The song, Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival, offers a strong opinionated perspective on the Vietnam War. The band displays their disapproval of the war because of the draft game many people played. The Vietnam War drafted men between the ages of 18 and 22, but one could become illegible from being drafted if they were enrolled in a college. This war-avoidance often earned many scornful attitudes from the public.
An example of Creedence Clearwater Revival's disapproval and criticism of the war is when he says "It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no senator's son, son. It aint me, it aint me; I aint no fortunate one, no." This refers to the fact that many people were able to avoid being drafted into the war by having ties within the government. For instance, if one had an uncle that was a governor of Pennsylvania, this individual would be able to avoid the draft. Creedence Clearwater Revival expresses their disapproval of this by saying "I ain't no senator's son."
Another song that offers a strong opinionated perspective on political and social unrest is "Where Is The Love" by Black Eyed Peas. Throughout this song, political motives by the U.S. government are questioned due to the consequences it has had on the society. It is asked, "Where is the love?" multiple times to emphasize the debate over war when war is claimed to be a cause while peace could be the effect. However, Black Eyed Peas disagree with this because "If love and peace so strong. Why are there pieces of love that don't belong? Nations dropping bombs. Chemical gases filling lungs of little ones. With ongoing suffering. As the youth die young. So ask yourself is the loving really strong?" This refers to the consequences and disapproval of the band towards the war effort in post-9/11 era.
Another example in the song, Where Is The Love? by Black Eyed Peas, is when the war effort is questioned due to the social consequences. They emphasize how the war effort has contributed to the deterrence in domestic crime in the U.S. since 9/11. They say, "So I can ask myself really what is going wrong. With this world that we living in. People keep on giving in. Makin wrong decisions. Only visions of them livin and not respecting each other. Deny thy brother." This demonstrates how Black Eyed Peas believe that the U.S. government has become gradually more ignorant to the social issues occurring within the nation while they fight a war overseas.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Imagery
The song, Mr. Brightside by The Killers, exhibits several characteristics pertaining to the topic of imagery. One example of imagery in the song occurs when it says "It started out with a kiss. How did it end up like this? It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss." This is an example of imagery because the action occuring is described by a phrase that re-creates vivid sensory experiences for the reader/listener. This instance applies to imagery because it is appealing to touch with the singer asking how the situation developed when it was "only a kiss."
Another example of imagery within the song, Mr. Brightside by The Killers, is when the singer says "I just can't look its killing me. And taking control. Jealousy, turning saints into the sea. Swimming through sick lullabies. Choking on your alibis. But it's just the price I pay. Destiny is calling me. Open up my eager eyes. Cause I'm Mr Brightside." In this stanza, the singer displays a vivid scene for the reader/listener. He describes and compares several topics that paint an eccentric picture in the mind of the reader/listener. This is an example of imagery because it describes and re-creates a vivid sensory experience for the reader/listener.
The song, Misery Business by Paramore, accurately portrays several examples of imagery. One example includes when the lead singer, Haley Williams, says "She's got a body like an hourglass it's ticking like a clock. It's a matter of time before we all run out." This is an example of imagery as the body of a character pertaining to the plot unraveling is being vividly described. It's also an example of imagery because it describes and re-creates a lively sensory experience for the reader/listener.
Another example of imagery in the song, Misery Business by Paramore, is when Williams says "I watched his wildest dreams come true. Not one of them involving you." This is an accurate depiction of imagery because it delineates a broad yet eloquent picture in the reader/listener's mind. This line can initiate various thoughts in many readers/listeners due to the nature and frequency of the relevance of this song and line to high school drama.
Another example of imagery within the song, Mr. Brightside by The Killers, is when the singer says "I just can't look its killing me. And taking control. Jealousy, turning saints into the sea. Swimming through sick lullabies. Choking on your alibis. But it's just the price I pay. Destiny is calling me. Open up my eager eyes. Cause I'm Mr Brightside." In this stanza, the singer displays a vivid scene for the reader/listener. He describes and compares several topics that paint an eccentric picture in the mind of the reader/listener. This is an example of imagery because it describes and re-creates a vivid sensory experience for the reader/listener.
The song, Misery Business by Paramore, accurately portrays several examples of imagery. One example includes when the lead singer, Haley Williams, says "She's got a body like an hourglass it's ticking like a clock. It's a matter of time before we all run out." This is an example of imagery as the body of a character pertaining to the plot unraveling is being vividly described. It's also an example of imagery because it describes and re-creates a lively sensory experience for the reader/listener.
