With You, We've Learned

When we took on the idea of this blog, we wanted to pick something that would not only interest us, but our readers as well. We wanted to bring something to you all that you could learn from, and that would help you grow not only as a writer, but as a reader too, being given the tools to understand what words means and what they can be used for. Though like you, we came to learn as well. Trust us when we say, we don't have all the answers, and for these songs that we presented to you, we each dove into the text and began peeling away at the songs and began learning ourselves about song writing and it's techniques. Looking back, there were many things that we covered that we have probably all heard of time and time again; metaphors, repetition, voice, and audience. However, we were barely going on the surface of many of these and when we look at these techniques in song writing, these create different effects.

We are usually taught in school to be solely academic, to be professional and formal. Yet we've learned through this blog how there are those forms of writing in which we can be informal, where we don't have to be only academic or try to be complex with out words. To the greater appeal for many, this isn't only for songwriting as well, but even in academic writing, we can be "experimental". We learned many of the differences between song styles and genres, the way rappers actually change the spelling of words to create rhymes or how musicals may use music to tell a scene or story. We came to see that while it's always important to have an audience in mind when we write, songwriting may not begin with the audience, but with ourselves and the emotions we are feeling. With that, we picked up on how to express our emotions, how we may use figurative language to draw a point, or may find that our emotions can best be presented as they are, without added complexity. We looked at different forms of inspiration, from our own lives, to others and even history, to realize how we can expand our thoughts and ideas on what we write. We've all learned so much through this blog about songwriting, and even writing all together, and how we can apply it to our own. These techniques and ideas can help us grow into the writer's we can become and I hope, like us, that you have learned more about writing as we have.

-Adri

Concluding Thoughts- Revision

Revision & Improvement

Over the past three months, our blog has greatly improved in writing, content, and style. Although it may not be noticeable now, there was a significant difference in our first couple blogs when seen in comparison to the last ones. The reason it is hard to see now is due to our revisions and editing. As the three of us have learned from our writing, going back and fixing mistakes (editing) is extremely important. Not only did we improve on the certain topics dealing with issues of writing, we also improved the blog's image over time. We changed the background, font, and the overall look of the blog from a simple black background to more professional-looking one. In addition, we were able to make revisions to the look of the actual text by italicizing the lyrics portion of each of our blogs. Lastly, over this period of time we have overcome obstacles of writing about writing. This notion of writing about writing can be viewed as very difficult, especially when most people do not take music lyrics into consideration when thinking about writing. We were able to create a blog about song lyrics and how other song writers, and writers in general, can better analyze their skills and revise their work with our well-thought suggestions. Individually, we have all vastly improved in our knowledge of the "language of music" as well as the ability to edit, reflect, and revise in our writings. As a group, we have established a steady cohesion in writing and improved as a collaborative team.

Reflections-Visual Aspects

As a final revision of our use of visual aspects, you can see that they stay consistent throughout the blog as a whole. Each writer starts off with some sort of introduction to the song and the idea in which they are about to portray and elaborate on. Next they list the lyrics (italicized to make them stand out from the context in which they are embedded in so they are not to be confused with the explanations and teachings of each overall blog. Each writer then places a link after the lyrics so the reader can get a feel for what the song really entails (its rhythm, musical background, voice, tempo, etc.). For each reader this may place each song in a different aspect in your mind hearing it as a whole versus just reading it (gives it a different feel-emotional, sad, wild, fast, upbeat, etc.). Then, finally what the reader is looking for, a sense of conclusion is portrayed, giving explanations, elaborations, and answering any questions that you might have had previously. Most of them also offer assignments or ways to think about your own writing through examples that we might have used, opening up a world of opportunity in your own writing that you might not have considered or understood before. I hope that our blog helped you understand how diverse writing really is, and opened up your mind to endless opportunities in your own writing through our teachings and examples. Thanks for your time and I hope you enjoyed learning with us.

Mixing Different Forms and Genres

Many times, I believe we as writers think we need to solely stick to one medium, one genre or style. There is no room for experimenting in the world of rules. We must stick to the basics, the norm of what we are taught. However, there is so much we can learn and ways to grow when we experiment with different styles and genres. What happens when a writer decides to mix modes? Like many writers we've read this semester in our class, they did not simply follow the typical rules. They broke them, bent them, re-invented them. They were not afraid to experiment different modes and styles. We had some writers mixing poetry with their essays. One even mixed descriptions of bombs and artwork into their essay, and added power to it. In music, this experiment can be easily defined as well. There are certain genres.

