1. All three songs I chose from the list I think should be higher than they are ranked now. The first song that should be moved up the list is “Faithfully” by Journey. It is middle to the end of the list and should in the top twenty at least. Steve Perry was an absolutely amazing singer and this song is yet another example of his virtuosity. The song goes through the relationship between two lovers that want to be with each other greatly, but are separated at the time. The song explains different situations that separate them and the joy of seeing each other again and rediscovering their love they have for each other. The message told throughout the song is that no matter the distance, each of them will be forever faithfully in love for each other. This is sort of a cliché theme for songs, but given the talent and intriguing lyrics by Journey, the song is anything but cliché. “Faithfully” is a song a listener can listen to over and over and never tire of the amazing tone the song is in and the feeling they get listening to it. With great instrumentals and very poetic lyrics, “Faithfully” by Journey should be much higher on the list.
2. The second song I have chosen that should be higher on the list is “Hey There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s. This song is already ranked around the mid twenties and at first I was going to say that it should be lower. However, after listening to it and reading through the lyrics, I realized that the song should actually be higher. I had never looked over the lyrics and upon doing so I was able to see the message being conveyed by the Plain White T’s. The story is very relatable to, it being that a couple in two years with be in love and leading a successful life. The singer, a male figure, compliments his girlfriend over and over. This seems very cliché; however, the lyrics are very unique. For example, instead of the singer saying I will do anything for you if it makes you happy he says “If every simple song I wrote to you would take your breath away, I’d write it all.” Another expression the singer uses to show his affection to his girlfriend is “Our friends would all make fun of us and we'll just laugh along because we know that none of them have felt this way.” Overall this song could move up a few spots on the list easily.
3. The third and final song that without a doubt should be higher on the list is “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. How this song is rated #86 on the list escapes me. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen is arguably the greatest song of all time and is only ranked #86 by Stray Poetry. This is practically an outrage. Freddy Mercury is also arguably the greatest singer of all-time and songs like this, with words like this are the reasons why this is so. “Bohemian Rhapsody” explains the dream of a boy going through unique and scary events, which are said to be related to dreams and experiences Freddy Mercury had himself. The song is also unique in the fact that it is not 100% definable to one genre because it contains so many styles. The intro starts off then gets into a ballad, which is followed a guitar solo. After the guitar solo, the song goes into opera, and then changes into hard rock. That is then followed by a quieting outro. The song is very unique and euphoric, creating an atmosphere for the listener which encourages further listening. “Bohemian Rhapsody without a doubt should be higher on the most poetic songs of all time list.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Scavenger Hunt: 5-10-10
1.Barack Obama’s favorite Bob Dylan album, Blood on the Tracks, was released in the same year that Portugal granted independence to Angola.
-huffingtonpost.com
2.What was Paul McCartney’s first instrument?
Trumpet
-Wikipedia
3.What Canadian was slated to play Woodstock but never made it?
Lighthouse
-woodstockstory.com
4.Where was Brian Wilson raised?
Hawthorne, CA
-Wikipedia
5.What is the name of Cat Stevens’ 4th daughter?
Hasanah
-islamfortoday.com
6.Quote Neil Young’s lines alluding to the US Patriot Act.
“This thing called Patriot Act, through which we abdicated a lot of our civil rights to defend the country against terrorism; it's a four-year story.”
-Brainyquote.com
-huffingtonpost.com
2.What was Paul McCartney’s first instrument?
Trumpet
-Wikipedia
3.What Canadian was slated to play Woodstock but never made it?
Lighthouse
-woodstockstory.com
4.Where was Brian Wilson raised?
Hawthorne, CA
-Wikipedia
5.What is the name of Cat Stevens’ 4th daughter?
Hasanah
-islamfortoday.com
6.Quote Neil Young’s lines alluding to the US Patriot Act.
“This thing called Patriot Act, through which we abdicated a lot of our civil rights to defend the country against terrorism; it's a four-year story.”
-Brainyquote.com
Thursday, May 6, 2010
5/4 Work: War
Immortal Technique- Bin Laden
Immortal Technique, in this song as well as others, is very strongly against the war. In this song specifically, they are saying they believe Bush was the cause of 9/11. Immortal Technique continues to be a strong political activist, never afraid to speak his mind.
