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.

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

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

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 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

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

Really a Love Song?

"Love Song" by Sara Bareilles

Lyrics:

Head under water

And they tell me to breathe easy for a while

The breathing gets harder, even I know that

You made room for me, but it's too soon to see

If I'm happy in your hands

I'm unusually hard to hold on to

Blank stares at blank pages

No easy way to say this

You mean well, but you make this hard on me

I'm not gonna write you a love song

'Cause you asked for it

'Cause you need one, you see

I'm not gonna write you a love song

'Cause you tell me it's make or breaking this

If you're on your way

I'm not gonna write you to stay

If all you have is leaving

I'mma need a better reason to write you a love song today

Today

I learned the hard way

That they all say things you want to hear

My heavy heart sinks deep down under you

And your twisted words, your help just hurts

You are not what I thought you were

Hello to high and dry

Convinced me to please you

Made me think that I need this too

I'm trying to let you hear me as I am

I'm not gonna write you a love song

'Cause you asked for it

'Cause you need one, you see

I'm not gonna write you a love song

'Cause you tell me it's make or breaking this

If you're on your way,

I'm not gonna write you to stay

If all you have is leaving

I'mma need a better reason to write you a love song today

Promise me you'll leave the light on

To help me see with daylight, my guide, gone

'Cause I believe there's a way you can love me because I say

I won't write you a love song

'Cause you asked for it

'Cause you need one, you see

I'm not gonna write you a love song

'Cause you tell me it's make or breaking this

Is that why you wanted a love song

'Cause you asked for it?

'Cause you need one, you see

I'm not gonna write you a love song

'Cause you tell me it's make or breaking this

If you're on your way

I'm not gonna write you to stay

If your heart is nowhere in it

I don't want it for a minute

Babe, I'll walk the seven seas when I believe that there's a reason to

Write you a love song today

Today

Lyrical analysis:

"Love Song" was written by the singer Sara Bareilles. I picked this song because whenever I have heard it, I felt nothing but confusion. She writes in such a contradicting terms. Throughout the song, the writer has no poetic rhyme scheme.

The writer breaks up the verses in very short amounts. However, the chorus is much longer, but repetitive to give emphasis on the point she is trying to get across to us. There is also use of slang such as "gonna" and "I'mma." I don't really see any major significance of why she writes with these, but then I remembered it is a song, and that's probably why. To help shorten and speed up her long sentences in the chorus, she also uses many contractions.

The lyrics of the song "Love Song" show irony throughout. The most visible form of irony is that she writes, "I'm not going to write you a love song," when clearly the song is entitled "Love Song." Another form of irony is in the first verse "Head under water, And they tell me to breathe easy for awhile."

In the second verse, she writes "You made room for me, but it's too soon to see, If I'm happy in your hands." I believe this is an example of a metonymy because the "in your hands" is a figure of speech for being dependent on that person. Also figuratively speaking, she writes that she is "unusually hard to hold onto."

She writes everything with so much imagery, that we can really understand the message she is trying to convey. For example, in the verse where she writes " My heavy heart sinks deep down under you, And your twisted words, your help just hurts, You are not what I thought you were" We can't help but see and understand the images of her "heavy heart sinking" and the personification of his "twisted words."

Then we see that the writer delves into the repetitive chorus of "I'm not gonna write you a love song." Here is the line that makes everyone want to scream because it is a love song! She is making such a dramatic ordeal about how she is NOT going to write him a love song unless he follows all these certain conditions. "Babe, I'll walk the seven seas when I believe that there's a reason to Write you a love song today." Well I guess we are to assume that she walked the seven seas because she wrote a love song.

So after this analysis, are you lead to believe it is actually a love song?

When writing, I believe sometimes adding irony and confusion will attract readers to want to know what the real message is that the writer is trying to convey.

To view this song, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi7Yh16dA0w

-Amanda Bonbrisco

Tone & Attitude

The following song called "Savior," performed by the band Rise Against, was written by vocalist, Tim Mcllarth. I chose this song after I heard my boyfriend listening to it. The music and beat really got my attention and I decided to research the lyrics and I found them to be quite interesting. I think the writer of this song put a lot of emotion into the lyrics, and I would like to analyze them as a reader.

