1. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin
I think that backmasking was used in this song. It was a song that I could partially here backmasking in before I read the reverse lyrics. The phrase is very specific and fairly long for backmasking. It seems that there has to be some backmasking in this song.
2.…Baby One More Time Brittney Spears
I can not tell if this song is backmasking or not. It seems very clear to me when I play the lyrics in reverse that the song says “sleep with me I’m not too young”. On the other hand, it does not seem practical for Spears to backmask that into one of her songs. I would lean more towards it is backmasking, although I do not understand the purpose of it in this case.
3. My Name Is… Eminem
I do not think backmasking is in this song. Listening to it in reverse, it does not seem clear enough. The lyrics are said to say “It is Slim. It’s Eminem” but to me the words are too slurred together. I don’t even hear “Slim”, or at least not the “S”.
4. Another One Bites the Dust
I do think there is backmasking in this song. Without looking at the reverse lyrics, I could hear what they said; “it’s fun to smoke marijuana”. The words are very clear, and pronounced. It seems like a case of backmasking to me.
5. Paparazzi Lady Gaga
I do not think there is backmasking in this song. When listening to the reverse song without knowing the lyrics I heard nothing but a song played in reverse. When I looked at the lyrics and listened to the song, I heard some of the supposed backmasking, but not all of it. I think it was just over-analyzed, and there is no backmasking.
6. Work It Missy Elliot
I do think there is backmasking in this song. She is pretty much telling you to reverse the song in the lyrics. Then. When you reverse the song it says the same thing backwards. It seems very intentional.
7. This Life I Lead Tupac Shakur
I don’t think there is back masking in this song. I can here the “yes I’m alive and I’m missing you”, but I think it’s just a coincidence. I don’t see the point of him putting it in the song, at that point. Obviously he is dead now, and maybe he knew he was going to die, but I think that’s unlikely.
8. Imagine John Lennon
I do not think this song contains backmasking. When listening to the reverse lyrics, without knowing what they say, I hear nothing. When I looked at the lyrics I still really did hear anything. It is suppose to say “The people war beside me”. That doesn’t even make much sense, so why would you bother backmasking it.
9. Beat It Michael Jackson
This is not backmasking. I didn’t hear the “backmasking” listening to it without looking at the lyrics, and the same looking at the lyrics. It just sounded like a song played in reverse. The words were slurred together, and I don’t think there was anything to find.
10. Kiss, Kiss, Kiss Yoko Ono
I don’t think this is backmasking. I feel like people got way too into John Lennon being supposedly “dead” from all these “clues”. I could hear the “I shot John Lennon” after I looked at what it was suppose to say and played it about ten times. But I think at that point my brain was probably helping with that. I defiantly do not think this is backmasking.
In general, I think backmasking does exist. There are some songs where is seems very clear that there is something said in reverse. On the other hand, I think people, at points, get too enthralled in finding backmasking. This results in accusations of backmasking that really are not there. Backmasking does exist, just not as much as people presume.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Song Analysis 2 "Sparks Fly"
There are many artists that sing about relationships, but not many that have continuous success. Taylor Swift has had three platinum selling records, with her recent “Speak Now”, breaking one million copies with-in the week. Swift sings about her life, breaking up, and making up in a way that relates to any teenage life. On her most recent album songs like “Sparks fly”, “Mine”, and “Last Kiss”, are just a few of the gems. Taylor Swift’s song “Speak Now” uses objectification and similes to epitomize the overall theme of love and happiness.
