Metaphorically Speaking...

Using Metaphors in Songs or Writing

The definition of a metaphor is a figure of speech in which an implied comparison is made between two unlike things that actually have something in common. Metaphors are a great way to describe emotions by taking an actual thought and comparing it with a figure of speech that is commonly known to most people.

The song I'm going to analyze in this blog is titled "Everything" by Michael Bublé. This is actually one of my favorite songs because I am a huge fan of metaphors. In this song, there is an excessive use of metaphors but it really helps to define the meaning of what he is thinking. The lyrics basically speak to you through the metaphors. The main metaphor in this song is the end of the chorus as well as the title "You're Everything."

We see the use of excellent metaphors in the first verse several times. A great one that demonstrates an example of something people commonly know is "get away car;" it isn't actually a real thing but in society we know what it is, and refer to it when people are hurriedly entering a vehicle to drive away. Another great example is the "swimming pool on an August day." While swimming pool is an actual thing, the fact that he refers to it being on an August day makes it fittingly perfect and we are able to understand what he means due to past experience, movies, or simply other people talking about it. The last one of that verse is when he says "the perfect thing to say." There is no such thing as this but as people we commonly refer to this when we have said something that sounded "perfect" at that particular moment.

"You're Everything" by Michael Buble

Lyrics:

You're a falling star, You're the get away car.
You're the line in the sand when I go too far.
You're the swimming pool, on an August day.
And you're the perfect thing to say.

And you play it coy, but it's kinda cute.
Ah, When you smile at me you know exactly what you do.
Baby don't pretend, that you don't know it's true.
Cause you can see it when I look at you.

[Chorus:]
And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you, You make me sing.
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

You're a carousel, you're a wishing well,
And you light me up, when you ring my bell.
You're a mystery, you're from outer space,
You're every minute of my everyday.

And I can't believe, uh that I'm your man,
And I get to kiss you, baby just because I can.
Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through,
And you know that's what our love can do.

[Chorus:]
And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you, You make me sing
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La
So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La

[Chorus:]
And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you, You make me sing.
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.
You're every song, and I sing along.
'Cause you're my everything.
Yeah, yeah

So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La
So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La, La, La, La, La

Now that you have read the lyrics, I think you should have established a good understanding of my statement above. Obviously this "you" (implied female) cannot actually be a line in a song, falling star, or a carousel and wishing well, but since we are familiar with all of these things, we understand his feelings towards her. Some really great writers use metaphors constantly to describe their emotions.

Suggestions:

When writing songs, I definitely believe it will be beneficial to have at least a few metaphors to help spice things up. Because metaphors use everyday expressions and real life feelings, listeners and readers are able to get a better connection the song. A line or a song that has a metaphor is love at first sight, metaphorically speaking.

To listen to this song, click the following link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPUJIbXN0WY

- Amanda Bonbrisco

Finding Your Voice

Every writer wants to find their voice and be heard through their writing. Although you might not be a prize winning author you are "selling your unique perspective on life, your unique collection of beliefs, fears, hopes and dreams, your memories of childhood tribulation and triumphs and adult achievements and failures . . . your universe."

One way of achieving that is showing something the audience can not get from anywhere else, and the only thing in the universe that readers cannot get anywhere but from you is you.
Your own unique style is your voice through theme, plus personal observations, plus passion, plus belief, plus desire. Your voice and all of these things listed previous can be a powerful, frightening, and naked experience. You need to put yourself out there and gain feedback, your voice is your future in writing and the only way you can strengthen it

1. Read everything-the more you read, the more you will understand and can use all the different techniques and styles you encounter and learn about.

2. Write everything-try to write all different styles to learn which one fits out best, whats are your likes, what are you dislikes, and how you can transform yourself as a writer.

3. Imitate good writers- try to do short exercises where you sit down and not only copy the style of your favorite writers, but also some of their themes and passions. Get as much into their heads as you can.

4. Make lists-create one word lists of a number of different things to find that words that seem most passionate to you that you can use in your own writing. Frustrating things, surprising things, emotional, and all the good and bad. Do not look in the dictionary, pick words that have meaning to you personally as a writer.

5. Just get it on the page-When you are finding your voice, you are going to be doing a lot of experimenting. Some of what you write is going to be really bad and some of it will shock you with how good or a writer you really are. But the only way you will get any of the "good stuff " out is if you allow yourself to put whatever comes into your head down on the page.

The musical lyric that best distincts these qualities and speaks in their own voice is Rihanna through her song "Rude Boy". As you read this, pick through the different parts that you like and do not like. What is it about them that makes you feel that way? Does she use her own voice through slang? What type of words do they use, is it personal, and/or is it emotional? Pick it apart and then question your own findings. It will help you become a much stronger and more appreciative writer.