R-Mean- Open Wounds
R-Mean was born in California, but raised in the Netherlands until he was 18. He is not into politics much, but decided to write this song, which is in the view of a soldier. In the song it talks about how they have many wounds, but they continue to fight for the ones they have lost.
The two songs I have chosen are both from my genre, and both have very different views of the war in the Middle East. Immortal Technique’s view, as it always is in many of his songs, is saying he is against the ongoing war. R-Mean, a rapper whom I have never heard explains that there is a lot of honor in fighting for your country, and that if he were a soldier he would continue to fight. You can visualize the soldier in his lyrics pushing on in the desert or tough conditions of the night. The theme of war in general will always be discussed. Some artists are very public with their beliefs and put them in their songs. Others are afraid that doing the same will cause fans to be lost and rather not discuss it. War is definitely a power genre in the music world. It is a big part of our country and culture, and many people have an opinion about it. Some artists want to raise awareness to support troops or continue the war, while others are strong advocates for stopping the war as soon as possible. There will always be an ongoing dispute over what is correct, and war as a genre in music will be there the whole time as well.
Immortal Technique, in this song as well as others, is very strongly against the war. In this song specifically, they are saying they believe Bush was the cause of 9/11. Immortal Technique continues to be a strong political activist, never afraid to speak his mind.
R-Mean- Open Wounds
R-Mean was born in California, but raised in the Netherlands until he was 18. He is not into politics much, but decided to write this song, which is in the view of a soldier. In the song it talks about how they have many wounds, but they continue to fight for the ones they have lost.
The two songs I have chosen are both from my genre, and both have very different views of the war in the Middle East. Immortal Technique’s view, as it always is in many of his songs, is saying he is against the ongoing war. R-Mean, a rapper whom I have never heard explains that there is a lot of honor in fighting for your country, and that if he were a soldier he would continue to fight. You can visualize the soldier in his lyrics pushing on in the desert or tough conditions of the night. The theme of war in general will always be discussed. Some artists are very public with their beliefs and put them in their songs. Others are afraid that doing the same will cause fans to be lost and rather not discuss it. War is definitely a power genre in the music world. It is a big part of our country and culture, and many people have an opinion about it. Some artists want to raise awareness to support troops or continue the war, while others are strong advocates for stopping the war as soon as possible. There will always be an ongoing dispute over what is correct, and war as a genre in music will be there the whole time as well.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Social Relevance
Where Is The Love- Black Eyed Peas ft. Justin Timberlake
“Where Is the Love” by the Black Eyed Peas is an R&B song that relates to all of the hate and discrimination that occurs all over the world. It talks about how people these days are living they don’t have any rules and can do whatever they want. The song is also advocating the need for war to stop and the only way to find love is to unify the whole world and stop the violence. I have to agree with the song in saying that too many innocent people are dying these days for no reason. Countries are degrading from bombs being dropped and nations going into the countries and killing innocent lives. There needs to be common ground around the world. However, our troops that want to go into the Army, Navy, etc. should have that option and we can try to eliminate the threats, but leave the innocent people alone. They were dragged into the enemy without choice and are forced to take the blame. Peace and agreements should be tried to resolved by peace more often than they are currently. This is what the song is saying to the listener.
Eminem- Beautiful
“Beautiful” by Eminem is a song every one can relate to in some way. Eminem talks about how he has been through so any tough situations and continues to go through these struggles daily. In the chorus, it says that people should switch shoes with another person to really see how people live and to say the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. The chorus also says even through everything that is happening; do not let anyone say you can’t do something or that you aren’t beautiful. Eminem also says he wishes he could just blend in with everyone and live life normally, which could be what someone being singled out in school is thinking. I really like this song by Eminem because it explains the mind set of someone in a struggle or someone who is a little different and says to just keep being you. No one can tell you that you aren’t beautiful. This is one of Eminem’s serious songs and it is nice to hear how great of a lyrical genius Eminem truly is.
Empire State of Mind- Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys
Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys is a song many people, specifically the people from or in New York. Jay-Z does a great job of talking about how life was when he was just starting his career and the kind of people there. He talks about some of the best parts of New York and all of the great things that have come out of New York. Alicia Keys comes in strong with the chorus and talks about the more ambitious side of New York and the passion people have from there. The lines “New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of there's nothin' you can't do, Now you're in New York, These streets will make you feel brand new, Big lights will inspire you” explain how New York is such a great city and has so much beauty. The whole song is dedicated to New York and many of the people of New York have made it their anthem. I like this song a lot because it is my genre of music, but also with a mix of other types in the chorus. I also like the song because I am a Yankees fan.
