role - Carrie Underwood
audience - ex-boyfriends
format - "burn book"
topic - why their relationships did not last
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Cover Song Analysis: "What Hurts the Most"
The unique twang of the Rascal Flatts lead singer, Gary LeVox, in unison with the instrumental expertise of Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus combine to form a new level of country music. Throughou
t their musical career, the three entrepreneurs have soared with an incredible ten number one singles. Perhaps one of their most renowned hits, “What Hurts the Most” was the number one song in the United States for 4 weeks in 2006. Even more profound, the version by the Rascal Flatts ranked twenty-six on Billboards Top 100 songs for that year. The album “Me and My Gang”, which debut the song, reached the double platinum status just one month after being released. Although the version of “What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flatts was different from Mark Wills’ original version in regards to the rank of the songs, the lyrics and the message remained
unchanged.
Poetic devices are pervasive throughout the original and lesser known version of “What Hurts the Most” by Mark Wills. The narrative throughout the song portrays the loneliness and heartbrokenness of someone that has just lost someone that was dear to them. In the same way, the singer describes how “[dealing] with the pain of losing [them]” was unbearable. Ubiquitous, alliteration is used all through the song to enhance the lyrics. When illustrating the pain that is present, the story teller says he is overwhelmed with “having so much to say/and watching [her] walk away”. The alliteration that is utilized in these two lines of the chorus was employed to augment the narrative as a whole. Similar to the use of alliteration throughout the song, hyperbole is exploited in the chorus to make certain that the audience is aware of the singer’s hardship during this time. He describes the experience of losing this woman that he loved as something that “hurt the most”. In essence, the narrator, using a metaphor, compares losing the love of his life to the worst thing imaginable.
Because the lyrics of the Mark Wills version of “What Hurts the Most” are similar to that of the more recent Rascal Flatts version, the same poetic devices are utilized in the song. However, the endings of the two songs are d
issimilar. Instead of ending the song by repeating the chorus, which is the method that Mark Wills made use of, Rascal Flatts terminated the song by emphasizing that the narrator “was trying to” love this woman”. Another modification that Rascal Flatts made to the lyrics was in the first verse of the song. The singer in the original versions states that “going on with [her] still upsets [him]”. On the contrary, Rascal Flatts version describes the singer being upset by “going on with [her] gone”. By taking a different approach to the song, Rascal Flatts changed the viewpoint of the narrator from being discontent whenever he saw the girl he loved, to being lost without her love. Finally, the music in the version of “What Hurts the Most” is mellower and less optimistic when compared to the upbeat tempo of Mark Wills original version.
By and large, the transformations to “What Hurts the Most” that were made by Rascal Flatts had a profound effect on the song as a whole and the impact that the song had on the audience. Because the feelings of being brokenhearted and forlorn are pervasive in society today, the band altered the song in order to connect with the audience. The melody and tempo were also modified so as to match the tone of the song and mood of the narrator who has been faced with these unbearable situations. Even though the artists are similar in regards to their musical styling’s, the Rascal Flatts cover version of the song “What Hurts the Most”, that was originally sung by Mark Wills, was altered in order to benefit the song all together. By adjusting the music without drastically changing the lyrics, Rascal Flatts preserved the nature of the song, while still leaving their own impression on the music industry.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Oil Slicked Bird Attempts to Get Out of the Water – “Try” by Hayden Panettiere
The image of the small, oil-slicked bird in the Gulf of Mexico attempting to scale the side of a supply vessel mirrors the message that is depicted in Hayden Panettiere’s “Try”. Presently, the predicament that the bird finds itself in “seems impossible” to overcome. However, because its life depends on finding dry land where it can clean itself, the bird must continue to “try” and achieve what seems unattainable at the time. The message of the song is to never give up and let “nothing hold you back”, which is portrayed in the birds efforts to save its own life.
Anti-War Demonstrations and Protests – “Come Together” by the Beatles
When I look at this picture, I am reminded of the song “Come Together” by the Beatles. During the Vietnam War, thousands of people joined forces as a means of protesting and displaying their anti-war beliefs. As is described in the song, many people with many backgrounds “came together” during this time in order to fight a common cause. The Beatles also described the belief that “you got to be free”, which was a reoccurring theme at anti-Vietnam War protests.
Girl Holding Her Sister - “I’ll Stand By You” by the Pretenders
The picture of the small Afghan girl holding her young sister depicts the Pretenders “I’ll Stand By You”. By holding tightly to her sister, the Afghan child portrays that “[she’ll] never desert [her sister]”. In the same way, because the smallest sister most likely fully depends on her older sister, this song parallels the feelings and the devotion that the older of the two girls has toward the other.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tone in Song
Tone is the attitude of the band toward their listeners. In the case of Boston’s “Rock n’ Roll Band” and Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar”, the bands are singing about the same subject matter, fame in rock and roll music. However, the tone that is conveyed by the bands are entirely different. Boston’s “Rock and Roll Band” suggests the ease and happiness that can be associated with fame in the rock and roll industry. On the contrary, Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar” mocks the fame that is associated with rock and roll, and communicates the depressing and dark realties of this fame.
In Boston’s “Rock n’ Roll Band”, the band has a positive outlook on the fame that is associated with being in a rock and roll band. “No, we didn’t have much money/We barely made enough to survive/But when we got up on stage and got ready to play/People come alive” (Boston). The tone of the band as displayed in this song is that fame is worthwhile, even though it may be hard to come by. Fame, as is portrayed in “Rock n’ Roll Band”, shows that fame in rock and roll is valuable and always exciting. Because the tone of the song is positive, the band is able to convince their listeners with their optimism.