Come here, rude boy, boy; can you get it up?
Come here rude boy, boy; is your big enough?
Take it, take it baby, baby Take it, take it;
love me, love me
Tonight I'ma let you be the captain
Tonight I'ma let you do your thing, yeah
Tonight I'ma let you be a rider
Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up babe
Tonight I'ma let it be fire
Tonight I'ma let you take me higher
Tonight, baby, we could get it on, yeah,
we could get it on, yeah

Do you like it?
Boy, I want, want, want whatchu want, want, want
Give it to me, baby like boom, boom, boom
What I want, want, want is what you want, want, want
Nah nah-ah

Come here, rude boy, boy, can you get it up?
Come here, rude boy, boy, is you big enough?
Take it, take it, baby, baby, take it, take it,
love me, love me

Tonight I'ma give it to ya harder
Tonight I'ma turn ya body out
Relax; let me do it how I wanna
If you got it I need it and I'ma put it down
Buckle up; I'ma give it to ya stronger
Heads up; we could go a little longer
Tonight I'ma get a little crazy, get a little crazy, baby
Do you like it?

Boy, I want, want, want whatchu want, want, want
Give it to me, baby like boom, boom, boom
What I want, want, want is what you want, want, want
Nah nah-ah

Come here, rude boy, boy can you get it up?
Come here rude boy, boy is your big enough?
Take it, take it, baby, baby, take it, take it,
love me, love me
I like the way you touch me there
I like the way you pull my hair
Babe, if I don't feel it I ain't faking, no, no
I like when you tell me 'kiss you here'
I like when you tell me 'move it there'
So get it up; time to get it up: you say you a rude boy:
show me what you got now
Come here right now

Take it, take it, baby, baby, take it,
take it, love me, love me

Come here, rude boy, boy, can you get it up?
Come here, rude boy, boy, is you big enough?
Take it, take it, baby, baby, take it, take it,
love me, love me

Deep Reflection, Understanding What Type of Writer You Are

I'm am going to start of today's lesson with a quote by Dawn Swartzendruber-Putnam who explains: "Reflection is a form of metacognition—thinking about thinking. It means looking back with new eyes in order to discover—in this case, looking back on writing. As Pianko states, ‘The ability to reflect on what is begin written seems to be the essence of the difference between able and not so able writers from their initial writing experience onward' (qtd. in Yancey 4)" (88).

Have you ever noticed that you have your own writing habits and teachers always ask you to break out of the box with your own writing? Have you ever reflected on your own writing habits? This could be a useful tool to help you and your teachers understand what type of writer that you are. Each individual writer has different habits and techniques that they use towards different audiences and each individual piece that they write. In order to first understand your own writing you must first analyze others writing to use as examples for your own work. Pay close attention to the different metaphors and styles while you read that are used so you can "extend the metaphor" describing your own self and your writing techniques.
A great example of a song that emphasizes deep reflection is Stevie Wonder's "Passionate Raindrops."


The day's been hot and sunny
Evening's about to take control
The sky is painting pictures
Stirring up love bliss in our souls
The breeze carries the fragrance
Of the sweetest symphony as it
blows through your hair
Better can be nowhere

Our voices turn to whispers
Blending with rhythms of the night
The nightingales sing a love song
Glancing down at us in their flight
The moisture brings forth magic
That permeates the midnight air
To kiss the love we share, are

Raindrops, passionate raindrops
The kind of rain that writes they're
So in love on our skin
Raindrops, that we hope wont stop
Cooling the red hot love that we are making

Raindrops, passionate raindrops
That brings out all the fire that we have within
Raindrops cover every spot
Right to the last drop
We want all of you and then
Let each drop a rain be a lifetime
that our love won't end

Somewhere in our doing
Trying to make our bodies one
We fall prey to moon dreams
Till awaken by the morning sun
Still disorientated I feel something
warm on my face
Coupled by your embrace
We gaze in awe and wonder
As if we can't believe it's so
Just that taste of heaven
Has got us longing for much more
We lie there impatient
Anxiously waiting foe the sun to go in
And the clouds to burst again, to give us

Raindrops, passionate raindrops
The kind of rain that writes they're
So in love on our skin Raindrops,
that we hope wont stop
Cooling the red hot love that we are making

Raindrops, passionate raindrops
That brings out all the fire
that we have within
Raindrops cover every spot
Right to the last drop
We want all of you and then
Let each drop a rain be a life
time that our love won't end

Consider your own experiences on a previous essay or story you have written for a class. What were some of the things that frustrated you and what were the things that satisfied you in your writing? Each individual writer has their own different and unique writing habits, some good, some bad, and others to help improve YOUR writing style.

Good Writing Habits

1. Write every day as much as you can. Whether it be a little bit or a lot...put it all down. Thoughts throughout the day, experiences good or bad, or anything that pops in your head. The more you write, the better you will become.

2. Write on note cards instead of on paper. Write down each individual thought (process) on individual note cards that way your are not forced into a sequential rut. You can choose to put them in any order you want and rearrange them easily this way allowing relentless possibilities you may not have noticed before.

3. Separate your "work life" (the process of whatever you are writing) from your personal life. Do not always write your papers at home, school, or work. Go outside to write, it might change how you feel about your writing and allow you endless opportunities that might not have come to you by staying at home (in the box). You are stepping out of your comfort zone while you write, possibly allow your writing to step out of the box.

Bad Writing Habits

1. "Trying to sound like dead people." Most English teachers want us to sound like Thomas More or Jane Austen in our writing in being grammatically correct,having a point supported with evidence, or having a scholarly tone, ect.... They want us to mimic these classic writers because that is what they believe "good writing" is. But the truth is that in today's world, that's not what you see anymore. Don't get me wrong, they were amazing writers back in their time, but copying their writing is handicapping our own writing. If you are wanting to make a connection to our times, study some of the more popular writers of today's time such as Stephen King or Seth Godin. Learn all the different techniques, the old and the new to become more well rounded and find out which style works best for you.