“Where Is the Love” by the Black Eyed Peas is an R&B song that relates to all of the hate and discrimination that occurs all over the world. It talks about how people these days are living they don’t have any rules and can do whatever they want. The song is also advocating the need for war to stop and the only way to find love is to unify the whole world and stop the violence. I have to agree with the song in saying that too many innocent people are dying these days for no reason. Countries are degrading from bombs being dropped and nations going into the countries and killing innocent lives. There needs to be common ground around the world. However, our troops that want to go into the Army, Navy, etc. should have that option and we can try to eliminate the threats, but leave the innocent people alone. They were dragged into the enemy without choice and are forced to take the blame. Peace and agreements should be tried to resolved by peace more often than they are currently. This is what the song is saying to the listener.
Eminem- Beautiful
“Beautiful” by Eminem is a song every one can relate to in some way. Eminem talks about how he has been through so any tough situations and continues to go through these struggles daily. In the chorus, it says that people should switch shoes with another person to really see how people live and to say the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. The chorus also says even through everything that is happening; do not let anyone say you can’t do something or that you aren’t beautiful. Eminem also says he wishes he could just blend in with everyone and live life normally, which could be what someone being singled out in school is thinking. I really like this song by Eminem because it explains the mind set of someone in a struggle or someone who is a little different and says to just keep being you. No one can tell you that you aren’t beautiful. This is one of Eminem’s serious songs and it is nice to hear how great of a lyrical genius Eminem truly is.
Empire State of Mind- Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys
Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys is a song many people, specifically the people from or in New York. Jay-Z does a great job of talking about how life was when he was just starting his career and the kind of people there. He talks about some of the best parts of New York and all of the great things that have come out of New York. Alicia Keys comes in strong with the chorus and talks about the more ambitious side of New York and the passion people have from there. The lines “New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of there's nothin' you can't do, Now you're in New York, These streets will make you feel brand new, Big lights will inspire you” explain how New York is such a great city and has so much beauty. The whole song is dedicated to New York and many of the people of New York have made it their anthem. I like this song a lot because it is my genre of music, but also with a mix of other types in the chorus. I also like the song because I am a Yankees fan.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
4-28-10 OWN LYRICS
I Love High School (To the beat of I Love College)
Chorus:
High school can be fun, friends and teachers, sports and dances
If you want good grades and do all you’re work, you’ll have good chances
Every Monday through Friday, then the summer is on its way
Wake up at 6, have school ‘till 2, talk to some chicks, and then it’s re-do
Man I love high school
Verse 1:
I wanna go to high school and get good grades,
Set me up for college and then I’ll get paid.
Stanford, Harvard, maybe USC
Any of those schools could be the one for me
But back to high school, where the seniors rules,
Pretty soon I’ll be one of them too.
I am champion of multiplication, long division, they just make me yawn
Can’t stand all the drama, about Obama,
I’d just rather relax, chill and eat some Tic Tacs
Class isn’t that bad when you’re in the Mac Lab,
Can’t wait for the summer, then I’m out of here ASAP
Chorus
Verse 2:
I’m not sure what I learned this year, but I could tell you something you wanna hear
You should pass in all of your work, and don’t miss too many days of school
And make sure you do the homework, and make sure everything’s done first
When it comes to tests, you might do you worst
And the next day, you might just burst
But just relax, and try harder next time
Even if you think your teachers are partners in crime
Class isn’t that bad when you’re in the Mac Lab,
Can’t wait for the summer, then I’m out of here ASAP
Chorus
Bridge:
Now every senior please, if you have a cap, could you please put it in the air,
As high as you can, as high as you can
And repeat after me
Grad! (x8)
College! (x4)
Do something crazy! (x4)
All night! (x4)
Chorus
Chorus:
High school can be fun, friends and teachers, sports and dances
If you want good grades and do all you’re work, you’ll have good chances
Every Monday through Friday, then the summer is on its way
Wake up at 6, have school ‘till 2, talk to some chicks, and then it’s re-do
Man I love high school
Verse 1:
I wanna go to high school and get good grades,
Set me up for college and then I’ll get paid.