Another example of imagery in the song, Misery Business by Paramore, is when Williams says "I watched his wildest dreams come true. Not one of them involving you." This is an accurate depiction of imagery because it delineates a broad yet eloquent picture in the reader/listener's mind. This line can initiate various thoughts in many readers/listeners due to the nature and frequency of the relevance of this song and line to high school drama.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Performance Arts Project
I'm planning on creating a short story with the influence of the song, "Wonderwall" by Oasis.
Today is gonna be the day
That they're gonna throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you gotta do
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do about you now
Backbeat the word was on the street
That the fire in your heart is out
I'm sure you've heard it all before
But you never really had a doubt
I don't believe that anybody feels
The way I do about you now
And all the roads we have to walk along are winding
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
There are many things that I would
Like to say to you I don't know how
Because maybe You're gonna be the one who saves me ?
And after all
You're my wonderwall
Today was gonna be the day?
But they'll never throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you're not to do
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do
About you now
And all the roads that lead to you were winding
And all the lights that light the way are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you
I don't know how I said maybe
You're gonna be the one who saves me ?
And after all
You're my wonderwall
I said maybe
You're gonna be the one who saves me ?
And after all
You're my wonderwall
Said maybe
You're gonna be the one that saves me
You're gonna be the one that saves me
You're gonna be the one that saves me
Today is gonna be the day
That they're gonna throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you gotta do
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do about you now
Backbeat the word was on the street
That the fire in your heart is out
I'm sure you've heard it all before
But you never really had a doubt
I don't believe that anybody feels
The way I do about you now
And all the roads we have to walk along are winding
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
There are many things that I would
Like to say to you I don't know how
Because maybe You're gonna be the one who saves me ?
And after all
You're my wonderwall
Today was gonna be the day?
But they'll never throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you're not to do
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do
About you now
And all the roads that lead to you were winding
And all the lights that light the way are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you
I don't know how I said maybe
You're gonna be the one who saves me ?
And after all
You're my wonderwall
I said maybe
You're gonna be the one who saves me ?
And after all
You're my wonderwall
Said maybe
You're gonna be the one that saves me
You're gonna be the one that saves me
You're gonna be the one that saves me
Monday, March 2, 2009
Superman - Five For Fighting Metaphor Analysis
The song, Superman by Five For Fighting, displays a multitude of metaphors. One of which is, "Even heroes have the right to bleed." This metaphor is significant because it describes heroes as pertaining to humanistic characteristics. This comparrison is a metaphor because "like" and/or "as" were not involved in the analogy.
Superman - Five For Fighting (Lyrics)
I can't stand to fly
I'm not that naive
I'm just out to find
The better part of me
I'm more than a bird...I'm more than a plane
More than some pretty face beside a train
It's not easy to be me
Wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
About a home I'll never see
It may sound absurd...but don't be naive
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed...but won't you concede
Even heroes have the right to dream
It's not easy to be me
Up, up and away...away from me
It's all right...you can all sleep sound tonight
I'm not crazy...or anything...I can't stand to fly
I'm not that naive
Men weren't meant to ride
With clouds between their knees
I'm only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me
Inside of me
Inside me
Yeah, inside me
Inside of me
I'm only a man
In a funny red sheet
I'm only a man
Looking for a dream
I'm only a man
In a funny red sheet
And it's not easy, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm...
Its not easy to be me
I'm not that naive
I'm just out to find
The better part of me
I'm more than a bird...I'm more than a plane
More than some pretty face beside a train
It's not easy to be me
Wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
About a home I'll never see
It may sound absurd...but don't be naive
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed...but won't you concede
Even heroes have the right to dream
It's not easy to be me
Up, up and away...away from me
It's all right...you can all sleep sound tonight
I'm not crazy...or anything...I can't stand to fly
I'm not that naive
Men weren't meant to ride
With clouds between their knees
I'm only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me
Inside of me
Inside me
Yeah, inside me
Inside of me
I'm only a man
In a funny red sheet
I'm only a man
Looking for a dream
I'm only a man
In a funny red sheet
And it's not easy, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm...
Its not easy to be me
Where Are You Going - Dave Matthews Band Metaphor Analysis
The song, Where Are You Going by the Dave Matthews Band, exemplifies several metaphors throughout its duration. The first metaphor states, "I am no Superman." This is a metaphor because it is comparing the narrator to Superman without the use of the words "like" or "as." The purpose of this comparrison is to show that the narrator has a limit to his competence in several aspects in life.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Where Are You Going - Dave Matthews Band (lyrics)
Where are you going?
With your long face
Pulling down
Don't hide away
Like an ocean
That you can't see but you can smell
And the sound of the waves crash down
I am no Superman
I have no reasons for you
I am no hero
Oh, that's for sure
But I do know one thing
Is where you are is where I belong
I do know where you go
Is where I want to be
Where are you going?