2. Staying detached from your own work is also bad in my opinion. Readers want to hear what you have to say, not what you quoted from thousands off others opinions. They want to hear your voice, your slang, your stances! Take a risk with your writing, but know the audience to whom you are speaking. They will appreciate your writing much more when you speak from your side on their level.

Finding Your Audience

All writers before actually writing their content must think about what kind of direct audience which they are trying to reach. If you were writing a new scientific theory, scientists and researchers would be the direct audience. If you were to write about making a change in schools, the direct audience would be school board members, teachers, staff, and the school's students.

Although most audiences are quite obvious, sometimes the direct audience is not always one exact person or group mentioned within the text. Some people may want their work to reach everyone as an audience.

Most song writers have the tendency to write about what they are feeling at a particular moment, or in a time from the past. This is actually a great way for song writers to find their audience. Rather than thinking of an age group or certain listeners, they talk about common emotions that make their songs popular because people enjoy listening to people that are able to relate to them, especially in music.

You might be thinking there isn't any way for them to want to have an audience, but of course they do! They want YOU to listen to their music, like it, and buy it; therefore, they are going to write about anything that could be real, or it could just be they are trying to suck you in to liking their work.

The following song is a perfect example of a little bit of both. This songwriter is writing about emotions and trying to get people that way, but she also discusses an actual age group. In this song, we are able to see how famous pop/country singer and songwriter, Taylor Swift, writes her music. Since her directed audience are those who are concerned with emotions, feelings, and are young teenagers similar to herself, she reaches out to them by writing about teenagers and high school, and feelings those of that age may experience.

"Fifteen" by Taylor Swift

Lyrics:

You take a deep breath and you walk through the doors
It's the morning of your very first day
And you say hi to your friends you ain't seen in a while
Try and stay out of everybody's way

It's your freshman year and you're gonna be here
For the next four years in this town
Hoping one of those senior boys will wink at you and say
"You know, I haven't seen you around before"

'Cause when you're fifteen and somebody tells you they love you
You're gonna believe them
And when you're fifteen feeling like there's nothing to figure out
Well, count to ten, take it in
This is life before you know who you're gonna be
Fifteen

You sit in class next to a redhead named Abigail
And soon enough you're best friends
Laughing at the other girls who think they're so cool
We'll be outta here as soon as we can

And then you're on your very first date and he's got a car
And you're feeling like flying
And you're momma's waiting up and you're thinking he's the one
And you're dancing 'round your room when the night ends
When the night ends

'Cause when you're fifteen and somebody tells you they love you
You're gonna believe them
When you're fifteen and your first kiss
Makes your head spin 'round
But in your life you'll do things greater than
Dating the boy on the football team
But I didn't know it at fifteen

When all you wanted was to be wanted
Wish you could go back and tell yourself what you know now

Back then I swore I was gonna marry him someday
But I realized some bigger dreams of mine
And Abigail gave everything she had to a boy
Who changed his mind and we both cried

'Cause when you're fifteen and somebody tells you they love you
You're gonna believe them
And when you're fifteen, don't forget to look before you fall
I've found time can heal most anything
And you just might find who you're supposed to be
I didn't know who I was supposed to be at fifteen

Your very first day
Take a deep breath girl
Take a deep breath as you walk through the doors

To view this song go to the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb-K2tXWK4w

-Amanda Bonbrisco

Writing for a Musical

After seeing Amanda's post on songs v. short stories, the thought came to mind on where these two concepts meet. In the case of a musical, we have a story, or a scene of a story, being told to us through song. It is not done in the same manner as a artist or a band would write a song however. In that manner of writing, it is very similar to poetry in that the writer has to compress an idea or thought into only a few minutes. They rely heavily on figurative language and other ways to depict what they are attempting to say without spelling it out clearly for the reader, or listener. When we look at songwriting for a musical, there can also be usage of figurative language to add a deeper meaning to a concept, but there is the ability to be more straightforward. Because the song goes along witha scene, we are allowed the chance to depict everything that is around us and what is going on, in a more literal term, over making the reader/listener figure out for themselves what is going on. It can be written more as a conversation that is simply sung over spoken. For this example, I thought we would look at "Poor Thing" from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. A musical that may not immediately be thought of, for it's grotesqueness and darkness, but nonetheless, a great piece with interesting songs.

"Poor Thing" - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Helena Bonham Carter (Mrs. Lovett)

There was a barber and his wife.
And he was beautiful,
A proper artist with a knife,
but they transported him for life,
And he was beautiful

He had this wife, ya see.
Pretty little thing, silly little nit,
Had her chance on a moon on a string.
Poor thing
Poor thing

There was this judge, ya see.
Wanted her like mad,
Everyday he sent her a flower
But did she come down from her tower?
Sat up there and sulked by the hour
Poor thing
Ah, but there was worse yet to come
Poor thing!

Well, Beadle calls on her all polite
Poor thing
Poor thing
The judge, he tells her is all contrite
He blames himself for her dreadful plight
She must come straight to his house tonight!
Poor thing!
Poor thing!

