong
In this world that we livin' in people keep on givin'
in
Makin' wrong decisions, only visions of them dividends
Not respectin' each other, deny thy brother
A war is goin' on but the reason's undercover
The truth is kept secret, it's swept under the rug
If you never know truth then you never know love
Where's the love, y'all, come on (I don't know)
Where's the truth, y'all, come on (I don't know)
Where's the love, y'all
People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek
Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love, the love, the love?
I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder
As I'm gettin' older, y'all, people gets colder
Most of us only care about money makin'
Selfishness got us followin' our wrong direction
Wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria
Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinema
Yo', whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness in equality
Instead of spreading love we're spreading animosity
Lack of understanding, leading lives away from unity
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' under
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' down
There's no wonder why sometimes I'm feelin' under
Gotta keep my faith alive till love is found
Now ask yourself
Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love?
Sing wit me y'all:
One world, one world (We only got)
One world, one world (That's all we got)
One world, one world
And something's wrong wit it (Yeah)
Something's wrong wit it (Yeah)
Something's wrong wit the wo-wo-world, yeah
We only got
(One world, one world)
That's all we got
(One world, one world)
The theme of this song is Faith and Love. In the song we see poor people and the things that go wrong in our world. I think this song is about how everyone has lost their faith in God and about how they don’t care about what is going on and about them being selfish and ignorant. The song is in a hip-hop format, therefore it speaks out to the youth of today, and it helps them realise what the world is coming to with discrimination and about how there is no more unity among the people.
Stop Staring At Me
Formed in the state of Colorado, OneRepublic has had moderate success until the band finally released its debut album, Dreaming Out Loud. The second single the poem is based on a character, the lead singer, who does not like the situation he is living in; the character is seen as confused and desperate, wandering in multiple places at one time. The song expresses the thoughts and feelings of the artist which can be classified as a lyric.
Stop and Stare
This town is cooler now
I think it's sick of us
It's time to make our move
I'm shakin' off the rust
I've got my heart set on anywhere but here
I'm staring down myself, counting up the years
Steady hands just take the wheel
Every glance is killing me
Time to make one last appeal for the life I lead
Stop and stare
I think I'm moving, but I go nowhere
Yeah, I know that everyone gets scared
But I've become what I can't be
Stop and stare
You start to wonder why you're here not there
And you'd give anything to get what's fair
But fair ain't what you really need
Oh, can you see what I see
They're tryin' to come back, all my senses push
Untie the weight tags I never thought I could
Steady feet don't fail me now,
I'm gonna run till you can't walk
But something pulls my focus out, and I'm standing down.
Stop and stare
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere
Yeah, I know that everyone get scared
But I've become what I can't be
Stop and stare
You start to wonder why you're here not there
And you'd give anything to get what's fair
But fair ain't what you really need
Oh, you don't need
Stop and stare
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere
Yeah, I know that everyone get scared
But I've become what I can't be
Oh, do you see what I see.
The central theme in this song is about self-discovery. The theme of self-discovery is presented slowly in the first verse; “It's time to make our move/ I'm shakin' off the rust/ I've got my heart set on anywhere but here/ I'm staring down myself, counting up the years”. When it’s time to make a move and you have your heart is set on anywhere but the place you’re currently in, that is the time you make an attempt to go towards your own direction. Because you’re frustrated, this is a place in life you didn’t want to be in which goes by saying, “But I've become what I can't be”. There are two metaphors used in this lyric to help the reader understand the idea of self-discovery. The first metaphor, “Steady hands just take the wheel”, is used to produce a feeling of self-control; the steady hands represent the stability to take control in one’s own life and the wheel represents the direction an individual purposes to proceed in. The second metaphor, “Untie the weight tags I never thought I could”, gives an understanding that there is a new sense of relief and to untie anything means there is less constraint and more freedom to accomplish anything. Sight seems to be the most predominant sense used to evoke the reader in order to become aware of one’s own identity in life, “Oh, do you see what I see”.