Stanford, Harvard, maybe USC
Any of those schools could be the one for me
But back to high school, where the seniors rules,
Pretty soon I’ll be one of them too.
I am champion of multiplication, long division, they just make me yawn
Can’t stand all the drama, about Obama,
I’d just rather relax, chill and eat some Tic Tacs
Class isn’t that bad when you’re in the Mac Lab,
Can’t wait for the summer, then I’m out of here ASAP
Chorus
Verse 2:
I’m not sure what I learned this year, but I could tell you something you wanna hear
You should pass in all of your work, and don’t miss too many days of school
And make sure you do the homework, and make sure everything’s done first
When it comes to tests, you might do you worst
And the next day, you might just burst
But just relax, and try harder next time
Even if you think your teachers are partners in crime
Class isn’t that bad when you’re in the Mac Lab,
Can’t wait for the summer, then I’m out of here ASAP
Chorus
Bridge:
Now every senior please, if you have a cap, could you please put it in the air,
As high as you can, as high as you can
And repeat after me
Grad! (x8)
College! (x4)
Do something crazy! (x4)
All night! (x4)
Chorus
Thursday, April 15, 2010
2 Songs with Analysis: Friendship
Nas- Dance
This song by Nas showing love he has for his mother and the great friendship they had when she was alive. He knows that he will never forget her and misses her grateful.
Kanye West- Hey Mama
This is another song by a rapper explaining the love he has for his mother and the special frienship they shared when she was alive. Both songs are great examples of friendship.
This song by Nas showing love he has for his mother and the great friendship they had when she was alive. He knows that he will never forget her and misses her grateful.
Kanye West- Hey Mama
This is another song by a rapper explaining the love he has for his mother and the special frienship they shared when she was alive. Both songs are great examples of friendship.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
2 Songs with Analysis: Joy
Kid Cudi- Pursuit of Happiness
This song by Kid Cudi explains the pursuit of happiness and joy from his perspective. He really explains how Kid Cudi lives life, which is care free and even at the end he says if he doesn't get the happiness, he'll be fine.
The Way I Are- Timbaland
This song is about joy because it says that they don't have all the fancy and rich things other people do but it's okay they still love each other.
This song by Kid Cudi explains the pursuit of happiness and joy from his perspective. He really explains how Kid Cudi lives life, which is care free and even at the end he says if he doesn't get the happiness, he'll be fine.
The Way I Are- Timbaland
This song is about joy because it says that they don't have all the fancy and rich things other people do but it's okay they still love each other.
2 Songs with Analysis: Religion
Religion
Immortal Technique- Crossing The Boundary
The first verse has the most about religion and it is stating his view that people are saying what he does is against the Bible and other moral things. In the third and final verse he mentions Christ on the Cross then says the rap isn't about that which shows he doesn't care much for religion.
Kanye West- Jesus Walks
Kanye sends a very strong message in this repeating over that Jesus is always with people, even those that do terrible things. He also says that people can make songs about drugs and other bad things like that but a record about God won't be played and that's wrong.
Immortal Technique- Crossing The Boundary
The first verse has the most about religion and it is stating his view that people are saying what he does is against the Bible and other moral things. In the third and final verse he mentions Christ on the Cross then says the rap isn't about that which shows he doesn't care much for religion.
Kanye West- Jesus Walks
Kanye sends a very strong message in this repeating over that Jesus is always with people, even those that do terrible things. He also says that people can make songs about drugs and other bad things like that but a record about God won't be played and that's wrong.
6 Types of Songs
1. Friendship- Nas: Dance
2. Joy- Kid Cudi: Pursuit of Happiness
3. Comfort- T.I.: Whatever You Like
4. Knowledge- Eminem: Till I Collapse
5. Religion- Kanye West: Jesus Walks
6. Love- Kanye West: Love Lockdown
2. Joy- Kid Cudi: Pursuit of Happiness
3. Comfort- T.I.: Whatever You Like
4. Knowledge- Eminem: Till I Collapse
5. Religion- Kanye West: Jesus Walks
6. Love- Kanye West: Love Lockdown
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Allusion, Ambiguity, Allegory
Allusion- Kanye West- Good Life
"50 told me go 'head switch the style up
And if they hate then let 'em hate
And watch the money pile up"
Kanye refers to another song by 50 Cent where 50 Cent has these lyrics in his song. Kanye uses them in his song to add to it.