Of course when she goes there
Poor thing!
Poor thing!
They're having this ball all in masks
There's no one she knows there!
Poor dear!
Poor thing!
She wonders, tormented and drinks
Poor thing!
The judge has repented, she thinks
Poor thing!
"Oh where is Judge Turpin?" she asks
He was there alright
Only not so contrite

She wasn't no match for such craft you see
And everyone thought it so droll
They figured she had to be daft ya see
So all of them stood there and laughed ya see
Poor Soul!
Poor thing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVPWoh8Iric

As we can see, this song isn't written about some abstract idea or leads the listener to dive deeper into themselves, but however, effectively moves the story along. It gives an opportunity in the movie to also create background information, adding all the important aspects of the past, without adding extra pieces that would only slow down the piece. If we read through the lyrics, we understand that the story is about a barber and his wife, but we are spared unneeded information of their life together, as the song is centered around the Judge's attack of the Barber's wife. While it is being sung from a different character, we get a sense that we are almost there, watching the story as it unravels. It is more of a story being told to us, in a conversational manner.

While there may not be a lot of use of figurative language, as it really isn't needed, there are other techniques being used and through the voice, we can sense the tone of the singer, Mrs. Lovett. Two of the main techniques work together; repetition and tone. Throughout the song we see a repetition of the phrase "poor thing". Through the repetition, we are told that the circumstances for the wife continue to get worse, and is rather unfair or brutual to the wife. The intention is to have sympathy for the wife for the outcome of her situation. However, when we listen to Mrs. Lovett tell the story, we sense a lack of sympathy at times. She is after the Barber's heart and therefore, in her voice we can sense the jealousy she has for her.

Another interesting effect in the song is the length of each line. Like poetry, the lengths of the lines help to determing the pace of the poem, or song. If we start at the beginning of the song, it is slow paced. Mrs. Lovett explains every scene with average sized lines and only returns to her phrase "poor thing" at the end. However, as the song and scene climax, the lengths of the lines become shorter. Every other line begins to become only a 2 word phrase: "poor thing". The reader/listener is given the sensation that the song and story have sped up, as the music inclines, and it gives the audience the sense of the rising action. The audience can also understand that there is a tension building up.

While many of us may not be writing musicals anytime soon, it is still good to know the difference between typical songwriting to musical writing. Musical writing is typically going to explain a certain scene or story within the piece. It has the ability to be more literal, and can be used to create flashbacks, background information, future scenes, and so on. While figurative language can be used as well, a useful technique can be watching the length of the lines, such as in "Poor Thing". For added dramatic effects this can be helpful to set the pace and overall feel for the audience.

-Adri

Rethink What is Normal - Experiemental Essay

As a student in college you know that there are several other things that you could be doing other than trying to put together that 5 page paper the last night before its due. Your sitting there at midnight staring at a blinking cursure with nothing coming to mind wondering how your ever going to pull it together. Your friends are all out partying and having a good time, and you wish that you could be right there with them. All of a sudden an idea pops into your head, and you begin to write...

How to jumpstart your creative process and get started on your essay/story with Bright Eyes's song "A Scale, A Mirror and those Indifferent Clocks:"
(Read through the lyrics first stated below first)

Here is a scale, weigh it out
And you will find, easily
More than sufficient doubt
That these colors you see
Were picked in advance
By some careful hand
With an absolute concept of beauty
They are smeared and these blurs
Come in random order
To color the eyes of your former lovers
Hers were green like July
Except when she cried
They were red
Now I know a disease
That these doctors can't treat
You contract it the day
You accept all you see
Is a mirror and a mirror is all it can be
A reflection of something we're missing
And language just happened
It was never planned
And its inadequate to describe where I am
In the room of my house
Where the light has never been
Waiting for this day to end
And these clocks keep unwinding
And completely ignore
Everything that we hate or adore
Once the page of a calendar is turned it's no more
So tell me, then, what was it for?
Oh, tell me, what was it for?

One way to start the creative process that many students do not think about is "yes, go out and have a good time." Go out with your friends and do whatever comes to mind however, take a pen and paper with you." Although your parents would not recomend this if you have that paper to finish and times ticking down before its time to turn it in, let them know that this experience that you are having with your friends could help you get an "A" on this paper and become a better writer. It might take some reasuring, but I'm sure they are willing to give it a try. After all that convincing, and your out with your friends, talk to them about your paper and posible ideas. It helps to openly discuss fresh ideas you might have or your friends might have to help you get your creative juices flowing. They can give you feedback as to whether or not it is a good topic to go with and discuss with you all the possibilities on the elaboration process and different places you could go with your paper. Sometimes this is an easier way to construct the begining steps of research to find what you really want to write about, instead of staring at your "Google Search" that brought up millions of ideas that you could waste hours going through or just chosing one that you do not care about just to get it done. Talking with your friends can help you find a topic that you really care about, and can make the process more enjoyable for you.

Now time for the pen and paper I asked you to bring earlier. During your experience out write down several different ideas, adjectives, metephores, and so forth that come to mind. Write down descriptions of the different atmospheres around you, the attitutes of the surrounding people in those atmospheres, or anything that stands out to you. What are some of the sensuous details about these different things? It does not have to be complete sentences or full ideas, just anything that your mind deems interesting; it does not even have to relate to the paper. Jot it all down! This is the easiest way to "break out of the box" as many teachers ask you to do, and help you break out of your comfort zone because this is a new way to help create your paper.