The lyric is organized in verses; this is an organized part of the song used to express one’s own understanding. The first verse explains that the person is taking a stand to change whatever position they are currently in. The second verse explains that the person is trying to continue with the new feeling of freedom with all the running but in due time there will be an end. The verses are structured to create a flow of time; to recognize the life as unwanted, to change the life to what is wanted, to continue striving for a change but then there is a halt, an end. The rhyming scheme for this lyric goes AABB. The rhythm of this lyric runs very slow when read aloud because the artist wanted give the idea that of a person stopping and wondering back at life: their past, where they are currently situated in the present and what they want to do in the future. This is the association that comes across in the readers mind. The name of the title “Stop and Stare” gives the impression that by slowing down time in our mind it causes everything to stop passing by, it’s broken up into parts to be stared and observed at.
Ryan Tedder, the artist and lead singer, wrote this lyric in order to communicate one question to ask the reader; where are you in life? To ask that question it forces the person to stop and take a look at themselves; all the paths taken to get where they are now, and identify if what they have become is what they wanted to become. I think this is a great lyric because it gives me a sense of identifying who I really am and by recognizing the slow rhythm of the lyric it gives me a relation that I need to take the time, not too hastily, to focus on what I want in life in order to truly discover who I really am. If I take one step into a rough patch I hope I will realize that this direction is not going lead me where the green grass grows.
Works Cited:
Tedder, Ryan. Stop and Stare. 2007.
http://lyrics.com/url.php?link=http://home.graffiti.net/babtu/onerepublic/3.htm
‘Not Falling’ no matter what
‘Not Falling’ is a song by Mudvayne which was released in their third album, ‘The End of All Things to Come.’ It is a song that uses metaphors to get its point across. Without these metaphors the song would not be understood by many people and they would see it as one person complaining about the problems of their lives, but with the use of a metaphor someone can relate to the way the person feels in that situation.
Always known in all my time, a little left of center now.
Reflect as I realize that all I need
Is to find a little bit about to sit like the sun like a star in the sky and just be.
Sinners, casting stones at me!
I, I stand- not crawling, not falling down! I, I bleed- the demons that drag me down!
I, I stand (for nothing)! Not crawling (the center), not falling down! (Of calms within the eye!)
I, I'll bleed (for no one)! The demons (but myself) that pull me down...
For me and no one else.
Goodbye sunshine, I've put it out again, SAD!
I'm over, personalities conflicting, I don't need you or anyone but me.
I'll just be living my own life. I feel my glowing center grow.
Infecting, I feel alive and sharper, turn on the lime.
Plant it in myself to sit like a seed under covers of earth and just be.
Sinners, point your fingers at me!
I, I stand- not crawling, not fallings down! I, I bleed - the demons that drag me down!
I, I stand (for nothing)! Not crawling (the center), not falling down! (Of calms within the eye!)
I, I'll bleed (for no one)! The demons (but myself) that pull me down...
For me and no one else.
Come play kill. Refuse my body, refuse my shadow!
Stone cold will. Refuse to lead this, refuse to follow!
Bitter pills - refuse to feed this, refuse to swallow, I'm fueled godless!
Come play, come play kill. Just be.
The chorus talks about how he will not let his problems ruin his life and how no mater the problem he will create a better life for himself. His problems, or the demons, are not enough to keep his spirit from faltering. No matter what happens he keeps on living and existing as a human being. As someone who will not be stopped from being who he is or doing what he does. It is this message that is so important, no matter what happens keep walking on and do not let anything pull you down.
In the second verse it talks of how he puts himself in the darkness. There are also the thoughts of other people putting him down and he keeps on living his own life. This strong ideal of living his own life brings him out of the darkness and he begins to truly be himself. With this new belief of living his own life, he begins to feel happier and feels more human.
Through metaphors we relate how we feel through experiences and not what actually happened because experiences are different between each person, but how they felt is only different in degrees. This is why metaphors are used in poems, books and songs. It is used to relate the reader to the overall theme of the literary artwork. In this song the overall theme is to exist no matter what happens to you because there will be a point in your life that will make it be worth living.
Works Cited:
Mudvayne. Not Falling. 2002.
http://www.darklyrics.com/lyrics/mudvayne/theendofallthingstocome.html#3
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