Ambiguity- Kanye West- Bad News
"People will talk
Like its old news
I played it off and act like i already knew
Let me ask you
how long have you known too"
These lines leave the listener wondering what Kanye is singing about because "bad news" is not very specific.
Allegory- Immortal Technique- Internally Bleeding
The whole song is about a persons horrific life events that are symbolic for bad things happening nationally
"50 told me go 'head switch the style up
And if they hate then let 'em hate
And watch the money pile up"
Kanye refers to another song by 50 Cent where 50 Cent has these lyrics in his song. Kanye uses them in his song to add to it.
Ambiguity- Kanye West- Bad News
"People will talk
Like its old news
I played it off and act like i already knew
Let me ask you
how long have you known too"
These lines leave the listener wondering what Kanye is singing about because "bad news" is not very specific.
Allegory- Immortal Technique- Internally Bleeding
The whole song is about a persons horrific life events that are symbolic for bad things happening nationally
Metaphor
Eminem- Crazy In Love
"You're the ink to my paper
Where my pen is to my pad"
Here he is comparing the relationship he has with a girl like the relationship that a piece of paper has with ink.
Nas- I Gave You Power
"My body is cold steel for real"
He is comparing his cold and rigid body to steel without using like or as
"You're the ink to my paper
Where my pen is to my pad"
Here he is comparing the relationship he has with a girl like the relationship that a piece of paper has with ink.
Nas- I Gave You Power
"My body is cold steel for real"
He is comparing his cold and rigid body to steel without using like or as
Personification
Best I Ever Had- Drake
"And she a patient in my waiting room
Never pay attention to them rumors and what they assume"
Rumors are not actual things that can assume something.
Kanye West- All Falls Down
"That's why you always see me with at least one of my watches
Rollies and Pasha's done drove me crazy"
Rollies and Pashas in this being inanimate objects, cannot possibly drive him crazy because they are not living. Only something living like a person could intentionally drive him crazy
"And she a patient in my waiting room
Never pay attention to them rumors and what they assume"
Rumors are not actual things that can assume something.
Kanye West- All Falls Down
"That's why you always see me with at least one of my watches
Rollies and Pasha's done drove me crazy"
Rollies and Pashas in this being inanimate objects, cannot possibly drive him crazy because they are not living. Only something living like a person could intentionally drive him crazy
Paradox
LL Cool J- Around The Way Girl
"I want a girl with extensions in her hair
Bamboo earrings
At least two pair
A Fendi bag and a bad attitude
That's all I need to get me in a good mood"
LL says that a bad attitude from his girlfriend will put him in a good mood which is contradictory.
"I want a girl with extensions in her hair
Bamboo earrings
At least two pair
A Fendi bag and a bad attitude
That's all I need to get me in a good mood"
LL says that a bad attitude from his girlfriend will put him in a good mood which is contradictory.
Similes
You- Lloyd ft. Lil Wayne
"so women come frequent like flight mileage"
"you know i love you like good food"
"you know you give good ***** like
you graduated from a good school"
Beautiful- Akon
"Like the clouds you
Drift me away, far away, yeah
And like the sun you
Brighten the day, you brighten my day, yeah"
"And you livin' in the fast lane, eyes like an angel"
"but more like a Princess"
"so women come frequent like flight mileage"
"you know i love you like good food"
"you know you give good ***** like
you graduated from a good school"
Beautiful- Akon
"Like the clouds you
Drift me away, far away, yeah
And like the sun you
Brighten the day, you brighten my day, yeah"
"And you livin' in the fast lane, eyes like an angel"
"but more like a Princess"
Point Of View Examples
Love Lockdown- Kanye West: First person
One Wish- Ray J: First Person
Hip Hop Saved My Life- Lupe Fiasco: Third Person
'03 Bonnie and Clyde- Jay Z and Beyonce: Multiple Person
One Wish- Ray J: First Person
Hip Hop Saved My Life- Lupe Fiasco: Third Person
'03 Bonnie and Clyde- Jay Z and Beyonce: Multiple Person
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
2 Euphemisms
Lollipop- Lil Wayne
This song is obviously more about lust than love but still relates to my theme. The euphemism is strictly sexual and takes after numerous songs from this genre, being about lust.