Now when you get home take a risk with this paper, do not be afraid of shock. You are not who you think you are! What I mean by that is students always write to please their teachers, afraid of doing anything wrong, and it hinges their ability to write the way they want to. They can not break out of that box! They always research and regurgitate back what they read, just repeated in their own personal way. But this is not really what "personal" really is. Look at that paper and use it to develope your topic that your actually going to enjoy writing about; you have your own personal touch, your own personal experiences (Not those of others found on google.) They are all writen there right in front of you. Use your experiences as examples, your list of adjectives to help describe, others interactions to help with your character development. You have studied it now elaborate on it. You should have so many ideas coming to you that you do not even know where to start. Just begin writing, get it all down and worry about cleaning it up later. When you enjoy writting something and its not forced out, it makes your writting that much strogger and your teacher will enjoy reading something that you enjoyed to write.

Now go back and reread the lyric again and you will find the author's experiences all through it giving it that personal touch that a reader enjoys so much more. You now understand how the author got it to that point and can use this process to aid you in any future papers you may encounter. Now go get your creative juices flowing!

Songs vs. Short Stories

Are songs similar to short stories?

In my last blog, I talked about if the use of repetition was good in songs and concluded that yes it is. However, in some it is not. A great example is the in the following song called "Here Comes Goodbye" by Rascal Flatts, which is written very similar to a short story. In my blog here, we are going to compare the lyrics to this song to the writing of most stories.

"Here Comes Goodbye" by Rascal Flatts

Lyrics:

I can hear the truck tires coming up the gravel road
And its not like her to drive that slow, nothings on her radio
Footsteps on the front porch, I hear my doorbell
She usually comes right in, now I can tell


Here comes goodbye, here comes the last time
Here comes the start of every sleepless night
The first of every tear I'm gonna cry
Here comes the pain, Here comes me wishing things had never changed
And she was right here in my arms tonight, but here comes goodbye

I can hear her say I love you like it was yesterday
And I can see it written on her face that she had never felt this way
One day I thought Id see her with her daddy by her side
And violins would play here comes the bride

But here comes goodbye, here comes the last time
Here comes the start of every sleepless night
The first of every tear Im gonna cry
Here comes the pain, Here comes me wishing things had never changed(d)
And she was right here in my arms tonight, but here comes goodbye


Why does it have to go from good to gone?
Before the lights turn on, yeah and you're left alone
All alone, but here comes goodbye

Oh-oh-oh-oh


Here comes goodbye, here comes the last time
Here comes the start of every sleepless night
The first of every tear I'm gonna cry
Here comes the pain, Here comes me wishing things had never changed
And she was right here in my arms tonight, but here comes goodbye

Similarities between short stories & the lyrics:

1) Includes a main plot and setting

2) Gets to the point

3) Reaches out to the audience

A. Reader is able to step into writer's shoes

B. Reader is able to perceive what the writer is telling

Differences between short stories & the lyrics:

1) Lyrics contain a catchy, repetitive chorus

2) Lyrics are broken into verses and short stories have paragraphs

3) Short stories are usually more descriptive of the past and future whereas lyrics are almost as excerpts of stories

I believe that this song is a perfect example of the similarities that lyrics can have to short stories. The first two verses we know what the girl is doing and see everything from the writer's point of view. For those who have experienced a break-up similar to this, they can relate and step into the writer's shoes. Like a short story that contains a main plot and setting, we know that this man is about to deal with a horrible goodbye from someone he loves dearly. Whether it is a death or a break-up, readers are able to relate and feel empathetic towards him. If the reader has never experienced a horrible goodbye, they are still able to be sympathetic.

The chorus is what provides us with the fact that it is a "goodbye" and we know that it is not a common occurrence due to the fact that this man is anxiously awaiting this awkward presence into his home. We are signaled that it will be awkward by her unusual approach to the door.

Suggestions:
The reason some people are so attracted to certain lyrics is because they tell a similar short story of something they are familiar with, or something that helps them acknowledge the fact that they are not alone in their feelings. Good writing enables readers to clearly understand the writer's thoughts and emotions, and maybe even relate to them in some manner.

In the music video of this song, an actual story is being portrayed. I believe that seeing this video is what inspired me to compare and contrast it with short stories. Below is the link to view the video to this song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Uq3nI11w4g

- Amanda Bonbrisco

Repetition: Good or Bad?

Is Repetition good or bad? Or both?

Most lyrics to songs are the same word (usually the title or the main point) repeated over and over throughout the song. Below are the lyrics to a song called "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC. Let's see if this song uses its repetition to benefit the meaning or if it consists of meaningless repetition.