“Sparks Fly” provides and abundance of objectification throughout the song. At the beginning of the song Swift sings “You’re the kind of reckless that should send me running”. The boy would send her running, not the state of recklessness. Still, the line starts the song well, and begins the narrative of how the boy isn’t great for her, but she loves him. Another line, “My mind forgets to remind me/ that you’re a bad idea” shows how the boy, again, is not the best for her. Her mind can’t remind her on it’s own, there are a lot of parts to it, but the line exemplifies the fact that she should know he is no good. “Sparks Fly” also uses many similes to narrate the song. Swift wants to show how enthralled she is with this guy, and opens the song saying “The way you move is like a full on rainstorm/ and I’m a house of cards”. This simile shows how her attraction towards the guy is so powerful that it blows her away. On a similar note, to bring the song to a close, Swift sings “I’m captivated by you, baby/ like a fireworks show”. The guy really interests her and she is comparing it to watching fireworks in order to show this.
These devices bring out the themes of love and happiness with-in the song. This song is a perfect example of a narrative, so these devices really make it stand out. The lyrics show how Swift loves the guy she is talking about, although it might not be the best idea, she can not help herself. When swift says “I’m captivated by you, baby/ like a fireworks show” it is not only a simile but it shows happiness. When one thinks of fireworks, they think of times like the Fourth of July, which is really fun and happy. The various poetic devices in the song really help demonstrate the overall theme.
“Sparks Fly” by Taylor Swift uses various poetic devices to make the song original. Devices like objectification and simile are used abundantly throughout. All of these devices bring out the theme of love an happiness that Swift tries to put in many of her songs. “Sparks Fly” is a very relatable song to many teenagers today.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Myth and Legend
Myth #1
Robert Johnson was a blues singer in the 1930’s. The legend says that Johnson went to the Crossroads in Mississippi to sell his soul to the devil. His wife had died from child birth, so it was said he was mad at God already, and in grieving. He also craved more fame and fortune, he wanted to have amazing musical talents. So, the legend says one day at midnight he went down to the Crossroads and called upon Satan. He sold his soul, for better guitar ability. It is said after that he played so well, it was almost unreal. Then at 27 Johnson suffered from convulsions and died unexpectedly. Many people say it was the Devil coming back to take his due. To this day it is unknown why Johnson died, he even has two different grave sites.
Myth #2
The myth of Ozzy Osborne biting off a dove and a bats head, is actually somewhat true. During Ozzy’s concerts his fans would bring all different types of animals to throw on to the stage. At one particular concert a fan threw a live bat onto the stage. Ozzy picked it up, thinking it was rubber, and bit its head off. After, he had to be rushed to the hospital and received two weeks worth of rabies shots. As for the dove, he was suppose to release three doves from a cage at a CBS record meeting. Two of the were releases, but Ozzy took the third one and bit its head off.
Myth #3
In 1969 a rumor began that Paul McCartney, of the Beatles, had died. It circulated that after a big fight with the other Beatles at the Abbey Road recording studio in London, McCartney sped off in his car and got into an accident which led to his demise. The Beatles were at their peak of fame so they hired an impersonator to be McCartney. This conspiracy came from the Beatles “Abbey Road” cover. On the cover they were working across the Abbey Road crosswalk in what seemed to be a funeral procession. John Lennon was dressed in white and represented a church, Ringo in black represented the undertaker, and Geroge in work clothes represented the grave digger. In the middle of Ringo and George was Paul, out of step with the other, his eyes closed and he was barefoot. Also, the license plate on the car behind them read “LMW 28IF”, McCartney would have been 28 if he did not “die”. Then on the cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band, it seemed to be mourners at a funeral. Also, yellow hyacinths formed the shape of a left-handed base guitar, McCartney’s instrument. There were multiple songs such as “she’s Leaving Home” and “A Day in the Life” which referenced car accidents. None of this was true. Paul McCartney himself had to reassure everyone that he was, in fact, still living. He also explained the so-called “clues”, which did not actually have to do with him dying.
Myth #4
At the Newport Folk Festival in 1964, Bob Dylan strayed away from his usual folk genre, and played “electrified rock-and-roll”. The audience, in shock, booed and shouted at him the entire time. They felt betrayed that Dylan would change his sound. Some say that Dylan wasn’t to blame, it was the sound system, other’s say the band was unrehearsed and deserved the reaction they received. Dylan walked of the stage seemingly stunned, and did not understand why he couldn’t play rock-and-roll, but other bands there, like Muddy Waters, could.