Unlike Boston’s tone toward fame in the rock and roll industry, Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar” depicts a depressing and darker feeling toward the industry. The band makes use of satire by mocking the fame that is associated with fame in the rock and roll industry. Throughout “Have a Cigar”, a skeptical and cynical outlook on being famous is apparent. “Well I’ve always had a deep respect/And I mean that most sincere/The band is just fantastic/that is really what I think” (Floyd).
The two bands take a different approach at describing fame in rock and roll, and the tones in the two songs are dissimilar even though the subject matter is the same. Despite this, the two songs have some similarities. “Have a Cigar” and “Rock n’ Roll Band” are both about being in a rock and roll band and the fame that entails. Also, both bands use the motif of a cigar and compare this with fame in the industry. Ordinarily, cigars are used to represent victory, privilege, and celebration. In Floyd's "Have a Cigar", the use of the cigar is to mock the ease that is thought to accompany fame in the music industry. “Come in here, Dear boy, have a cigar/You’re gonna go far/You’re gonna fly high” (Floyd). However, Boston uses the motif of a cigar as a symbol of prosperity and affluence in “Rock n’ Roll Band”. “A man came to the stage one night/He smoked a big cigar/Drove a Cadillac car” (Boston).
In Boston’s “Rock n’ Roll Band”, the band has a positive outlook on the fame that is associated with being in a rock and roll band. “No, we didn’t have much money/We barely made enough to survive/But when we got up on stage and got ready to play/People come alive” (Boston). The tone of the band as displayed in this song is that fame is worthwhile, even though it may be hard to come by. Fame, as is portrayed in “Rock n’ Roll Band”, shows that fame in rock and roll is valuable and always exciting. Because the tone of the song is positive, the band is able to convince their listeners with their optimism.
Unlike Boston’s tone toward fame in the rock and roll industry, Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar” depicts a depressing and darker feeling toward the industry. The band makes use of satire by mocking the fame that is associated with fame in the rock and roll industry. Throughout “Have a Cigar”, a skeptical and cynical outlook on being famous is apparent. “Well I’ve always had a deep respect/And I mean that most sincere/The band is just fantastic/that is really what I think” (Floyd).
The two bands take a different approach at describing fame in rock and roll, and the tones in the two songs are dissimilar even though the subject matter is the same. Despite this, the two songs have some similarities. “Have a Cigar” and “Rock n’ Roll Band” are both about being in a rock and roll band and the fame that entails. Also, both bands use the motif of a cigar and compare this with fame in the industry. Ordinarily, cigars are used to represent victory, privilege, and celebration. In Floyd's "Have a Cigar", the use of the cigar is to mock the ease that is thought to accompany fame in the music industry. “Come in here, Dear boy, have a cigar/You’re gonna go far/You’re gonna fly high” (Floyd). However, Boston uses the motif of a cigar as a symbol of prosperity and affluence in “Rock n’ Roll Band”. “A man came to the stage one night/He smoked a big cigar/Drove a Cadillac car” (Boston).
Back Masking and Reverse Speech
Often in songs there is a message that can be found when listening to the song backwards. However, these messages are often sought after with such intensity that they can be created solely based on what the listener believe he or she hears. While sometimes the messages are intentional, they can be looked into too much and thought to exist even when that was not the intention of the song writer. In my opinion, back masking does exist in some songs based on the artists intentions. Also, I believe that reverse speech is based on what the audience chooses to hear while listening to the song, and it may be different from what another person hears.
1. Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" is a prime example of back masking. This song has a distinct message when played both forward and backward, and the backward lyrics are clear unlike several other examples. The references to Satan when the song is listened to in reverse is common in back masking in many songs, making it more clear that the back masking was intentional.
2. Another example of intentional back masking in song is in "I'm So Tired" by the Beatles. When played forward, a certain part of the song is only gibberish with no actual lyrics. Then, when the song is played backwards, the lyrics are "Paul is a dead man. Miss him, miss him, miss him". Because the song is merely gibberish forward and has a message backwards, the back masking was intentional. Also, often in the Beatles music, there are hints that Paul McCartney was dead.
3. Eminem's "My name is" is another example of back masking in song that was done on purpose in my opinion. When listened to backwards, the listener can hear "It is Slim. It's Eminem, it's Eminem...". In my opinion, this is on purpose because one is able to clearly hear the name of the singer when the song is listened to backwards. Therefore, this example of back masking is not hogwash, but intentional.
4. Because the song is indistinguishable when played forward, Pink Floyd's "Empty Spaces" is a prime example of back masking. The message backwards is "Congratulations. You have just discovered the secret message. Please send your message to old pink, care of the funny farm, Chalfont". The secret message, or back masking, is done on purpose in this case as is stated when the song is listened to backwards.
5. Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time" is not an example of back masking. One is not able to hear the backward lyrics distinctly, and they can vary depending on the listener. These backwards song lyrics may have been "discovered" solely based on her Spears' reputation.
6. Another excellent example of back masking is Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust". In the song, "Another one bites the dust" is repeated four times. When listening to these lyrics backwards, one can hear "It's fun to smoke marijuana". These lyrics are clear and, because of the time that the song came out and the time that the band was popular, the topic of smoking was ever present. The popular saying of the time, "sex, drugs, and rock and roll" also portrays that this example is intentional back masking.