"Thunderstruck" by AC/DC

Lyrics:

Thunder) (x10)
I was caught
In the middle of a railroad track (Thunder)
I looked 'round,
And I knew there was no turning back (Thunder)
My mind raced
And I thought what could I do? (Thunder)
And I knew
There was no help, no help from you (Thunder)
Sound of the drums
Beatin' in my heart
The thunder of guns!
Tore me apart
You've been - thunderstruck!
Rode down the highway
Broke the limit, we hit the ton
Went through to Texas, yeah Texas
And we had some fun
We met some girls,
Some dancers who gave a good time
Broke all the rules, played all the fools
Yeah, yeah, they, they, they blew our minds
And I was shakin' at the knees
Could I come again please.
Yeah the ladies were too kind
You've been - thunderstruck, thunderstruck
Yeah yeah yeah, thunderstruck
Oh, thunderstruck, yeah
Yeah
Now we're shaking at the knees
Could I come again please.
Thunderstruck, thunderstruck
Yeah yeah yeah, thunderstruck
Thunderstruck, yeah, yeah, yeah
Said yeah, it's alright
We're! Doing fine
Yeah, it's alright
We're! Doing fine
So fine
Thunderstruck, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Thunderstruck, thunderstruck, thunderstruck
Whoa baby, baby, thunderstruck
You've been thunderstruck, thunderstruck
Thunderstruck, thunderstruck, thunderstruck
You've been thunderstruck

Writing in General:

In almost every style of writing, it is commonly known not to use repetition throughout the text. We learn to repeat important points at the end as an emphasis and review, but as writers it is known not to use the same word throughout. When readers are reading a piece that constantly uses the same phrase or word, it becomes an annoyance.

Let's take a look at how this song uses repetition:

The lyrics presented here show excessive use of the words "thunder" and "thunderstruck." From a reader's point of view, this common repeat of these two words becomes frustrating. In fact, once you have glanced further down at the last verse, you can see how the main word there is "thunderstruck." Readers have a tendency to skim through this because if they see the same words, they automatically believe it is not of any significance. Another frequent word used throughout is the word "yeah." In any other writing this would be viewed as unacceptable.

How songs are different:

This particular song, as well as other songs that constantly use the same word throughout, is extremely popular. People love it. Why? Because writers of song lyrics use the same word over and over again in order to get the listener hooked. When listening to a song, they don't want to hear a long drawn out story or something that doesn't sound like it makes sense. Most songs don't make sense to the readers/listeners due to its use frequent phrases throughout in order to get people to consider it as "catchy." Some only understand the point if the chorus has repetition. A song like "Thunderstruck" catches people's attention and makes them want to sing along because there aren't hard and confusing lyrics to turn them away.

Suggestions:

When writing lyrics to a song, use of repetition can most definitely be considered a good thing. It attracts people to listen to the song, even if readers (those who have never listened to it) believe that it is excessive and unnecessary use of the word.

If you, as a current reader, have never heard the lyrics to this song, I would highly recommend clicking the link below and listening to them to understand my full analysis on repetition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvoeeq-BH4w

-Amanda Bonbrisco

How to Stand Out in Your Writing Through Antiflag's Protest Song

What makes for a good song writer you ask? What is it that distinguishes a good lyric from a bad one? Although this is a very opinionated subject that has no set in stone rules, there are be some principles that you can follow to help you stand out against the crowd through your writing. Some of these principles include being concise, being conversational, using powerful sentences, and starting and ending strong. These principles are portrayed through a lyric by Antiflag called the "Protest Song."

Lyrics:
And so the time has finally come
the bourgeoisie has signed the war decree
with proletariat blood
and that blood which flows from their pen
is the closest that they've ever been to the people
you've been to our shows
you've sung our song
snow we're asking you to
add to each chorus you've sung and

protest...! against...! injustice...! state terror...!
on the streets of the world
for the disempowered
you've sung at our shows
cheered right over wrong
now it's time to hit the streets
back up those words you've sung

because our voices alone this time will not get it done

looking to stop a rogue regime?
well the first ones that we must confront is WASHINGTON, DC!
the bush "terror war", UNCONSTITUTIONAL, UNCONSCIONABLE
we refuse to let him kill, in our name for oil
we know their game
know they're corruptit's up to us to hit the streets,
time to take our rights back!

protest...! against...! injustice...! state terror...!
on the streets of the world
for the disempowered
you've sung at our shows
cheered right over wrong
now it's time to hit the streets
back up those words you've sung
because our voices alone this time will not get it done

because the people, united will get it done
protest...! against...! injustice...! state terror...!

on the streets of the world for the disempowered
protest...! against...! injustice...! state terror...!
on the streets of the world for the disempowered
protest...! against...! injustice...! state terror...!
on the streets of the world for the disempowered
protest...! against...! injustice...! state terror...!
on the streets of the world for the disempowered

According to its defenition a protest song is a "song which is associated with a movement for social change and hence part of the broader category of topical songs (or songs connected to current events)." In doing this the song is being conversational with its audience. Many writers write to stiffly, trying to overthink the process and impress their audience hindering their ability to write "good." It is much easier to write like you talk, it allows your audience have a stronger connection to your piece. It places your words on a more personal level and your audience appreciates them much more when your speak to them on their level, not trying to go over their heads. On another point, it’s better to break the rules of grammar in order to sound conversational than to sound "stilted" just so you can follow the proper rules. But do not break the rules of grammar without good reason, you should always know why your doing it and why. This lyric breaks the rules several times to get its persuasive point across, making the writing style and the point cohesively flow together.

Being concise and using powerful sentences is another strong principle to help you become a better writer. A shorter sentence that is strong and to the point is prefered much more than a long "overelaborated" one. Being compact is powerful! If you avoid using "fluff" in your writing, readers/listeners will appreciate it more for what it is worth. This lyric is a great example of that especially in the choros where it states "protest...! against...! injustice...! state terror...!" Simple single words can be so powerful in your writing. You do not always have to impress to be a "good" writer.