"Savior" by Rise Against

Lyrics:

It kills me not to know this but I've all but just forgotten
What the color of her eyes were and her scars or how she got them
As the telling signs of age rain down a single tear is dropping
Through the valleys of an aging face that this world has forgotten
There is no reconciliation that will put me in my place
And there is no time like the present to drink these draining seconds
But seldom do these words ring true when I'm constantly failing you
Like walls that we just can't break through until we disappear

So tell me now
If this ain't love then how do we get out?
Because I don't know
That's when she said I don't hate you boy
I just want to save you while there's still something left to save
That's when I told her I love you girl
But I'm not the answer to the questions that you still have

But the day pressed on like crushing weights
For no man does it ever wait
Like memories of dying days
That deafen us like hurricanes
Bathed in flames we held the brand
Uncurled the fingers in your hand
Pressed into the flesh like sand
Now do you understand?

So tell me now
If this ain't love then how do we get out?
Because I don't know
That's when she said I don't hate you boy
I just want to save you while there's still something left to save
That's when I told her I love you girl
But I'm not the answer to the questions that you still have

1000 miles away
There's nothing left to say
But so much left that I don't know
We never had a choice
This world is too much noise
It takes me under
It takes me under once again
I don't hate you
I don't hate you

So tell me now
If this ain't love then how do we get out?
Because I don't know
That's when she said I don't hate you boy
I just want to save you while there's still something left to save
That's when I told her I love you girl
But I'm not the answer to the questions that you still have

I don't hate you
I don't hate you, no

Lyrical Analysis:

Writers of lyrics are similar to any other writers with the small difference that they prefer their words to be heard by singing, rather than shown by reading.

Let's take a glance at the beginning verse. He starts off by talking about his forgetfulness of everything about the girl. He starts to realize his ignorance of her ageing. The older she gets and the more time is spent causing her to cry in the following verses: "As the telling signs of age rain down a single tear is dropping
Through the valleys of an aging face that this world has forgotten." As the verse continues, he describes that the reason for her tears are due to his "constant failing." He reveals a drinking problem to help time go by faster because there are issues between them that he cannot conquer.

This first verse we see repetition of the word, "forgotten" to show that he is obviously quite forgetful of things that matter.

He continues throughout the lyrics to explain to us the anguish he goes through just being around her. He describes things that are very painful in the second verse such as "Bathed in flames we held the brand." Even though, he may be in pain of the relationship, the girl he is with believes she is able to rid him of his pain. She wants to be his "Savior." Particularly in the chorus, we are brought to the writer's main thoughts in the rhetorical question of "if this ain't love, how do we get out?" This girl is obviously in love and stays with him because she wants to "save" him, even when he doesn't believe there is any hope for him to be saved.

There are metaphors present when he says "But i'm not the answer to the questions that you still have," "But the day pressed on like crushing weights," and "This world is too much noise."

A simile we see is "Pressed into the flesh like sand." Also some personification in the lines "They deafen us like hurricanes"

After many of these details and stylistic devices, we see one last rhetorical question other than the one in the chrous, that asks, "Now do you understand?" What we as "listeners" are asking ourselves is "Was he asking me or the girl in the song?"

Through all his pain and agony of being stuck with this girl, who wants to be his "Savior," he comes to a contradicting conclusion. The last two verses he realizes how he is unable to grasp reality and the world, and that he really does need help. Mostly in this last verse we see that even if he does not love her in the same way that she loves him, he doesn't hate her because he realizes she is right in saying he needs to be saved.

"This world is too much noise
It takes me under
It takes me under once again
I don't hate you
I don't hate you"

Here we see repetition of the lines "I don't hate you," which is also repeated at the very end of the song; therefore, we know it is significant either because he really wants the girl to know or because he is trying to convince himself that he doesn't hate her.

The writer's tone and attitude change throughout the song. It begins with feelings of dread in his relationship and a realization of his drinking problem, but ends with feelings of remorse and sorrow.

The word "Savior" is not only the title, but holds the most power and is a dominant in throughout the song.

Sometimes writers of songs try to make their lyrics almost like a story. There is repetition so that the listener of the song understands; however, there is a story line within every song that a reader can understand the writer's language of music.

The actual music video of this song may be viewed at the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8X3ACToii0

-Amanda Bonbrisco