7. The apparent back masking in the "Pokemon Rap" is hogwash. One can not hear what is supposed to say "I love Satan". Also, because Pokemon is geared toward the younger generation, I do not believe that these backward lyrics were on purpose. In my opinion, this supposed example of back masking has been read too much into.
8. In Weird Al's "Nature Trail to Hell", there is a true example of back masking. Weird Al's songs are usually strange and abnormal. Therefore, when the backwards lyrics read "Satan eats Cheese Whiz", I believe this is intentional. Also, the forward lyrics are gibberish which makes it more obvious that the back masking was done on purpose.
9. "Kiss Kiss Kiss" by Yoko Ono is supposedly an example of back masking. However, the lyrics, when played forward, are in a different language. Due to this fact, I believe that the lyrics were not intentionally sung to say "I shot John Lennon" backwards. Also, Ono was Lennon's partner, and therefore this "back masking" does not make sense.
10. In my opinion, the best example of back masking in song appears when the song "Fire on High" by ELO is played backwards. This is the best example in my opinion because the original lyrics are indistinguishable, but when listened to backwards, the lyrics are very clear. Also, the backwards read that "the music is reversible". In ELO's song, one can be quite certain that the back masking in the song was intentional.
All in all, I believe that back masking is used in some songs to get a message across. However, people have listened to songs backwards and supposedly heard messages which were not intended by the song writers. I believe that back masking has to be done on purpose in songs and cannot be unintentional.
1. Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" is a prime example of back masking. This song has a distinct message when played both forward and backward, and the backward lyrics are clear unlike several other examples. The references to Satan when the song is listened to in reverse is common in back masking in many songs, making it more clear that the back masking was intentional.
2. Another example of intentional back masking in song is in "I'm So Tired" by the Beatles. When played forward, a certain part of the song is only gibberish with no actual lyrics. Then, when the song is played backwards, the lyrics are "Paul is a dead man. Miss him, miss him, miss him". Because the song is merely gibberish forward and has a message backwards, the back masking was intentional. Also, often in the Beatles music, there are hints that Paul McCartney was dead.
3. Eminem's "My name is" is another example of back masking in song that was done on purpose in my opinion. When listened to backwards, the listener can hear "It is Slim. It's Eminem, it's Eminem...". In my opinion, this is on purpose because one is able to clearly hear the name of the singer when the song is listened to backwards. Therefore, this example of back masking is not hogwash, but intentional.
4. Because the song is indistinguishable when played forward, Pink Floyd's "Empty Spaces" is a prime example of back masking. The message backwards is "Congratulations. You have just discovered the secret message. Please send your message to old pink, care of the funny farm, Chalfont". The secret message, or back masking, is done on purpose in this case as is stated when the song is listened to backwards.
5. Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time" is not an example of back masking. One is not able to hear the backward lyrics distinctly, and they can vary depending on the listener. These backwards song lyrics may have been "discovered" solely based on her Spears' reputation.
6. Another excellent example of back masking is Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust". In the song, "Another one bites the dust" is repeated four times. When listening to these lyrics backwards, one can hear "It's fun to smoke marijuana". These lyrics are clear and, because of the time that the song came out and the time that the band was popular, the topic of smoking was ever present. The popular saying of the time, "sex, drugs, and rock and roll" also portrays that this example is intentional back masking.
7. The apparent back masking in the "Pokemon Rap" is hogwash. One can not hear what is supposed to say "I love Satan". Also, because Pokemon is geared toward the younger generation, I do not believe that these backward lyrics were on purpose. In my opinion, this supposed example of back masking has been read too much into.
8. In Weird Al's "Nature Trail to Hell", there is a true example of back masking. Weird Al's songs are usually strange and abnormal. Therefore, when the backwards lyrics read "Satan eats Cheese Whiz", I believe this is intentional. Also, the forward lyrics are gibberish which makes it more obvious that the back masking was done on purpose.
9. "Kiss Kiss Kiss" by Yoko Ono is supposedly an example of back masking. However, the lyrics, when played forward, are in a different language. Due to this fact, I believe that the lyrics were not intentionally sung to say "I shot John Lennon" backwards. Also, Ono was Lennon's partner, and therefore this "back masking" does not make sense.
10. In my opinion, the best example of back masking in song appears when the song "Fire on High" by ELO is played backwards. This is the best example in my opinion because the original lyrics are indistinguishable, but when listened to backwards, the lyrics are very clear. Also, the backwards read that "the music is reversible". In ELO's song, one can be quite certain that the back masking in the song was intentional.
All in all, I believe that back masking is used in some songs to get a message across. However, people have listened to songs backwards and supposedly heard messages which were not intended by the song writers. I believe that back masking has to be done on purpose in songs and cannot be unintentional.