Finally starting and ending strong is also important in your writing. It is the firsting thing that the reader/listener sees/hears, and the last thing that they are left with. But keep in mind it must all cohesively flow together as a whole. You must create some sort of hook in the beginning to draw your audience in and keeps them interested. One way that you can do this is through asking yourself "so what, who cares?" Why should I dedicate my time to reading or listening to what you have to say? Your topic must be stated and you must give them a reason to why its important and why you should care. An example of this through Antiflag's lyrics is that this song is about injustice and state terror. The writer states the topic in the most import repeated part of the song (the chorus) and tries to use strong words in the other refrains to peruade us to do something about it. This refrain is an example of that:
"protest...! against...! injustice...! state terror...!
on the streets of the world
for the disempowered
you've sung at our shows
cheered right over wrong
now it's time to hit the streets
back up those words you've sung
because our voices alone this time will not get it done"

~Erika Scharwath

"Replace" dull language with Figurative Language

Replace Me -Family Force 5

My batteries died sometime ago
Gotta heart shaped box where they must go
Corrosions building everyday
My flesh is leading me astray, that's why I started to decay,
and I will slowly rot away, but I can't feel that anyway

This heart it wants to beat
These lungs they want to breathe
These eyes they want to see
Gotta mouth that wants to sing

Desperation, needing you
Every last breath I scream for you
Shatter me into a million pieces, make me new

Crush me, tear me, break me, mold me,
make me what you want me to be
I am yours for you to use
Oh, take and replace me with you

Needing more than just a jump start to get me through
My disconnection is now the issue

I miss my first love bad and it's driving me mad
Just like a mixed up crazy person out of his head
It's been a long long time, I've been on the decline
I do an a-bout face so I can be replaced. 180.

This heart it wants to beat
These lungs they want to breathe
These eyes they want to see
Gotta mouth that wants to sing

Desperation, needing you
Every last breath I scream for you
Shatter me in a million pieces, make me new

Crush me, tear me, break me, mold me
Make me what you want me to be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmvj96NyVN0



So when I heard this song I thought it would be effective in displaying the usage of figurative language. Many of us know about similes, metaphors, and analogies, but this song by Family Force 5 (or FF5) makes use of an extended metaphor, which is like a regular metaphor except it spans the entire piece or most of the piece.



In this song, the main message that is being conveyed is one of feeling dead or drained and needing to be refreshed or have a new set of "batteries". We see the comparion between batteries and our heart, as the first lines state that the batteries have died and there is a "heart shaped box where they must go". This implies that like many electronic items, that we run on "batteries" or on our heart. Without it our body has trouble functioning, there is "corrosion" building up and keeping us from living. We can see at the end of the chorus another implication with the batteries -"take and replace me" like you would a pair of drained batteries. Now that they are dead, we replace them with a brand new pair that's filled with life and energy. This regenerizes the heart and body. The Pre Chorus states how the heart, lungs, eyes and mouth want to continue working again, wanting to beat, breathe, see and sing. Without a working "battery" they are dead and unfunctioning, needig a replacement. When we get to the second verse, we get the idea of car with a dead battery, as not even a "jump start" can regenerate their heart.



Along with this idea of battery, we get the description of this regeneration by starting anew. The chorus explains this idea of shattering into "a million pieces" and starting a new creation, a remolding into something better. This is also seen in the line "so I can be replaced. 180". The 180 is implying a complete turn around, such as is implied in the song the change from death to life.

While this is a short song, we can see the overall usage of the metaphor of batteries throughout the entire song, giving the impression of a battery in an electronic and even later the battery of a car. By using an extended metaphor, the reader (or listener) can understand the overall implied comparison that is going on over simply stating it in one or two lines. We are able to understand the message the writer is trying to convey.

-Adri

Finding Creativity in History

I Believe in Love - BarlowGirl

How long will my prayers seem unanswered?
Is there still faith in me to reach the end?
I'm feeling doubt, I'm losing faith,
But giving up would cost me everything.
So I'll stand in the pain and the silence
And I'll speak to the dark night

I believe in the sun, even when it's not shining,
I believe in love, even when I don't feel it
And I believe in God, even when He is silent
And I, I believe

Though I can't see my story's ending
That doesn't mean the dark night has no end
It's only here that I find faith
And learn to trust the one who writes my days
So I'll stand in the pain and the silence
And I'll speak to the dark night

I believe in the sun, even when it's not shining
I believe in love, even when I don't feel it
And I believe in God, even when He is silent
And I,

No dark can consume Light
No death greater than this life
We are not forgotten
Hope is found when we say
Even when He is silent

I believe in the sun, even when it's not shining
I believe in love, even when I don't feel it
And I believe in God, even when He is silent
And I, I believe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXyXNC15clQ
(This is a live video. I could not find one that wasn't, but it does have them explaining how they wrote the song as well)

I've heard this song many times at BarlowGirl concerts, and have heard the story on how the girls wrote this song, and thought it would be an interesting idea to show a song that took on a part of history for an idea, as well as a quote written by someone else. In short, the band was reading a book about the holocaust and came upon a story of people returning to a concentration camp and written on one of the walls of the men's camp was the lines of the chorus

"I believe in the sun even when it's not shining,
I believe in love, even when I don't feel it
And I believe in God, even when He is silent"

They then took those lines and created this song, that may not only be seen as a story of the thoughts the man may have had during his time in the camp, but can also be taken for our own lives. There are a few techniques and pieces of the song I wanted to share with you all.