Where do you go?
Are you looking for answers
To questions under the stars?
Well, if along the way
You are grown weary
You can rest with me until
A brighter day and you're okay
I am no Superman
I have no answers for you
I am no hero
Oh, that's for sure
But I do know one thing
Is where you are is where
I belong I do know where you go
Is where I want to be
Where are you going?
Where do you go?
Where do you go?
Where are you going?
Where do you go?
I am no Superman
I have no answers for you
I am no hero
Oh, that's for sure
But I do know one thing
Is here you are is where I belong
I do know where you go
Is where I want to be
Where are you going?
Where do you go?
Tell me, where are you going?
Where? Well, let's go
With your long face
Pulling down
Don't hide away
Like an ocean
That you can't see but you can smell
And the sound of the waves crash down
I am no Superman
I have no reasons for you
I am no hero
Oh, that's for sure
But I do know one thing
Is where you are is where I belong
I do know where you go
Is where I want to be
Where are you going?
Where do you go?
Are you looking for answers
To questions under the stars?
Well, if along the way
You are grown weary
You can rest with me until
A brighter day and you're okay
I am no Superman
I have no answers for you
I am no hero
Oh, that's for sure
But I do know one thing
Is where you are is where
I belong I do know where you go
Is where I want to be
Where are you going?
Where do you go?
Where do you go?
Where are you going?
Where do you go?
I am no Superman
I have no answers for you
I am no hero
Oh, that's for sure
But I do know one thing
Is here you are is where I belong
I do know where you go
Is where I want to be
Where are you going?
Where do you go?
Tell me, where are you going?
Where? Well, let's go
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Pour Some Sugar On Me Similes
Def Leopard portrays the correct usage of similes on several occasions throughout the song, Pour Some Sugar On Me. The first example is seen in the third verse when the line, "Love is like a bomb," is sang. In this verse, Def Leopard is comparing love to a bomb in the sense that it is very precious and can be very harmful if not used appropriately (i.e. abusive relationship, smothering the other). In this sense, love is like a bomb because it can be harmfully inflicted, while being as fragile enough to be destroyed if smothered.
Pour Some Sugar On Me Lyrics
Step inside, walk this way
You and me babe, Hey, hey!
Love is like a bomb, baby, c'mon get it on
Livin' like a lover with a radar phone
Lookin' like a tramp, like a video vamp
Demolition woman, can I be your man?
Razzle 'n' a dazzle 'n' a flash a little light
Television lover, baby, go all night
Sometime, anytime, sugar me sweet
Little miss ah innocent sugar me, yeah
Hey! C'mon, take a bottle, shake it up
Break the bubble, break it up
Pour some sugar on me
Ooh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me
C'mon fire me up
Pour your sugar on me
Oh, I can't get enough
I'm hot, sticky sweet
From my head to my feet yeah
Listen! red light, yellow light, green-a-light go!
Crazy little woman in a one man show
Mirror queen, mannequin, rhythm of love
Sweet dream, saccharine, loosen up
You gotta squeeze a little, squeeze a little
Tease a little more
Easy operator come a knockin' on my door
Sometime, anytime, sugar me sweet
Little miss innocent sugar me, yeah
Take a bottle, shake it up
Break the bubble, break it up
Pour some sugar on me
Ooh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me
C'mon fire me up
Pour your sugar on me
Oh, I can't get enough
I'm hot, sticky sweet
From my head to my feet yeah
You got the peaches, I got the cream
Sweet to taste, saccharine
'Cos I'm hot, say what, sticky sweet
From my head, my head, to my feet
Do you take sugar? one lump or two?
Take a bottle, shake it up
Break the bubble, break it up
Pour some sugar on me
Ooh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me
C'mon fire me up
Pour your sugar on me
Oh, I can't get enough
Pour some sugar on me
Oh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me
Get it, come get it
Pour your sugar on me
Ooh
Pour some sugar on me
Yeah! Sugar me!
You and me babe, Hey, hey!
Love is like a bomb, baby, c'mon get it on
Livin' like a lover with a radar phone
Lookin' like a tramp, like a video vamp
Demolition woman, can I be your man?
Razzle 'n' a dazzle 'n' a flash a little light
Television lover, baby, go all night
Sometime, anytime, sugar me sweet
Little miss ah innocent sugar me, yeah
Hey! C'mon, take a bottle, shake it up
Break the bubble, break it up
Pour some sugar on me
Ooh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me
C'mon fire me up
Pour your sugar on me
Oh, I can't get enough
I'm hot, sticky sweet
From my head to my feet yeah
Listen! red light, yellow light, green-a-light go!