Untitled
Grown from the ground
Manufactured and over produced
Too much causes inflation
Too little causes depression
The economy depends on it
The people worship it
Those with an abundance have greed
Those with none have poverty
It has the power to burn holes
And the power to consume
It has been said to talk
And has the power to make people listen
Often taken for granted
And always desired
It can be saved and spent wisely
Or lost or frittered away
It can be stashed or invested
It has become the center of our world
and the gem of our universe
To some it is an idol or a god
To be worshiped ad praised
But to others, an enemy
Something to hate and demise
Green and gold
With multiple faces
It can be given as a gift
But is often taken for personal gain
It is said to be the root of all evil
And may have a harmful intent
It can be used to benefit others
It's purpose can be two faced
Similar to its appearance
It may cause pain or anxiety
And stress often entails
It is associated with invincibility
Until it disappears
It is loved and hated
Sought and traded
So use it wisely while you can
Because it can't be taken with you
Manufactured and over produced
Too much causes inflation
Too little causes depression
The economy depends on it
The people worship it
Those with an abundance have greed
Those with none have poverty
It has the power to burn holes
And the power to consume
It has been said to talk
And has the power to make people listen
Often taken for granted
And always desired
It can be saved and spent wisely
Or lost or frittered away
It can be stashed or invested
It has become the center of our world
and the gem of our universe
To some it is an idol or a god
To be worshiped ad praised
But to others, an enemy
Something to hate and demise
Green and gold
With multiple faces
It can be given as a gift
But is often taken for personal gain
It is said to be the root of all evil
And may have a harmful intent
It can be used to benefit others
It's purpose can be two faced
Similar to its appearance
It may cause pain or anxiety
And stress often entails
It is associated with invincibility
Until it disappears
It is loved and hated
Sought and traded
So use it wisely while you can
Because it can't be taken with you
Myths and Legends in Song
Robert Johnson sells his soul to the devil.
A talented blues musician, Robert Johnson was willing to do anything for popularity in the industry. Legend has it that one day Johnson was told to go to a nearby crossroad with his guitar. Here, "he was met by a large black man" (Wikipedia, 1), or a representative of the Devil. The Devil took the guitar from Robert Johnson, and he played several songs for him with a high level of skill. After finishing these songs, the Devil returned the guitar to Johnson, who was then blessed with a "mastery of the guitar" (Wikipedia, 1). In essence, this was "a deal with the Devil" (Wikipedia, 1) because Robert Johnson gave up his soul and in exchange he "was able to create the blues for which he became famous" (Wikipedia, 1).
United States. Wikipedia. Robert Johnson (musician). 14 April 2010. Web. 15 April 2010.
Ozzy Osborne's taste for doves and bats.
Throughout his adult life, Ozzy Osbourne has been criticized for his abuse of drugs and alcohol and his unpredictability. Osbourne has been known to bite the heads off of small animals, more specifically a bat and a dove, due to drunkedness or simply out of the blue. Osbourne planned to use doves at an upcoming concert "as a sign of peace" (Wikipedia, 1). While in Los Angeles "meeting with some record-company executives" (Wikipedia, 1), Ozzy "bit the head off a dove...due to being intoxicated at the time" (Wikipedia, 1). Another incident involving Ozzy Osbourne and a small animal was during his 1982 performance at the "Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa" (Wikipedia, 1). An audience member threw a bat that she said "was brought to the show dead" even though "the Rolling Stones stated the bat was alive" (Wikipedia, 1). Instead of removing or avoiding the bat on the stage, Ozzy "bit the head off the bat he thought was rubber" (Wikipedia, 1). All in all, Osbourne has gained much feedback from these incidents, and they "have been alluded to several times throughout his career" (Wikipedia, 1).
United States. Wikipedia. Ozzy Osbourne. 13 April 2010. Web. 15 April 2010.
The mythology surrounding the Abbey Road cover.
Millions of conspiracies have surrounded the Beatles famous Abbey Road album cover. According to conspiracy theorists, there are several hidden messages covering the entire cover that were meant to portray that Paul McCartney had died. One message was the absence of Paul's shoes on the cover which represented that he was dead. Also, the choice of clothing for each of the band members portrayed different roles that are played at a funeral; priest, grave digger, and mourner. A bloodstain, which represents that of McCartney, appears in the image in front of Ringo Starr. Also, it is said that "if the back cover is turned 45 degrees anticlockwise a crude image of the Grim Reaper appears" (Mail on Sunday Reporter, 1), which is another indication of Paul's death. Finally, in the backround of the album cover there is an stationary police van. This is "a reference to the police who kept quiet about Paul's 'death'" (Mail on Sunday Reporter, 1). Even though Paul McCartney did not die, many conspiracy theorists look for signs in the Abbey Road album cover that suggest that he did, and this has "sparked a million conspiracy theories" (Mail on Sunday Reporter, 1).
United Kingdom. Mail on Sunday Reporter. The Beatles album cover that started a decades-long conspiracy theory. 9 August 2009. 15 April 2010.
Bob Dylan goes electric.
At the Newport Folk Festival on July 25, 1965, popular folk singer Bob Dylan shocked the audience and the world of folk music when he "declared his independence from the orthodoxy of the folk scene and publicly unveiled his rock & roll heart" (Rolling Stone, 1). To do so, Dylan plugged in an electric guitar for the first time and played three songs with "the electric-Chicago charge of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band" (Rolling Stone, 1). Because Dylan's change was drastic and unexpected, the audience was not pleased with his decision. It was said that "he left the stage in tears — shocked by the shouting and heckling from several members of the Newport audience" (Rolling Stone, 1). Although Bob Dylan's decision to change his styling was not well-recieved at first, he has come to change the world of rock and roll forever.
Dylan Goes Electric in 1965. Rolling Stone Magazine. 24 June 2004. Web. 15 April 2010.
Favorite myth or legend in song.
On July 29, 1974, 'Mama' Cass Elliot died after several successful years in the popular music group the "the Mamas & the Papas" (White, 1). Many conspiracy theorists have suggested that Elliot died by choking on a ham sandwich, simply due to the fact that "the uneaten remains...were found near her body" (White, 1). Despite these rumors, the autopsy reported that Mama Cass "died of heart failure brought on by the effects of obesity and crash dieting" (White, 1). Also, when her body was discovered, "the coroner found no evidence of anything, ham sandwich or otherwise, blocking her windpipe" (White, 1). Due to this undeniable evidence, one can be certain that the conspiracies surrounding this incident are indeed false and that Elliot died from a heart attack.