Doin' It- LL Cool J
This is another euphemism for sex. This is very easy to find in hip hop and rap. Lust is more dominant than love in the lyrics but again, they relate slightly.
This song is obviously more about lust than love but still relates to my theme. The euphemism is strictly sexual and takes after numerous songs from this genre, being about lust.
Doin' It- LL Cool J
This is another euphemism for sex. This is very easy to find in hip hop and rap. Lust is more dominant than love in the lyrics but again, they relate slightly.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Irony Examples
Gold Digger- Kanye West ft. Jamie Foxx
She was supposed to buy ya shorty Tyco with ya money
She went to the doctor got lipo with ya money
She walkin' around lookin' like Michael with ya money
Shoulda' got that insured, GEICO for ya moneeey(your money)
You want a dude to smoke, but he can't buy weed
You go out to eat, can't pay, y'all can't leave
This song has examples of irony in the last couple verses. In the lines “She was supposed to buy ya shorty Tyco with ya money, She went to the doctor got lipo with ya money, She walkin' around lookin' like Michael with ya money, Shoulda' got that insured, GEICO for ya moneeey(your money)” all have irony because the girl was supposed to do something he expected, then didn’t.
They Reminisce Over You- Pete Rock and Cl Smooth
A toast but my granddaddy came sober
18 years younger than my mama
5 kids at 21 believe he got a right too
This song is all about remembering a friend that died and how much love and respect they had for him. The lines "A toast but my granddaddy came sober" and "5 kids at 21" are both ironic because they are the opposite of what you think.
She was supposed to buy ya shorty Tyco with ya money
She went to the doctor got lipo with ya money
She walkin' around lookin' like Michael with ya money
Shoulda' got that insured, GEICO for ya moneeey(your money)
You want a dude to smoke, but he can't buy weed
You go out to eat, can't pay, y'all can't leave
This song has examples of irony in the last couple verses. In the lines “She was supposed to buy ya shorty Tyco with ya money, She went to the doctor got lipo with ya money, She walkin' around lookin' like Michael with ya money, Shoulda' got that insured, GEICO for ya moneeey(your money)” all have irony because the girl was supposed to do something he expected, then didn’t.
They Reminisce Over You- Pete Rock and Cl Smooth
A toast but my granddaddy came sober
18 years younger than my mama
5 kids at 21 believe he got a right too
This song is all about remembering a friend that died and how much love and respect they had for him. The lines "A toast but my granddaddy came sober" and "5 kids at 21" are both ironic because they are the opposite of what you think.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Hyperbole Example
Chamillionare- Good Morning
(hyperbole=italicized)
Yeah, today gonna be A Good Day, I'm feelin like I'm Ice Cube
I'm a do what I choose
so I purchase some watches
like a mosh pit
I wish (wish) I could be effected by any hate but I can't (can't)
'Cause I just get effected by the bank
it's just like a house warming
The examples italicized just show how he's over exaggerating those lines.
(hyperbole=italicized)
Yeah, today gonna be A Good Day, I'm feelin like I'm Ice Cube
I'm a do what I choose
so I purchase some watches
like a mosh pit
I wish (wish) I could be effected by any hate but I can't (can't)
'Cause I just get effected by the bank
it's just like a house warming
The examples italicized just show how he's over exaggerating those lines.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Alliteration examples
The Way I Am- Eminem
Sometimes I just feel like my father, I hate to be bothered
With all of this nonsense it's constant
And, "Oh, it's his lyrical content -
- the song 'Guilty Conscience' has gotten such rotten responses"
And all of this controversy circles me
And it seems like the media immediately
Points a finger at me (finger at me)..
So I point one back at 'em, but not the index or pinkie
This song by Eminem is full of assonance alliteration. Eminem is a mastermind at coming up with great lines.
CITING: Mathers, Marshall. Lyrics. "Way I Am."
The Marshall Mathers LP. LP. Aftermath/Interscope. 2000. http://www.lyricsfreak.com/e/eminem/the+way+i+am_20049877.html. web. 2/9/10
Superstar- Lupe Fiasco
Yea, uh
A fresh cool young Lu
Trying to cash his microphone check 2, 1, 2
Want to believe my own hype but it's too untrue
The world brought me to my knees
What have you brung you?
Did you improve on the design?
Did you do something new?