Rock.
Country.
Pop.
Rap.
R&B

Even within these are more divisions. Take rock music for instance. Here are just some of the divisions.

Pop Rock.
Country Rock.
Alternative Rock.
Heavy Metal Rock.
Screamo.
Punk Rock.
Classic Rock.

With so many divisions, it almost leaves hardly any room for experimenting, and yet, we still see genres mixing together to create something new. For this blog, we'll look at Linkin Park's In The End.

In The End-Linkin Park

(It starts with)
One thing, I don't know why,
It doesn't even matter how hard I try
Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme
To explain in due time, All I know
Time is a valuable thing
Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings
Watch it count down to the end of the day
The clock ticks life away
It's so unreal
Didn't look out below
Watch the time go right out the window
Trying to hold on but didn't even know
Wasted it all just to watch you go
I kept everything inside and even I tried, it all fell apart
What it meant to me will eventually be a memory of a time when

Chorus
I tried so hard
And got so far
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
I had to fall
To lose it all
But in the end
It doesn't even matter

One thing I don't know why
It doesn't even matter how hard you try
Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme
To remind myself how I tried so hard
In spite of the way you were mocking me
Acting like I was part of your property
Remembering all the time you fought with me
I'm surprised it got so far
Things aren't the way they were before
You wouldn't even recognize me anymore
Not that you knew me back then
But it all comes back to me
In the end
You kept everything inside and even though I tried, it all fell apart
What it meant to me will eventually be a memory of a time when

Chorus

I've put my trust in you
Pushed as far as I can go
For all this
There's only one thing you should know

Chorus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yw1Tgj9-VU

When we listen to the song, we can pick up on the different styles being used here. Since music is broken into genres we find that Linkin Park has experimented with two genres, rock and rap, and has found a way to bring these two different styles together into a new style. These days it may not be seen as such a big deal, but this mixing is the same as a writer mixing an academic essay with a narritive piece or poetry. There are two different mediums that are being brought together to make something new, make something different. This song even makes use of other techniques, such as the repetition in the two verses, making clear to the audience their opinion that efforts don't change anything, but my main focus here was to look at the different styles being brought together.

As many of the students in my class work our "experimental" essays, we are learning how to break past the typical norm and lessons that have been taught to us for years. We are learning it's ok to break certain rules and do something unheard of. It's ok to experiment. I would challenge you all, after the many lessons that we've brought to you, to not shy away from this one, but instead embrace the idea of letting your creativity create something no one else has. Don't be afraid to mix styles, genres, techniques, ideas. Some might work, and some might not, but that's why it's called experimenting.

- Adri

Expressing Emotions

The most important thing to know how to do when writing a song is being able to express your emotions as well as expressing yourself through them. Sometimes you find yourself automatically able to write/express your emotions without digging any deeper. Unfortunately, there are some occasions and emotions (such as love) that we find almost impossible to express, especially when writing them down or trying to develop them into a good song. Sometimes you might just have to say exactly what it is without the struggle of metaphors or figurative language. The following song by Nickelback demonstrates the use of just saying what is needed.

"Far Away" by Nickelback

Lyrics:

This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

[CHORUS]
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore

On my knees, I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance
'Cause with you, I'd withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

[CHORUS]

So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know

I wanted
I wanted you to stay
'Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
So keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go

To hear and see the video of this song, visit the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4y-RzVGrHg&feature=fvst

This Nickelback song is a great example of not using fancy figurative or metaphorical language to have a great song full of emotion. In the chorus he says "I love you" and "I miss you." I feel as though sometimes these sets of three powerful words are ignored and overlooked because of the misuse of them throughout the world. Clearly the writer of this song wants to show us that he wants to be with this girl/guy forever and doesn't necessarily need pretty language to tell us readers/listeners.

To help spur thoughts on your own emotions or enabling you to get them down, I'm going to give some helpful hints. Here are the suggestions:

Suggestions for helping express your emotions:

1. First and Foremost: Ask yourself how you've been feeling or how you've felt recently.

2. When you experience an emotion or think of an emotion that you are able to express the way you want, do not hesitate – write it down immediately!

3. Reflect on past experiences you may have had, and write them down. See what you have written down in order to help express yourself.

4. If you are unemotional or just aren't able to write down any of your own personal emotions, think about family and friends who have expressed theirs to you. You can even develop some great emotions from watching celebrities on the television.