Crazy little woman in a one man show
Mirror queen, mannequin, rhythm of love
Sweet dream, saccharine, loosen up
You gotta squeeze a little, squeeze a little
Tease a little more
Easy operator come a knockin' on my door
Sometime, anytime, sugar me sweet
Little miss innocent sugar me, yeah
Take a bottle, shake it up
Break the bubble, break it up
Pour some sugar on me
Ooh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me
C'mon fire me up
Pour your sugar on me
Oh, I can't get enough
I'm hot, sticky sweet
From my head to my feet yeah
You got the peaches, I got the cream
Sweet to taste, saccharine
'Cos I'm hot, say what, sticky sweet
From my head, my head, to my feet
Do you take sugar? one lump or two?
Take a bottle, shake it up
Break the bubble, break it up
Pour some sugar on me
Ooh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me
C'mon fire me up
Pour your sugar on me
Oh, I can't get enough
Pour some sugar on me
Oh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me
Get it, come get it
Pour your sugar on me
Ooh
Pour some sugar on me
Yeah! Sugar me!
Baby Got Back Simile Analysis
Sir-Mix-Alot effectively exemplifies the use of similes multiple times in the song, Baby Got Back. The most popular example of a simile is when he says, "I just can't help myself, I'm actin' like an animal." This simile is intended to demonstrate the singer's emotions and lack of control over himself. The "animal" is used to describe himself as having a lack of morals and failure to acknowledge any rules. He believes that the female is attractive to the point where he cannot wait any longer before engaging in a highly inappropriate sexual encounter.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Baby Got Back Lyrics
Oh, my, god. Becky, look at her butt.
It is so big. *scoff* She looks like,
one of those rap guys' girlfriends.
But, you know, who understands those rap guys? *scoff*
They only talk to her, because,
she looks like a total prostitute, 'kay?
I mean, her butt, is just so big.
I can't believe it's just so round, it's like,
out there, I mean - gross. Look!
She's just so ... black!
I like big butts and I can not lie
You other brothers can't deny
That when a girl walks in with an itty bitty waist
And a round thing in your face
You get sprung, wanna pull out your tough
'Cause you notice that butt was stuffed
Deep in the jeans she's wearing
I'm hooked and I can't stop staring
Oh baby, I wanna get with you
And take your picture
My homeboys tried to warn me
But that butt you got makes me so horny
Ooh, Rump-o'-smooth-skin
You say you wanna get in my Benz?
Well, use me, use me
'Cause you ain't that average groupie
I've seen them dancin'
To hell with romancin'
She's sweat, wet,
Got it goin' like a turbo 'Vette
I'm tired of magazines
Sayin' flat butts are the thing
Take the average black man and ask him that
She gotta pack much back
So, fellas! (Yeah!) Fellas! (Yeah!)
Has your girlfriend got the butt? (Hell yeah!)
Tell 'em to shake it! (Shake it!) Shake it! (Shake it!)
Shake that healthy butt!
Baby got back!
I like 'em round, and big
And when I'm throwin' a gig
I just can't help myself, I'm actin' like an animal
Now here's my scandal
I wanna get you home
And ugh, double-up, ugh, ugh
I ain't talkin' bout Playboy
'Cause silicone parts are made for toys
I want 'em real thick and juicy
So find that juicy double
Mix-a-Lot's in trouble
Beggin' for a piece of that bubble
So I'm lookin' at rock videos
Knock-kneeded bimbos walkin' like hoes
You can have them bimbos
I'll keep my women like Flo Jo
A word to the thick soul sisters, I wanna get with ya
I won't cuss or hit ya
But I gotta be straight when I say I wanna ****
Till the break of dawn
Baby got it goin' on
A lot of simps won't like this song
'Cause them punks like to hit it and quit it
And I'd rather stay and play
'Cause I'm long, and I'm strong
And I'm down to get the friction on
So, ladies! {Yeah!} Ladies! {Yeah}
If you wanna roll in my Mercedes {Yeah!}
Then turn around! Stick it out!
Even white boys got to shout
Baby got back!
Baby got back!
Yeah, baby ... when it comes to females, Cosmo ain't got nothin'
to do with my selection. 36-24-36? Ha ha, only if she's 5'3".
So your girlfriend rolls a Honda, playin' workout tapes by Fonda
But Fonda ain't got a motor in the back of her Honda
My anaconda don't want none
Unless you've got buns, hun
You can do side bends or sit-ups,
But please don't lose that butt
Some brothers wanna play that "hard" role
And tell you that the butt ain't gold
So they toss it and leave it
And I pull up quick to retrieve it
So Cosmo says you're fat
Well I ain't down with that!