Well your name ain't on the guest list
Who brung you? You
The more famous person, you come through
And the sexy lady next to you
You come too
This song is another great example of assonance alliteration. When you read the lyrics, you don't hear words that have the same beginnings, but in the middle of words.
CITING: Wasalu, Jaco. Lyrics. "Superstar." Lupe Fiasco's The Cool. LP. 1st & 15th, Atlantic. 2007. http://www.lyricsreg.com/lyrics/lupe+fiasco/Superstar/. Web. 2/9/10
Throw It In The Bag- Fabolous
Look at price tags where they do that at
Heard that in ATL when I'm in ATL
Just ask my baby girl, I treat that lady well
Ain't nothin' soso and I know JD Well
A couple Benzes, black white gray CL
Got ------ lookin' like, did we miss a Mercedes sale?
Don't wonda what I do, just know they pay me well
They keep that Gucci and that Louie on my la-b-els
This is just another song with a lot of assonance alliteration, which is everywhere in rap/hip hop songs. Nearly every song has some type of alliteration in this genre.
CITING: Jackson, John. Lyrics. "Throw It In The Bag." Loso's Way. LP. Desert Storm, Def Jam. 2009. http://lyricsde.blogspot.com/2009/05/throw-it-in-bag-lyrics-fabolous.html. Web. 2/9/10.
Sometimes I just feel like my father, I hate to be bothered
With all of this nonsense it's constant
And, "Oh, it's his lyrical content -
- the song 'Guilty Conscience' has gotten such rotten responses"
And all of this controversy circles me
And it seems like the media immediately
Points a finger at me (finger at me)..
So I point one back at 'em, but not the index or pinkie
This song by Eminem is full of assonance alliteration. Eminem is a mastermind at coming up with great lines.
CITING: Mathers, Marshall. Lyrics. "Way I Am."
The Marshall Mathers LP. LP. Aftermath/Interscope. 2000. http://www.lyricsfreak.com/e/eminem/the+way+i+am_20049877.html. web. 2/9/10
Superstar- Lupe Fiasco
Yea, uh
A fresh cool young Lu
Trying to cash his microphone check 2, 1, 2
Want to believe my own hype but it's too untrue
The world brought me to my knees
What have you brung you?
Did you improve on the design?
Did you do something new?
Well your name ain't on the guest list
Who brung you? You
The more famous person, you come through
And the sexy lady next to you
You come too
This song is another great example of assonance alliteration. When you read the lyrics, you don't hear words that have the same beginnings, but in the middle of words.
CITING: Wasalu, Jaco. Lyrics. "Superstar." Lupe Fiasco's The Cool. LP. 1st & 15th, Atlantic. 2007. http://www.lyricsreg.com/lyrics/lupe+fiasco/Superstar/. Web. 2/9/10
Throw It In The Bag- Fabolous
Look at price tags where they do that at
Heard that in ATL when I'm in ATL
Just ask my baby girl, I treat that lady well
Ain't nothin' soso and I know JD Well
A couple Benzes, black white gray CL
Got ------ lookin' like, did we miss a Mercedes sale?
Don't wonda what I do, just know they pay me well
They keep that Gucci and that Louie on my la-b-els
This is just another song with a lot of assonance alliteration, which is everywhere in rap/hip hop songs. Nearly every song has some type of alliteration in this genre.
CITING: Jackson, John. Lyrics. "Throw It In The Bag." Loso's Way. LP. Desert Storm, Def Jam. 2009. http://lyricsde.blogspot.com/2009/05/throw-it-in-bag-lyrics-fabolous.html. Web. 2/9/10.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Imagery examples
Kanye West-Hey Mama
[Verse 1]
I wanna tell the whole world about a friend of mine
This little light of mine and I'm finna let it shine
I'm finna take yall back to them better times
I'm finna talk about my mama if yall don't mind
I was three years old, when you and I moved to the Chi
Late December, harsh winter gave me a cold
You fixed me up something that was good for my soul
Famous homemade chicken soup, can I have another bowl?
You work late nights just to keep on the lights
Mommy got me training wheels so I could keep on my bike
This song uses great examples of the love Kanye West has for his mother, Donda West, which has only grown since her death. The opening line starts the lines about how he only loves and respects his mother by saying “I wanna scream so loud for you, cuz I'm so proud of you”. Other lines that are examples of imagery are “And you never put no man over me, and I love you for that mommy can’t you see?”, “I said mommy Imma love you till you don't hurt no more, and when I'm older, you aint gotta work no more”, and “It don't gotta be Mother's Day, or your birthday, for me to just call and say, Hey Mama.” All of these lyrics show how much Kanye cares for his mother and would do anything for her.
