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

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