'Cause your waist is small and your curves are kickin'
And I'm thinkin' bout stickin'
To the beanpole dames in the magazines:
You ain't it, Miss Thing!Give me a sister, I can't resist her
Red beans and rice didn't miss her
Some knucklehead tried to dis
'Cause his girls are on my list
He had game but he chose to hit 'em
And I pull up quick to get wit 'em
So ladies, if the butt is round,
And you want a triple X throw down,
Dial 1-900-MIXALOTAnd kick them nasty thoughts
Baby got back!
It is so big. *scoff* She looks like,
one of those rap guys' girlfriends.
But, you know, who understands those rap guys? *scoff*
They only talk to her, because,
she looks like a total prostitute, 'kay?
I mean, her butt, is just so big.
I can't believe it's just so round, it's like,
out there, I mean - gross. Look!
She's just so ... black!
I like big butts and I can not lie
You other brothers can't deny
That when a girl walks in with an itty bitty waist
And a round thing in your face
You get sprung, wanna pull out your tough
'Cause you notice that butt was stuffed
Deep in the jeans she's wearing
I'm hooked and I can't stop staring
Oh baby, I wanna get with you
And take your picture
My homeboys tried to warn me
But that butt you got makes me so horny
Ooh, Rump-o'-smooth-skin
You say you wanna get in my Benz?
Well, use me, use me
'Cause you ain't that average groupie
I've seen them dancin'
To hell with romancin'
She's sweat, wet,
Got it goin' like a turbo 'Vette
I'm tired of magazines
Sayin' flat butts are the thing
Take the average black man and ask him that
She gotta pack much back
So, fellas! (Yeah!) Fellas! (Yeah!)
Has your girlfriend got the butt? (Hell yeah!)
Tell 'em to shake it! (Shake it!) Shake it! (Shake it!)
Shake that healthy butt!
Baby got back!
I like 'em round, and big
And when I'm throwin' a gig
I just can't help myself, I'm actin' like an animal
Now here's my scandal
I wanna get you home
And ugh, double-up, ugh, ugh
I ain't talkin' bout Playboy
'Cause silicone parts are made for toys
I want 'em real thick and juicy
So find that juicy double
Mix-a-Lot's in trouble
Beggin' for a piece of that bubble
So I'm lookin' at rock videos
Knock-kneeded bimbos walkin' like hoes
You can have them bimbos
I'll keep my women like Flo Jo
A word to the thick soul sisters, I wanna get with ya
I won't cuss or hit ya
But I gotta be straight when I say I wanna ****
Till the break of dawn
Baby got it goin' on
A lot of simps won't like this song
'Cause them punks like to hit it and quit it
And I'd rather stay and play
'Cause I'm long, and I'm strong
And I'm down to get the friction on
So, ladies! {Yeah!} Ladies! {Yeah}
If you wanna roll in my Mercedes {Yeah!}
Then turn around! Stick it out!
Even white boys got to shout
Baby got back!
Baby got back!
Yeah, baby ... when it comes to females, Cosmo ain't got nothin'
to do with my selection. 36-24-36? Ha ha, only if she's 5'3".
So your girlfriend rolls a Honda, playin' workout tapes by Fonda
But Fonda ain't got a motor in the back of her Honda
My anaconda don't want none
Unless you've got buns, hun
You can do side bends or sit-ups,
But please don't lose that butt
Some brothers wanna play that "hard" role
And tell you that the butt ain't gold
So they toss it and leave it
And I pull up quick to retrieve it
So Cosmo says you're fat
Well I ain't down with that!
'Cause your waist is small and your curves are kickin'
And I'm thinkin' bout stickin'
To the beanpole dames in the magazines:
You ain't it, Miss Thing!Give me a sister, I can't resist her
Red beans and rice didn't miss her
Some knucklehead tried to dis
'Cause his girls are on my list
He had game but he chose to hit 'em
And I pull up quick to get wit 'em
So ladies, if the butt is round,
And you want a triple X throw down,
Dial 1-900-MIXALOTAnd kick them nasty thoughts
Baby got back!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Counting Crows Analysis and Lyrics
Andrew Swiderski
Poetry of Song
Ms. Malone
February 13, 2009
Song-Lyric Analysis
The Counting Crows is arguably the best band of their decade due to their symbolic lyrics and catchy tunes. The band formed in 1991 and debuted in August 1993 with their album, August and Everything After. The album featured multiple hits including Omaha, Round Here, and Mr. Jones. The Counting Crows produced seven popular albums that earned them high praise and respect among various bands at the time. These albums promoted more than one specific theme, expanding to a plethora of themes and ideals. The song, Mr. Jones, is perhaps the most valued among listeners today. This song can be classified as epic because it is still highly valued by listeners even fifteen years after the release date and demonstrates the use of several poetic devices effectively while portraying the themes of struggle, envy, and originality.