Love Lockdown- Kanye West
I got somethin' to lose, so I gotta move
I can't keep myself and still keep you too
So I keep in mind when I'm on my own
Somewhere far from home, in the danger zone
How many times did I tell ya ?for it finally got through?
You lose, you lose
I'm not lovin' you the way I wanted to
See I had to go, see I had to move
No more wastin' time, you can't wait for life
We're just racin? time, where's the finish line?
I'm not lovin' you the way I wanted to
Where I wanna go, I don't need you
I've been down this road, too many times before
I'm not lovin' you the way I wanted to
So keep your love locked down, your love locked down
Keepin' your love locked down, your love locked down
I keep your love locked down, your love locked down
I keep your love locked down, you lose
You lose, you lose, you lose, you lose
[Verse 1]
I wanna tell the whole world about a friend of mine
This little light of mine and I'm finna let it shine
I'm finna take yall back to them better times
I'm finna talk about my mama if yall don't mind
I was three years old, when you and I moved to the Chi
Late December, harsh winter gave me a cold
You fixed me up something that was good for my soul
Famous homemade chicken soup, can I have another bowl?
You work late nights just to keep on the lights
Mommy got me training wheels so I could keep on my bike
This song uses great examples of the love Kanye West has for his mother, Donda West, which has only grown since her death. The opening line starts the lines about how he only loves and respects his mother by saying “I wanna scream so loud for you, cuz I'm so proud of you”. Other lines that are examples of imagery are “And you never put no man over me, and I love you for that mommy can’t you see?”, “I said mommy Imma love you till you don't hurt no more, and when I'm older, you aint gotta work no more”, and “It don't gotta be Mother's Day, or your birthday, for me to just call and say, Hey Mama.” All of these lyrics show how much Kanye cares for his mother and would do anything for her.
Love Lockdown- Kanye West
I got somethin' to lose, so I gotta move
I can't keep myself and still keep you too
So I keep in mind when I'm on my own
Somewhere far from home, in the danger zone
How many times did I tell ya ?for it finally got through?
You lose, you lose
I'm not lovin' you the way I wanted to
See I had to go, see I had to move
No more wastin' time, you can't wait for life
We're just racin? time, where's the finish line?
I'm not lovin' you the way I wanted to
Where I wanna go, I don't need you
I've been down this road, too many times before
I'm not lovin' you the way I wanted to
So keep your love locked down, your love locked down
Keepin' your love locked down, your love locked down
I keep your love locked down, your love locked down
I keep your love locked down, you lose
You lose, you lose, you lose, you lose
This song took an opposite approach and talks about how he is not in love with the girl anymore. There is something just not right anymore and he has to get away from her. The lines "I got somethin' to lose, so I gotta move I can't keep myself and still keep you too" are saying that he cannot go on with the girl or else he will be able to keep himself. The lines "No more wastin' time, you can't wait for life
We're just racin' time, where's the finish line?" say the same thing. He needs to get out of the relationship he is in and move on.
Both of these songs contain great examples of imagery. You can feel the struggle he is facing in Love Lockdown and his love in Hey Mama. You can picture yourself in his shoes and see what it's like for him
Hey Mama: West, Kanye. "Hey Mama." Kanye West. The College Dropout. Roc-A-Fella. Feb. 10 2004
Love Lockdown: West, Kanye. "Love Lockdown."
Bhasker, Jeff; Esthero; Menzies, Laneah; West, Kanye; Yusef, Malik. 808s and Heartbreak. Roc-A-Fella. September 18, 2008.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Theme and Genre
I know I want to do rap/hip hop for my genre I am going to do love for my theme. I chose to do rap/hip hop because that is what I listen to most and I know a lot of songs in this genre. I am chosing to do love because these types of songs dedicated to a person the artist loves should not include too much swearing and concentrate on the lyrics more. I feel as though these songs should focus on more important matters, aside from just rapping about money. Another reason is because one of my favorite artists, Kanye West, has a good selection of songs dealing with love and relationships.
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