There are many words and ideas that we see repeated throughout the song. These include faith, dark or darkness, and silence. Many of these create similar thoughts and ideas, but are used to form an emphasis on what the speaker is feeling, and create and image of their surroundings. We can tell from the tone that the speaker is in a dark place in their life and is struggling to find hope to continue on. This feeling of darkness connects with the chorus, in believing "in the sun" even through this darkness and struggles or pain. This darkness can also symbolize isolation, as nothing else can be seen or felt, just the solitude. And with the bridge, we see the realization that "no dark can consume light", that this darkness will not last forever.

Along with darkness we have the word silent or silence. This is not simply speaking of a silence from the world around them, but is hinting at the silence of God. Like many people during the Holocaust, the speaker is crying out to God and wondering where He is. We see the connection being played on from the quote from the concentration camp to the speakers life. They are seeking his voice, but instead find silence and feel they are "speaking to the dark night". When it comes to the word faith, this is creating the contrast to the situation around the speaker. Though faith can likely mean belief, it can also be associated with strength, or will. The speaker is losing "faith" or the will to keep on living on hoping for things to get better.

One of my favorite parts of the song is the second verse. Here the speaker is creating metaphor of life and stories. It states "though I can't see my story's ending" and that they will "learn to trust the one who writes my days. This is creating the idea that our lives our stories that have already been written, regardless if we know what is contained in the pages. The speaker cannot see where their life will take them, but is attempting to find faith and trust that their lives have been written out for their good.

The chorus also shows some juxtaposition, as we are led to compare these three thoughts. The speaker knows the sun is still there when they cannot see it, or there is love in the world when they cannot feel it, so therefore they can still believe in God when he's silent. I believe it's a wonderful song that can embody the situation of the man at the concentration camp, and can as well, depict our lives in the everyday form.

I hope that this song has shown you some new techniques or ideas in writing. While it is wrong to steal another person idea as your own, or plagerize what someone has written, that does not mean that we are not allowed to seek inspiration from other people's lives or ideas. We have to make sure to make it our own, such as the band did here. Repeating words also helps for emphasis on the theme you are trying to depict, and the tone is likely the most useful in helping your audience understand what you feel or believe. Other forms of figurative language, like metaphors or juxtaposition, can also help create a comparison or image for the audience as well. Have fun experimenting with these techniques and ideas.

Different Genres of Lyric (Understanding Rap)

In order to have a deeper understanding of the writing process of different styles of music, you must examine them very closely. One genre of music I am going to use as my example today is rap. This type of music is very different from the other songs that I have elaborated on previously (mainly rock) however, it is still a lyric, just in a different form. You use a slightly different technique when writing for dfiferent generas that I will try to explain as "hints and tips" of writing this type of music. When you read and write lyrics there are some things that you want to take into consideration to help you become a better writer yourself. What you will find below is my observations of this form of writing through Eminem's song Stan, and hopefully you can use it as an aid to formulate, breakdown, and understand your writing deeper, and the writing of others.

Stan lyrics located at link below:
http://www.metrolyrics.com/stan-lyrics-eminem.html

Listen to and watch the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZTM3Cv0vrw

Hints and Tips

Understanding Sampling

What is sampling? It refers to "the taking of a portion of an already established track and using it as the framework for a new song." Generally this is used to serve as the foundation for the rap vocal you are trying to create. There are actually two styles of sampling called "sample" and the "ghost song track."

1) Sample
The most popular form of sampling takes a part of a track, which is where it got its name "sample". It usually takes the form of a specific beat from a song. Some of the most common samples of this are taken from a drum or bass track, although you can use a "vocal sample" for your new song you will create since we are learning about writing styles.

Examples for references:
Listen to and break down on a sheet of paper any rap, dance or rave song. Listen for different styalistic choices the author makes and take note of them. Did you like/dislike them? Did they work for the song or hold it back? What type of tone is used in the song? Does it all flow cohesively as a whole? Is there anything else that caught your mind? You can use this sheet later as a reference to when you begin to write your own work.

For an example of vocal sampling, take a look at Eminem's song “Stan”. It uses a vocal sample from Dido's song “Thank-you”.

2) Ghost Song Track
This second kind of sampling is not as commonly used. In general it takes the entire melodic track of a pre-existing song, and it creates a completely new lyric for the song. This form of song writing should not be mistaken for "alternate lyrics" however, because you need to totally disregard the lyrical arrangement of the previous song and focus on the remaining melody. It may be an easier way for you to get started if you have trouble starting things on your own completely from scratch.

With most beginning writers, the number one fault is poor prose style. It is one of the first signs of an amateur writer. A prose style that "haults" your writing is one that makes readers squirm, sweat ,and struggle to follow your thoughts. But you avoid this problem! How you ask? How can you develop a flowing, easy-to-read, pleasant writing style? The answer is to study the great masters of lyric style and use my guides. What you will find there can inspire you to write in a similar vein.