White, David. Top Ten Rock Music Myths. David White, 2005. Web. 15 April 2010.
Sgt. Pepper Cover
In the Sgt. Pepper cover, many familiar faces are present. First, an image of Paul McCartney, a former member of the popular British band the Beatles, appears in the image. Because McCartney was a "founding father" of the Beatles and the cover is for a Beatles album, Paul McCartney is shown on the Sgt. Pepper cover. Another legend that appears on the album cover is Edgar Allen Poe. Similar to the Beatles writing their own songs, Poe was a writer of poetry and short stories. Therefore, Edgar Allen Poe appears on this cover. Finally, John Lennon, another popular member of the British band, is shown on the Sgt. Pepper cover because of his affilition with the Beatles.
Despite several familiar faces on the Sgt. Pepper cover, their are several faces that are unfamiliar. Sonny Liston is an individual that is unrecognizable. Liston was a professional heavyweight boxer, winning several fights throughout his career. Another face that is unfamiliar is that of Diana Dors. Twentieth century actress, Dors had several roles in small films television series. A third person that is unfamiliar is Lenny Bruce, a famous comedian and striving dancer. Liston, Dors, and Bruce were all unfamiliar faces that appeared on the Beatles Sgt. Pepper cover.
Waymark, Peter. Diana Dors (actress). Peter Waymark, 2004. Web. 15 April 2010.
Boskin, Joseph. Bruce Lenny. Joseph Boskin, 2000. Web. 15 April 2010.
Davis, Luckett V. Sonny Liston (boxer). Luckett V Davis, 2000. Web. 15 April 2010.
A talented blues musician, Robert Johnson was willing to do anything for popularity in the industry. Legend has it that one day Johnson was told to go to a nearby crossroad with his guitar. Here, "he was met by a large black man" (Wikipedia, 1), or a representative of the Devil. The Devil took the guitar from Robert Johnson, and he played several songs for him with a high level of skill. After finishing these songs, the Devil returned the guitar to Johnson, who was then blessed with a "mastery of the guitar" (Wikipedia, 1). In essence, this was "a deal with the Devil" (Wikipedia, 1) because Robert Johnson gave up his soul and in exchange he "was able to create the blues for which he became famous" (Wikipedia, 1).
United States. Wikipedia. Robert Johnson (musician). 14 April 2010. Web. 15 April 2010.
Ozzy Osborne's taste for doves and bats.
Throughout his adult life, Ozzy Osbourne has been criticized for his abuse of drugs and alcohol and his unpredictability. Osbourne has been known to bite the heads off of small animals, more specifically a bat and a dove, due to drunkedness or simply out of the blue. Osbourne planned to use doves at an upcoming concert "as a sign of peace" (Wikipedia, 1). While in Los Angeles "meeting with some record-company executives" (Wikipedia, 1), Ozzy "bit the head off a dove...due to being intoxicated at the time" (Wikipedia, 1). Another incident involving Ozzy Osbourne and a small animal was during his 1982 performance at the "Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa" (Wikipedia, 1). An audience member threw a bat that she said "was brought to the show dead" even though "the Rolling Stones stated the bat was alive" (Wikipedia, 1). Instead of removing or avoiding the bat on the stage, Ozzy "bit the head off the bat he thought was rubber" (Wikipedia, 1). All in all, Osbourne has gained much feedback from these incidents, and they "have been alluded to several times throughout his career" (Wikipedia, 1).
United States. Wikipedia. Ozzy Osbourne. 13 April 2010. Web. 15 April 2010.
The mythology surrounding the Abbey Road cover.
Millions of conspiracies have surrounded the Beatles famous Abbey Road album cover. According to conspiracy theorists, there are several hidden messages covering the entire cover that were meant to portray that Paul McCartney had died. One message was the absence of Paul's shoes on the cover which represented that he was dead. Also, the choice of clothing for each of the band members portrayed different roles that are played at a funeral; priest, grave digger, and mourner. A bloodstain, which represents that of McCartney, appears in the image in front of Ringo Starr. Also, it is said that "if the back cover is turned 45 degrees anticlockwise a crude image of the Grim Reaper appears" (Mail on Sunday Reporter, 1), which is another indication of Paul's death. Finally, in the backround of the album cover there is an stationary police van. This is "a reference to the police who kept quiet about Paul's 'death'" (Mail on Sunday Reporter, 1). Even though Paul McCartney did not die, many conspiracy theorists look for signs in the Abbey Road album cover that suggest that he did, and this has "sparked a million conspiracy theories" (Mail on Sunday Reporter, 1).
United Kingdom. Mail on Sunday Reporter. The Beatles album cover that started a decades-long conspiracy theory. 9 August 2009. 15 April 2010.
Bob Dylan goes electric.
At the Newport Folk Festival on July 25, 1965, popular folk singer Bob Dylan shocked the audience and the world of folk music when he "declared his independence from the orthodoxy of the folk scene and publicly unveiled his rock & roll heart" (Rolling Stone, 1). To do so, Dylan plugged in an electric guitar for the first time and played three songs with "the electric-Chicago charge of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band" (Rolling Stone, 1). Because Dylan's change was drastic and unexpected, the audience was not pleased with his decision. It was said that "he left the stage in tears — shocked by the shouting and heckling from several members of the Newport audience" (Rolling Stone, 1). Although Bob Dylan's decision to change his styling was not well-recieved at first, he has come to change the world of rock and roll forever.