Getting your emotions down on paper is the best way to start writing a song – no matter what the emotion may be!

(Not saying you shouldn't try your hardest to be creative and original but) If you find that you have written down your thoughts and experiences and still can't think of a great original way to express your emotions, try just telling it like it is. The great example of the Nickelback song should definitely help you manage that. Expressing your emotions can be tough because they are so personal. Sometimes writing down how you feel in the simplest form of words can make a song beautiful and famous.

-Amanda Bonbrisco

Playful Humor

Sometimes, I think writers think that they must be serious in order to get their points across. There is no room for light hearted playful humor. We must be proper in order for being to respect and listened to. However, we find that many writers use some form of humor in their writing to stir their readers, from dry humor to playful and even sarcastic. There are so many different forms of humor out there that can help mold and shape our writing, without losing it's message. For this idea, I thought we would look at Superchick's song "Princes and Frogs", that takes on the task of getting their point across by redoing bits of a common fairytale story into this playful, and humorous song.



Princes and Frogs by Superchick

All princes start as frogs, and gentlemen as dogs
Just wait till it's plain to see
What we're growing up to be
Cause some frogs will still be frogs
And some dogs will still be dogs
Some boys could become men
Just don't kiss us till then

You hate men is what you say and I understand
How you feel that way
All girls dream of a fairy tale
But what you've got's like a used car salesman
Trying to conceal what's wrong behind a smile and the song
And I'm not saying that boys are not like that
But I think you should know (you should)
That some of us will grow
Because

All princes start as frogs
And all gentlemen as dogs
Just wait till it's plain to see
What we're growing up to be
Cause some frogs will still be frogs
And some dogs willl still be dogs
Some boys could become men
Just don't kiss us till then

You found him is what you say
And we all want you to feel that way
But the frog you've got seems cute enough to kiss
And Maybe frogs seem like that's all there is
But just because you haven't found your prince yet
Doesn't mean you're still not a princess
And what if your prince comes riding in
While you're kissing a frog
What's he gonna think then?
So look into his eyes
Are you a princess or a fly?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfYNi9WRJb8



We see in this song that Superchick, a band typically lead by female singer Tricia Brock, is taking the fairytale story that many of us have heard before, and weaves it into a song. A princess kisses a frog that turns into this handsome prince charming. However, they take this new approach into this fairytale story, and try to get the point across to girls, or princesses, that not all "frogs" are going to turn into a prince charming. It's interesting that the boys in the band are the ones singing this song, as we realize that it's not simply bashing males, but that even they agree that men may not always start out perfect, saying that "I'm not saying that boys are not like that" when describing how boys can act. They will just be boys, but they have the opportunity to grow into men suitable for "princesses". However, the band does this playfully, always returning to a lighthearteness that we get from fairytales.

We see throughout the verses as well, that the band touches on the fairytale story again, stating how every girl dreams of that perfect fairy tale, but that it's not realistic of all guys. Probably the funnier portion comes in at verse two, when the story shifts into the girl having found what she thinks is a suitable frog to kiss. As the verse states, girls should be able to find the one and be happy and treated like a princess, but we need to be careful of those "frogs" that we go after. The question they present is humourous as well. What would your prince charming say if he came and saw you kissing just another lousy frog? It would most likely ruin your chances with the prince, which is how the song is attempting us to really think before we jump into a situation like that. Are we a "princess or a fly?" Are the guys we are with treating us like we are something to be treasured or as just another possesion or meal? This leads the listener, typically a girl, into really thinking about her value, in a playful manner over being serious and preachy.

Of course this isn't the only way to get our points across in a humourous way, this is simply only one option that really depends on your audience and what you are trying to say. Being playful can help to ease the tension of a more serious issue, and as we see in this song, can still be effective in leading it's audience to the writer's point of view. So don't be afraid to experiment with different forms of humor. Try being sarcastic. Try being playful. There are so many different options, and you'll find that each has will create a different effect and tone to your piece. Experiment and find what works best for you for your piece. You'll find, being funny is just as effective as being serious.