In the song, Mr. Jones, the Counting Crows convey the themes of struggle, envy, and originality. The narrator describes his struggle to fame, while his friend/co-worker, Mr. Jones, is perceived to be much more popular with the crowd, especially the ladies. He repeats “When everybody loves you, you can never be lonely,” throughout the song to emphasize his desire to achieve fame. His ideology is that if this can be achieved, he will “never be lonely.” Through the first half of the song, it is very well apparent that the narrator envies the attention Mr. Jones has, especially from the ladies. This is shown through a few conversations he and Mr. Jones share when “staring at the beautiful women.” However, the narrator was able to attain this fame he desires by simply being his regular, ordinary self. Shortly before receiving this status, he describes his situation as, “Standing in the spotlight I bought myself a gray guitar.” The color of his newly purchased guitar represents his originality and plainness without attempting to alter his previous ways of life to achieve his glorified fame. Each of these themes are effectively described throughout the song so well that its epicness only increases.
This song efficiently uses poetic devices on several occasions, including symbolism, to contribute to its epicness. Symbolism is repeated in a myriad of effective manners. Mr. Jones represents the personality the narrator wishes he possessed in order to gain his coveted fame. The “picture” the narrator paints for himself depicts the life he wants. This picture has many popular and generally symbolic colors in literature, such as blue, red, and black. However, it also contains a very key element, gray. The gray represents the narrator’s devotion to originality and being his ordinary self, as explained when saying “If I knew Picasso I would buy myself a gray guitar and play.” Another prime example of symbolism occurs at the start of the fifth stanza, when the narrator says “I want to be a lion. Everybody wants to pass as cats.” It is self-evident that a lion is superior to cats in the feline family. This comparison of the two portrays his desire to achieve only what the sky can limit.
Metaphors and irony were other key contributors to this song’s epicness as seen through poetic devices. The most essential example of this was described when the narrator says, “I want to be Bob Dylan.” This line is metaphorical and ironic simultaneously because it is ironic for this line to occur near the end of the song, when he is interpreted as having already succeeded in achieving the desired fame. Bob Dylan is notorious for playing a role in the Rock And Roll movement in mid-20th century U.S.
This background information irrefutably questions the motive behind the rational for the
placement of the line. However, imperfections are always treasured in epic songs like this because the additional thought from controversial questions that arise simply contribute to its epicness.
Mr. Jones is without a doubt one of the single-most epic songs in the decade of the 1990’s. Its use of poetic devices effectively, while promoting original themes only assist the argument of the level of epicness this song possesses. These poetic devices include metaphors, irony, and most importantly, symbolism. The amount of symbolism and its effect on a single song like Mr. Jones is prodigious. Mr. Jones successfully promotes the themes struggle, envy, and originality in a variety of effective manners. The combination of the two while being a popular song today, fifteen years later, provides indisputable evidence of the argument that the song, Mr. Jones by Counting Crows, is truly and utterly epic in every sense of the word.
I was down at the New Amsterdam staring at this yellow-haired girl
Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation with this black-haired flamenco dancer
She dances while his father plays guitar
She's suddenly beautiful
We all want something beautiful
I wish I was beautiful
So come dance this silence down through the morning
Cut Maria! Show me some of them Spanish dances
Pass me a bottle, Mr. Jones
Believe in me
Help me believe in anything
I want to be someone who believes
Mr. Jones and me tell each other fairy tales
Stare at the beautiful women
"She's looking at you. Ah, no, no, she's looking at me."
Smiling in the bright lights
Coming through in stereo
When everybody loves you, you can never be lonely
I will paint my picture
Paint myself in blue and red and black and gray
All of the beautiful colors are very very meaningful
Grey is my favorite colorI felt so symbolic yesterday
If I knew Picasso
I would buy myself a gray guitar and play
Mr. Jones and me look into the future
Stare at the beautiful women
"She's looking at you.Uh, I don't think so. She's looking at me."
Standing in the spotlight
I bought myself a gray guitar
When everybody loves me, I will never be lonely
I want to be a lion
Everybody wants to pass as cats
We all want to be big big stars, but we got different reasons for that
Believe in me because I don't believe in anything
and I want to be someone to believe
Mr. Jones and me stumbling through the barrio
Yeah we stare at the beautiful women
"She's perfect for you, Man, there's got to be somebody for me."
I want to be Bob Dylan
Mr. Jones wishes he was someone just a little more funky
When everybody loves you, son, that's just about as funky as you can be
Mr. Jones and me staring at the video
When I look at the television, I want to see me staring right back at me
We all want to be big stars, but we don't know why and we don't know how
But when everybody loves me, I'm going to be just about as happy as can be
Mr. Jones and me, we're gonna be big stars..