Dylan Goes Electric in 1965. Rolling Stone Magazine. 24 June 2004. Web. 15 April 2010.
Favorite myth or legend in song.
On July 29, 1974, 'Mama' Cass Elliot died after several successful years in the popular music group the "the Mamas & the Papas" (White, 1). Many conspiracy theorists have suggested that Elliot died by choking on a ham sandwich, simply due to the fact that "the uneaten remains...were found near her body" (White, 1). Despite these rumors, the autopsy reported that Mama Cass "died of heart failure brought on by the effects of obesity and crash dieting" (White, 1). Also, when her body was discovered, "the coroner found no evidence of anything, ham sandwich or otherwise, blocking her windpipe" (White, 1). Due to this undeniable evidence, one can be certain that the conspiracies surrounding this incident are indeed false and that Elliot died from a heart attack.
White, David. Top Ten Rock Music Myths. David White, 2005. Web. 15 April 2010.
Sgt. Pepper Cover
In the Sgt. Pepper cover, many familiar faces are present. First, an image of Paul McCartney, a former member of the popular British band the Beatles, appears in the image. Because McCartney was a "founding father" of the Beatles and the cover is for a Beatles album, Paul McCartney is shown on the Sgt. Pepper cover. Another legend that appears on the album cover is Edgar Allen Poe. Similar to the Beatles writing their own songs, Poe was a writer of poetry and short stories. Therefore, Edgar Allen Poe appears on this cover. Finally, John Lennon, another popular member of the British band, is shown on the Sgt. Pepper cover because of his affilition with the Beatles.
Despite several familiar faces on the Sgt. Pepper cover, their are several faces that are unfamiliar. Sonny Liston is an individual that is unrecognizable. Liston was a professional heavyweight boxer, winning several fights throughout his career. Another face that is unfamiliar is that of Diana Dors. Twentieth century actress, Dors had several roles in small films television series. A third person that is unfamiliar is Lenny Bruce, a famous comedian and striving dancer. Liston, Dors, and Bruce were all unfamiliar faces that appeared on the Beatles Sgt. Pepper cover.
Waymark, Peter. Diana Dors (actress). Peter Waymark, 2004. Web. 15 April 2010.
Boskin, Joseph. Bruce Lenny. Joseph Boskin, 2000. Web. 15 April 2010.
Davis, Luckett V. Sonny Liston (boxer). Luckett V Davis, 2000. Web. 15 April 2010.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Taylor Swift's "Love Story"
Taylor Swift, famous for her blend of pop and country music, is debatably the most talented and well-known female country artists of her time. Because she is so young, Swift’s most profound audience consists of teenage girls. Her youth is helpful in connecting with her audience through the lyrics and narratives in her songs. Swift’s personal experiences are used in her songs to relate to the situations ever present in the lives of other adolescent girls. Throughout “Love Story”, Taylor Swift incorporates poetic devices into the narrative in order to enhance the lyrics as a whole.
In Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”, Swift makes use of a prominent poetic device, allusion, when comparing her experience regarding love to that of Romeo and Juliet. Because they were deterred from seeing one another by their parents, Romeo and Juliet were willing to die in order to be together. By the end of the play, after being continually scolded by their parents for seeing one another, they sacrificed their own lives so that they may eternally be together. Similarly, Swift recounts the time when she was old never to see the man she. She compares her parents wishes and her undying love for this man to that of Romeo and Juliet. “That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles/And my daddy said stay away from Juliet” (Swift). Throughout the song “Love Story”, the never ceasing love of Romeo and Juliet is compared to that of Taylor Swift and the man that she loves by means of an allusion.
Alongside the prominent use of an allusion, Swift utilizes metaphors throughout the song, both standard and mixed. “Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter” (Swift). In William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo was in love with Juliet. On the contrary, the main character of “The Scarlet Letter”, Hester Prynne, had a child with her minister. There is no connection with these two works of literature, despite the fact that they both involve misfortune. A standard metaphor in the song is the comparison between Romeo and the man Swift is infatuated with. “That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles” (Swift). He was not actually Romeo, but someone who was calling her attention.
Anther poetic device that is important to the lyrics is hyperbole. The love story of Romeo and Juliet, as is written in the play, is tragic and ends in the death of both characters. Therefore, the exaggeration, that is hyperbole, is essential in the song to allude to this catastrophe. “But you were everything to me/I was begging you please don’t go” (Swift). Taylor Swift embellishes on her love for her Romeo figure by claiming that he means the world to her. Likewise, when describing the fact that she is going against the adamant wishes of her parents, Swift says that they would be “dead if [her parents] knew” (Swift). Hyperbole is necessary in the lyrics to exaggerate the harsh reality of Swift’s love and the restrictions that entail.
Imagery is a prominent aspect in the lyrics throughout Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” and is exploited in order to create a variety of illustrations in the minds of the listeners. At the beginning of the song, after flashing back to the time where she met her love, Swift recalls seeing “the lights… the party, the ball gowns” and seeing him “make [his] way through the crowd/And say hello” (Swift). Similarly, toward the end of the song, Swift remembers the time when the love of her life proposed to her. “He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring” (Swift). By using descriptive language, Swift is able to evoke an image in the imagination of the listener. Also, the audience members that have been in similar situations are able to connect with the song and the circumstances.