-Adri

Experimental Writing

Experimental

As we all know, most rap is liked because of its significant differences from other styles and genres of music. The more original the rap, the more popular it is. This originality makes the lyrics of their music "experimental." Although most are written in the same form, the sound effects and rhymes are always different. A perfect example of this that I found was Missy Elliot's "Work It." The following are the lyrics:

"Work It" by Missy Elliot

Lyrics:

[Scratching]DJ please
Pick up your phone
I'm on the request line[Scratching]
This is a Missy Elliott one time exclusive

[Chorus]
Is it worth it, let me work it
I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it
It's (I put thing down, flip and reverse it)*Backwards 2x*
If you got a big [elephant], let me search it
To find out how hard I gotta work ya
It's (I put thing down, flip and reverse it)*Backwards 2x*

[Verse 1]
I'd like to get to know ya, so I can show ya
Put the pussy on ya, like I told ya
Gimme all your numbers so I can phone ya
Your girl acting stank than call me ova
Not on the bed, lay me on your sofa
Call before you come, I need to shave my chocha
You do or you don't or you will or you won't cha
Go downtown and eat it like a vulcha
See my hips and my tips don't cha
See my ass and my lips don't cha
Lost a few pounds in my whiffs for ya
This the kinda beat that go bha ta ta
Ra ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta
Sex me so good I say blah blah blah
Work it, I need a glass of wata
Boy oh boy its good to know ya

[repeat chorus]

[verse 2]
If you're a fly gal, then get your nails done
Get a pedicure, get your hair did
Boy lift it up, lets make a toasta
Lets get drunk, its gon bring us closa
Don't I look like a HalleBerry posta?
See dem Belvedere playin tricks on ya
Girlfriend wanna be like me neva
You won't find a bitch that's even betta
I make it hot as Las Vegas weatha
Listen up close while I take you backwards
(Watch the way Missy like to take it backwards)*Backwards*
I'm not a prostitute but I can give you whatchu want
I love your braids and your mouth full of fonts
Love the way my ass bump bump bump bump bump bump
Keep your eyes on my bump bump bump bump bump
And think you can handle this ga-dunk ga-dunk dunk
Take my thong off and my ass go boom
Cut the lights off so you see what I can do

[repeat chorus]

[verse 3]
Boys, boys, all type of boys
Black, white, Puerto Rican, Chinese boys
thanga thang, thanga thang
Girls, girls, get that cash
If its not a foul shakin that ass
Ain't no shame ladies, do your thang
Just make sure you ahead of tha game

Just cuz I got a lot of fame supa
Prince couldn't get me change my name howpa
Kunta Kinte, enslave a game, no se
Picture black sayin oh yesa massa
Picture Lil' Kim dating a pastor
Minute man big red can outlast ya
Who is the best, I don't have to ask ya
When I come out, you won't even matta
Why you act dumb like ughhh, duh
So you act dumb like ughhh, duh
And the drummer boy go pa rum pum pum pum
Give ya some some, some of this in a bun

[repeat chorus]

To my fellas, ooooh
Good God, I like the way you work that
[scratching]
To my ladies, woo
You sure know how to work that, good God

Now that you have read the lyrics and despite its explicit language, you can see how in the chorus when it says "backwards 2x" next to the words in parentheses, she actually says those words backgrounds. Due to the fact that she claims she is going to "put her thing down, flip it, and reverse it," she proves it to us by actually reversing the words she just said. Another experimental thing she does is make all words that end in ER end in an A. For example, toasta = toaster, neva= never, weatha= weather, etc.

While many rappers do this, her excessive use of it makes it more original. Not only does she use that as a technique, we also see repetition of words such as "bump bump bump bump." This makes the song fun to sing along with as well as continuing to rhyme. There is also the example of "sex me so good I go blah blah blah."

The sound effects in this song really make it as well. When she says "If you got a big [elephant] let me search it." The noise of the elephant gives the effect of "Oh No, bad word should be inserted here." I think this a great and fun way of changing words and being experimental.

The most experimental thing we are able to see here is her creation of non-existing words to substitute for words that may be inappropriate (although the song itself is inappropriate). For example, "Call before you come, I need to shave my chocha." Without having to say the real word, I will simply say she has made up "chocha" to infer a different word. Another example of this is with the line "And think you can handle this ga-dunk ga-dunk dunk" which she uses the "ga-dunk" as a way of saying her butt, behind, booty, whichever normal word you prefer.

Suggestions:

1. When writing experimentally, try and think "outside of the box." Refrain from someone else's ideas or common themes.

2. Even though you may be disregarding all rules, make it evident to the reader/listener what you are doing so they do not come to assumption that you aren't very smart.