Poetry of Song
Ms. Malone
February 13, 2009
Song-Lyric Analysis
The Counting Crows is arguably the best band of their decade due to their symbolic lyrics and catchy tunes. The band formed in 1991 and debuted in August 1993 with their album, August and Everything After. The album featured multiple hits including Omaha, Round Here, and Mr. Jones. The Counting Crows produced seven popular albums that earned them high praise and respect among various bands at the time. These albums promoted more than one specific theme, expanding to a plethora of themes and ideals. The song, Mr. Jones, is perhaps the most valued among listeners today. This song can be classified as epic because it is still highly valued by listeners even fifteen years after the release date and demonstrates the use of several poetic devices effectively while portraying the themes of struggle, envy, and originality.
In the song, Mr. Jones, the Counting Crows convey the themes of struggle, envy, and originality. The narrator describes his struggle to fame, while his friend/co-worker, Mr. Jones, is perceived to be much more popular with the crowd, especially the ladies. He repeats “When everybody loves you, you can never be lonely,” throughout the song to emphasize his desire to achieve fame. His ideology is that if this can be achieved, he will “never be lonely.” Through the first half of the song, it is very well apparent that the narrator envies the attention Mr. Jones has, especially from the ladies. This is shown through a few conversations he and Mr. Jones share when “staring at the beautiful women.” However, the narrator was able to attain this fame he desires by simply being his regular, ordinary self. Shortly before receiving this status, he describes his situation as, “Standing in the spotlight I bought myself a gray guitar.” The color of his newly purchased guitar represents his originality and plainness without attempting to alter his previous ways of life to achieve his glorified fame. Each of these themes are effectively described throughout the song so well that its epicness only increases.
This song efficiently uses poetic devices on several occasions, including symbolism, to contribute to its epicness. Symbolism is repeated in a myriad of effective manners. Mr. Jones represents the personality the narrator wishes he possessed in order to gain his coveted fame. The “picture” the narrator paints for himself depicts the life he wants. This picture has many popular and generally symbolic colors in literature, such as blue, red, and black. However, it also contains a very key element, gray. The gray represents the narrator’s devotion to originality and being his ordinary self, as explained when saying “If I knew Picasso I would buy myself a gray guitar and play.” Another prime example of symbolism occurs at the start of the fifth stanza, when the narrator says “I want to be a lion. Everybody wants to pass as cats.” It is self-evident that a lion is superior to cats in the feline family. This comparison of the two portrays his desire to achieve only what the sky can limit.
Metaphors and irony were other key contributors to this song’s epicness as seen through poetic devices. The most essential example of this was described when the narrator says, “I want to be Bob Dylan.” This line is metaphorical and ironic simultaneously because it is ironic for this line to occur near the end of the song, when he is interpreted as having already succeeded in achieving the desired fame. Bob Dylan is notorious for playing a role in the Rock And Roll movement in mid-20th century U.S.
This background information irrefutably questions the motive behind the rational for the
placement of the line. However, imperfections are always treasured in epic songs like this because the additional thought from controversial questions that arise simply contribute to its epicness.
Mr. Jones is without a doubt one of the single-most epic songs in the decade of the 1990’s. Its use of poetic devices effectively, while promoting original themes only assist the argument of the level of epicness this song possesses. These poetic devices include metaphors, irony, and most importantly, symbolism. The amount of symbolism and its effect on a single song like Mr. Jones is prodigious. Mr. Jones successfully promotes the themes struggle, envy, and originality in a variety of effective manners. The combination of the two while being a popular song today, fifteen years later, provides indisputable evidence of the argument that the song, Mr. Jones by Counting Crows, is truly and utterly epic in every sense of the word.
I was down at the New Amsterdam staring at this yellow-haired girl
Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation with this black-haired flamenco dancer
She dances while his father plays guitar
She's suddenly beautiful
We all want something beautiful
I wish I was beautiful
So come dance this silence down through the morning
Cut Maria! Show me some of them Spanish dances
Pass me a bottle, Mr. Jones
Believe in me
Help me believe in anything
I want to be someone who believes
Mr. Jones and me tell each other fairy tales
Stare at the beautiful women
"She's looking at you. Ah, no, no, she's looking at me."
Smiling in the bright lights
Coming through in stereo
When everybody loves you, you can never be lonely
I will paint my picture
Paint myself in blue and red and black and gray
All of the beautiful colors are very very meaningful
Grey is my favorite colorI felt so symbolic yesterday
If I knew Picasso
I would buy myself a gray guitar and play
Mr. Jones and me look into the future
Stare at the beautiful women
"She's looking at you.Uh, I don't think so. She's looking at me."