Other poetic devices that are intertwined within the song include euphony, epic universal relevance, and characterization. Euphony is employed in “Love Story” in order to connect with the senses of the audience. “I’m standing there/On a balcony in summer air” (Swift). Because summer is described in the lyrics, happiness is evoked within the listeners. A topic that is relevant to many people around the world is made use of in “Love Story”. “This love is difficult, but it’s real” (Swift). Because heartbreak and struggle in love are familiar in society today, the topic is applicable to the audience. Finally, Swift makes use of characterization in the lyrics “I love you and that’s all I really know” (Swift). By describing her Romeo figure in this way, Swift portrays his dedication and love to her.
Overall, Taylor Swift’s elegant use of poetic devices enhances the lyrics of “Love Story”. The allusion to William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” adds to the song by creating a comparison in the minds of the listeners. In the same way, imagery is employed to appeal to the senses of the audience. Numerous other poetic devices, including hyperbole, euphony, epic universal relevance, and characterization, are applied in order to augment the narrative. All in all, Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” can be viewed as unique in the genre of country music based on Swift’s use of poetic devices to develop the narrative within the song.
In Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”, Swift makes use of a prominent poetic device, allusion, when comparing her experience regarding love to that of Romeo and Juliet. Because they were deterred from seeing one another by their parents, Romeo and Juliet were willing to die in order to be together. By the end of the play, after being continually scolded by their parents for seeing one another, they sacrificed their own lives so that they may eternally be together. Similarly, Swift recounts the time when she was old never to see the man she. She compares her parents wishes and her undying love for this man to that of Romeo and Juliet. “That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles/And my daddy said stay away from Juliet” (Swift). Throughout the song “Love Story”, the never ceasing love of Romeo and Juliet is compared to that of Taylor Swift and the man that she loves by means of an allusion.
Alongside the prominent use of an allusion, Swift utilizes metaphors throughout the song, both standard and mixed. “Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter” (Swift). In William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo was in love with Juliet. On the contrary, the main character of “The Scarlet Letter”, Hester Prynne, had a child with her minister. There is no connection with these two works of literature, despite the fact that they both involve misfortune. A standard metaphor in the song is the comparison between Romeo and the man Swift is infatuated with. “That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles” (Swift). He was not actually Romeo, but someone who was calling her attention.
Anther poetic device that is important to the lyrics is hyperbole. The love story of Romeo and Juliet, as is written in the play, is tragic and ends in the death of both characters. Therefore, the exaggeration, that is hyperbole, is essential in the song to allude to this catastrophe. “But you were everything to me/I was begging you please don’t go” (Swift). Taylor Swift embellishes on her love for her Romeo figure by claiming that he means the world to her. Likewise, when describing the fact that she is going against the adamant wishes of her parents, Swift says that they would be “dead if [her parents] knew” (Swift). Hyperbole is necessary in the lyrics to exaggerate the harsh reality of Swift’s love and the restrictions that entail.
Imagery is a prominent aspect in the lyrics throughout Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” and is exploited in order to create a variety of illustrations in the minds of the listeners. At the beginning of the song, after flashing back to the time where she met her love, Swift recalls seeing “the lights… the party, the ball gowns” and seeing him “make [his] way through the crowd/And say hello” (Swift). Similarly, toward the end of the song, Swift remembers the time when the love of her life proposed to her. “He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring” (Swift). By using descriptive language, Swift is able to evoke an image in the imagination of the listener. Also, the audience members that have been in similar situations are able to connect with the song and the circumstances.
Other poetic devices that are intertwined within the song include euphony, epic universal relevance, and characterization. Euphony is employed in “Love Story” in order to connect with the senses of the audience. “I’m standing there/On a balcony in summer air” (Swift). Because summer is described in the lyrics, happiness is evoked within the listeners. A topic that is relevant to many people around the world is made use of in “Love Story”. “This love is difficult, but it’s real” (Swift). Because heartbreak and struggle in love are familiar in society today, the topic is applicable to the audience. Finally, Swift makes use of characterization in the lyrics “I love you and that’s all I really know” (Swift). By describing her Romeo figure in this way, Swift portrays his dedication and love to her.
Overall, Taylor Swift’s elegant use of poetic devices enhances the lyrics of “Love Story”. The allusion to William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” adds to the song by creating a comparison in the minds of the listeners. In the same way, imagery is employed to appeal to the senses of the audience. Numerous other poetic devices, including hyperbole, euphony, epic universal relevance, and characterization, are applied in order to augment the narrative. All in all, Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” can be viewed as unique in the genre of country music based on Swift’s use of poetic devices to develop the narrative within the song.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Theme-Genre Declaration
For my theme-genre combination, I've chosen to do love in modern country music. I did not always listen to country music, but recently, I have been listening to country music more often. Country music has become one of the most popular genres on my Ipod because it has so many varieties. In this theme-genre combination, modern music encompasses all music from the twenty-first century. In modern country music, a majority of the music focuses on love. Therefore, this genre will leave many options for songs and poetic devices.
Brad Paisley's "Then"
Throughout his career in the music industry, Brad Paisley has been known for his southern twang and country style. With inspiration from previous experiences, Paisley is able to connect with his songs and audiences while writing and singing. Paisley is often viewed as the most talented singers of his generation because of his individuality and thoughtful lyrics. Similar to his incredible singing and song writing abilities, Paisley plays the guitar with much proficiency and talent, and his acoustic expertise is displayed in a number of his works. Brad Paisley’s song “Then” includes numerous poetic devices while illustrating and narrating the story of how they met and fell in love.