3. Have fun and make up words if you must. The more exciting, the more experimental it is.

To hear the words as well as see the interesting video to this song, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjIvu7e6Wq8

-Amanda Bonbrisco

Making a Statement Using Form

As writers, we don't simply create our works without a deeper purpose. Just as anyone else, we have something to say. The only difference is we use our craft to speak our thoughts, not only to ourselves but to our readers or listeners. While there are some songs out in the world that may have less depth and or seriousness to them, there are those out there that, like many of the readings we see in class, that are pulling the audience to a place where they begin to think about what is being said and even on their own lives. The author has their opinion on the subject, but they are trying to get their audience to see their line of thinking and come to terms with what the author says. The song I decided to share with you all is trying to present an opinion, a thought of the writer, and yet does it in a simplistic straightforward manner, while holding onto a slight poetic form or feel. While it is a much older song, we are going to look at Pink Floyd's "Time" off of their Dark Side of the Moon album, which may lead you to deeper thinking on your own life.

"Time" Pink Floyd
Ticking away the moments
That make up a dull day
Fritter and waste the hours
In an off-hand way

Kicking around on a piece of ground
In your home town
Waiting for someone or something
To show you the way

Tired of lying in the sunshine
Staying home to watch the rain
You are young and life is long
And there is time to kill today

And then one day you find
Ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run
You missed the starting gun

And you run and you run
To catch up with the sun
But it's sinking
Racing around
To come up behind again

The sun is the same
In a relative way
But you're older
Shorter of Breath
And one day closer to death

Every year is getting shorter
Never seem to find the time
Plans that either come to naught
Or half a page of scribbled lines

Hanging on in quiet desperation
Is the English way

The time is gone
The song is over
Thought I'd something more to say

Home
Home again
I like to be here
When I can

When I come home
Cold and tired
It's good to warm my bones
Beside the fire

Far away
Across the field
Tolling on the iron bell
Calls the faithful to their knees
To hear the softly spoken magic spell

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


First off, when we listen to the beginning of the song, we hear a massive collection of clocks ticking and alarms going off, which plays along to the title of "Time". We are immediately given the sensation of the first couple of lines, "ticking away the moments that make up a dull day". Though with this large amount of ticking clocks, it gives the impression, of not only the time of one day or moment, but the time spent over an entire lifetime. Pink Floyd was trying to explain our mentality of wasting days away and almost having this belief when we are young that we are immortal and will live forever.

In our younger years we think we are in destructable and time is taking so long to pass. We put things off because we believe we are promised yesterday, as it states "You are young and life is long, and there is time to kill today". We have a habit of wasting hours away waiting for something to happen in our lives, instead of living. It isn't until we start to age and we see that "every year is getting shorter" and we're getting older, that we begin to realize how quickly time has wasted and passed us, when we believed it would last forever. As the song states, we start trying to catch up with time, but there is a realization that we cannot slow down time or catch up with it. Everyday is another day lost and we're "one day closer to death", until finally it's our last day. The song is trying to get the listener to realize how precious time really is. How quickly it can pass us by, and the years can easily pass without us realizing it, so that we can make a change to live our lives before it's too late.

Pink Floyd uses interesting techniques throughout this song, one of the main ones of course being the ticking clocks at the beginning of the song, however, there are also interesting visuals being used in the song. One visual we pick up on is that of a race.
"No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun, and you run and you run, to catch up to the sun, but it's sinking. Racing around, to come up behind you again."
Here, the sun is being personified, as we are in a race to fight the sun, a symbol of time. We are given the scene of a runner, starting a race who was too distracted to hear the gun start, while time has already been running. There is an attempt to catch up with the sun, but we find that as fast as we run, we can't beat time, let alone catch up with it, as it'll continually pass us on this race for life. We later get that reminder of a race with the comment "shorter of breath".

Even towards the end of the song, we see how even the author, while writing this piece, or feeling the effects of time catching up with them as he states, "the time is gone, the song is over, thought I'd something more to say". We feel that the author still has so much more to say on the subject, but because of time, because their song is over, they've lost that ability to time and cannot get it back.

As we can see in Pink Floyd's song, our writing does not have to be surfacing or even happy. There can be a seriousness to it, and we can use our craft to spread awareness to our audience. In the case of Pink Floyd, they used imagery and sound to create a line of thinking for their audience, techniques that we may be wanting to experiment with. However we decide to achieve it, there is power in our words and through what we write, we can make a strong statement that may even move other people to react.

-Adri