Standing in the spotlight
I bought myself a gray guitar
When everybody loves me, I will never be lonely
I want to be a lion
Everybody wants to pass as cats
We all want to be big big stars, but we got different reasons for that
Believe in me because I don't believe in anything
and I want to be someone to believe
Mr. Jones and me stumbling through the barrio
Yeah we stare at the beautiful women
"She's perfect for you, Man, there's got to be somebody for me."
I want to be Bob Dylan
Mr. Jones wishes he was someone just a little more funky
When everybody loves you, son, that's just about as funky as you can be
Mr. Jones and me staring at the video
When I look at the television, I want to see me staring right back at me
We all want to be big stars, but we don't know why and we don't know how
But when everybody loves me, I'm going to be just about as happy as can be
Mr. Jones and me, we're gonna be big stars..
Narrative Analysis
The song, Piano Man by BIlly Joel, is a narrative song that exhibits several poetic devices, while promoting the themes of hope and optimism. The poetic devices include an allegory, ballad, hyperboles, dialogues, imagery, metaphors, similes, mood, and tone. The song is narrated by the performer, a piano man, at a bar who is discussing how he first started playing and the important people he met, such as Bill, the real estate novelist, Davy, who's still in the Navy, as well as the weaitress that ispracticing politics. Overall, Joel is singing about how the night has unraveled although it's debatable if he's singing about that night or a previous one.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Piano Man by Bill Joel
Song: Piano Man
Author: Billy Joel
It's nine o'clock on a Saturday the regular crowd shuffles in
There's an old man sitting next to me
Makin' love to his tonic and gin
He say, Son can you play me a memory
I'm not really sure how it goes
But it's sad and it's sweet and I knew it complete
When I wore a younger man's clothes
[Chorus]
Da da da de de da
da da de de da da da
Sing us a song, you're the piano man sing us a song tonight
Well, we're all in the mood for a melody
And you've got us feelin' alright
Now John at the bar is a friend of mine
He gets me my drinks for free
And he's quick with a joke or to light up your smoke
But there's someplace that he'd rather be
He says Bill, I believe this is killing me
As the smile ran away from his face
Well I'm sure that I could be a movie star
If I could get out of this place
Da da da de de da
da da de de da da da
Now Paul is a real estate novelist
Who never had time for a wife
And he's talking with Davy who's still in the navy
And probably will be for life
And the waitress is practicing politics
As the businessmen slowly get stoned
Yes, they're sharing a drink they call loneliness
But it's better than drinking alone
Sing us a song, you're the piano man
Sing us a song tonight.
Well, we're all in the mood for a melody
And you've got us feelin' alright.
It's a pretty good crowd for a Saturday,
And the manager gives me a smile
'Cause he knows that it's me they've been coming to see
To forget about life for a while.
And the piano sounds like a carnival
And the microphone smells like a beer
And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
And say "Man, what are you doin' here?"
Da da da de de da
da da de de da da da
Sing us a song, you're the piano man
Sing us a song tonight.
Well, we're all in the mood for a melody
And you've got us feelin' alright.
Author: Billy Joel
It's nine o'clock on a Saturday the regular crowd shuffles in
There's an old man sitting next to me
Makin' love to his tonic and gin
He say, Son can you play me a memory
I'm not really sure how it goes
But it's sad and it's sweet and I knew it complete
When I wore a younger man's clothes
[Chorus]
Da da da de de da
da da de de da da da
Sing us a song, you're the piano man sing us a song tonight
Well, we're all in the mood for a melody
And you've got us feelin' alright
Now John at the bar is a friend of mine
He gets me my drinks for free
And he's quick with a joke or to light up your smoke
But there's someplace that he'd rather be
He says Bill, I believe this is killing me
As the smile ran away from his face
Well I'm sure that I could be a movie star
If I could get out of this place
Da da da de de da
da da de de da da da
Now Paul is a real estate novelist
Who never had time for a wife
And he's talking with Davy who's still in the navy
And probably will be for life
And the waitress is practicing politics
As the businessmen slowly get stoned
Yes, they're sharing a drink they call loneliness
But it's better than drinking alone
Sing us a song, you're the piano man
Sing us a song tonight.
Well, we're all in the mood for a melody
And you've got us feelin' alright.
It's a pretty good crowd for a Saturday,
And the manager gives me a smile
'Cause he knows that it's me they've been coming to see
To forget about life for a while.
And the piano sounds like a carnival
And the microphone smells like a beer
And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
And say "Man, what are you doin' here?"
Da da da de de da
da da de de da da da
Sing us a song, you're the piano man
Sing us a song tonight.
Well, we're all in the mood for a melody
And you've got us feelin' alright.
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