The narration of this love story is ever present in the song. Paisley begins by describing when he met his love, and ends the song by illustrating what the future will bring. Brad recalls meeting his future wife and how he had to continually remind himself “…not to stare the night that [he] first met [her]” (Paisley, 1). Towards the completion of the song, Paisley predicts what the future will hold; including marriage, children, and growing old together. “I could just see you, with a baby on the way/And I could just see you, when your hair is turning gray” (Paisley, 26-27). Brad Paisley uses previous situations in his life to add meaning to the lyrics, and the narration is cohesive in the song.
Throughout the narration, Paisley questions how he could possibly love his wife more than he does currently and characterizes her as being without flaws or imperfections. “What I can’t see is how I’m ever gonna love you more/But I’ve said that before” (Paisley, 28-29). Characterization is essential throughout the song and drastically augments the narration. Due to his infatuation with his wife, Paisley describes her as being his “whole life” (Paisley, 7) and his “whole world” (Paisley, 8). Paisley creates a direct comparison between his wife and his world, implying that they are one. Similarly, he states that there love for one another is as strong as when “a river meets the sea” (Paisley, 10), using a simile to develop his thought. All through the song, Brad Paisley describes the love of his life and the high regard that he has for her.
Brad Paisley utilizes such poetic devices as hyperbole and alliteration to enhance the lyrics and to add to the cohesive narration. When describing their first date, Paisley exaggerates the situation by adding that it took “forty-five minutes to kiss goodnight” (Paisley, 4). By doing so, Paisley convinces the audience that he was already aware that this woman was the love of his life and that he never wanted to be separated from her. On several occasions throughout the song, alliteration is used to enhance the flow of the lyrics. “Now you’re my whole world” (Paisley, 8). Also, alliteration is helpful in the dramatization of words and with the affect that the lyrics have on the audience.
Brad Paisley creates a variety of illustrations in the minds of the listeners by using imagery throughout the song “Then”. “There were people around, but I didn’t care/Got down on one knee right there” (Paisley, 16-17). Because the song narrates his life while he is in love, imagery is essential to the lyrics. Similarly, when describing his first date with his wife, Paisley uses imagery when saying that they stood “in the front porch light” (Paisley, 3) while they were saying goodnight. Throughout the song, imagery is used to appeal to the senses of the audience and to create images in their minds.
All in all, Brad Paisley’s “Then” tastefully utilizes poetic devices, which add to the song as a whole. Being a narration, imagery has to be throughout to enhance to story line. In this case, Paisley improves the song with the images and poetic devices that are employed. “Then” can be read as a narrative poem, recounting how Brad fell in love with his wife and what their future may entail. Focusing on the greater extent of music, Brad Paisley’s “Then” separates itself from the numerous narrative love stories in the industry, and can be appreciated as a one-of-a-kind work.
The narration of this love story is ever present in the song. Paisley begins by describing when he met his love, and ends the song by illustrating what the future will bring. Brad recalls meeting his future wife and how he had to continually remind himself “…not to stare the night that [he] first met [her]” (Paisley, 1). Towards the completion of the song, Paisley predicts what the future will hold; including marriage, children, and growing old together. “I could just see you, with a baby on the way/And I could just see you, when your hair is turning gray” (Paisley, 26-27). Brad Paisley uses previous situations in his life to add meaning to the lyrics, and the narration is cohesive in the song.
Throughout the narration, Paisley questions how he could possibly love his wife more than he does currently and characterizes her as being without flaws or imperfections. “What I can’t see is how I’m ever gonna love you more/But I’ve said that before” (Paisley, 28-29). Characterization is essential throughout the song and drastically augments the narration. Due to his infatuation with his wife, Paisley describes her as being his “whole life” (Paisley, 7) and his “whole world” (Paisley, 8). Paisley creates a direct comparison between his wife and his world, implying that they are one. Similarly, he states that there love for one another is as strong as when “a river meets the sea” (Paisley, 10), using a simile to develop his thought. All through the song, Brad Paisley describes the love of his life and the high regard that he has for her.
Brad Paisley utilizes such poetic devices as hyperbole and alliteration to enhance the lyrics and to add to the cohesive narration. When describing their first date, Paisley exaggerates the situation by adding that it took “forty-five minutes to kiss goodnight” (Paisley, 4). By doing so, Paisley convinces the audience that he was already aware that this woman was the love of his life and that he never wanted to be separated from her. On several occasions throughout the song, alliteration is used to enhance the flow of the lyrics. “Now you’re my whole world” (Paisley, 8). Also, alliteration is helpful in the dramatization of words and with the affect that the lyrics have on the audience.
Brad Paisley creates a variety of illustrations in the minds of the listeners by using imagery throughout the song “Then”. “There were people around, but I didn’t care/Got down on one knee right there” (Paisley, 16-17). Because the song narrates his life while he is in love, imagery is essential to the lyrics. Similarly, when describing his first date with his wife, Paisley uses imagery when saying that they stood “in the front porch light” (Paisley, 3) while they were saying goodnight. Throughout the song, imagery is used to appeal to the senses of the audience and to create images in their minds.
All in all, Brad Paisley’s “Then” tastefully utilizes poetic devices, which add to the song as a whole. Being a narration, imagery has to be throughout to enhance to story line. In this case, Paisley improves the song with the images and poetic devices that are employed. “Then” can be read as a narrative poem, recounting how Brad fell in love with his wife and what their future may entail. Focusing on the greater extent of music, Brad Paisley’s “Then” separates itself from the numerous narrative love stories in the industry, and can be appreciated as a one-of-a-kind work.
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