Myth #5
A major legend that still circulates today, is that Elvis Presley is still alive. Many fans say he simply faked his death in 1977 and still roams around today. Then again, there are contradicting conspiracies that he was never alive in the first place. Despite this there are still fans today making websites and blogs of “Elvis sightings” and other possible myths. This myth can’t particularly be accepted or denied, but everyone eventually has to die.
Myth #6
Marilyn Monroe was an actress and a “sex symbol” during the 1950’s. She was notorious for being a dumb blonde because she played many roles in which the girl seemed incredibly stupid. She became a huge actress, but was often criticized for the way she came off. Sigmund Freud was an incredibly famous psychologist, often called the father of psychology. He founded the branch of psychoanalysis and created many different theories. He was known to be somewhat perverted. Many of his theories dealt with human desires. Diana Dors was an actress very similar to Marilyn Monroe. She was also blonde, and known as a “sex symbol”. Many people did not take her seriously, although she tried to change their view. She died of cancer in 1984.
Stan Laurel was a comedian who starred in many famous roles. He traveled the world during WWII and entertained the troops. He also won an Academy Award for creative pioneering on film. Mae West was a fashion model, and also a stage actress. A lot of controversy centered around her as she tried to take on humorous roles, but was belittled by critics. Max Miller was another very famous comedian that dressed in eccentric costumes. He specialized in sexual innuendo, although he did have some other jokes. He had a tendency to dominate the stage, which was not always effective. He is known as the greatest stand-up comedian of his generation.
Works Cited
Corbett, By Ben. "Bob Dylan Goes Electric - Bob Dylan Goes Electric at 1965 Newport Folk Festival." American Folk Music - All About American Folk Music and Americana. Web. 31 Oct. 2010. <http://folkmusic.about.com/od/bobdylan/a/Bob-Dylan-Goes-Electric.htm>.
Oxford. "Oxford DNB: Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Web. 31 Oct. 2010. <http://www.oxforddnb.com/public/sgtpepper/>.
"Ozzy Osbourne The Rest of the Story." Dial-the-Truth Ministries a Christian Resource and Tract Ministry. Web. 31 Oct. 2010. <http://www.av1611.org/rock/ozzy.html>.
Polidoro, By Massimo. "A Myth That Rocks: The Premature Death of Paul McCartney | LiveScience." LiveScience | Science, Technology, Health & Environmental News. Web. 31 Oct. 2010. <http://www.livescience.com/strangenews/051220_mcartney.html>.
ROBERT JOHNSON AND THE CROSSROADS CURSE. Web. 31 Oct. 2010. <http://crossroads.stormloader.com/>.
Robert Johnson was a blues singer in the 1930’s. The legend says that Johnson went to the Crossroads in Mississippi to sell his soul to the devil. His wife had died from child birth, so it was said he was mad at God already, and in grieving. He also craved more fame and fortune, he wanted to have amazing musical talents. So, the legend says one day at midnight he went down to the Crossroads and called upon Satan. He sold his soul, for better guitar ability. It is said after that he played so well, it was almost unreal. Then at 27 Johnson suffered from convulsions and died unexpectedly. Many people say it was the Devil coming back to take his due. To this day it is unknown why Johnson died, he even has two different grave sites.
Myth #2
The myth of Ozzy Osborne biting off a dove and a bats head, is actually somewhat true. During Ozzy’s concerts his fans would bring all different types of animals to throw on to the stage. At one particular concert a fan threw a live bat onto the stage. Ozzy picked it up, thinking it was rubber, and bit its head off. After, he had to be rushed to the hospital and received two weeks worth of rabies shots. As for the dove, he was suppose to release three doves from a cage at a CBS record meeting. Two of the were releases, but Ozzy took the third one and bit its head off.
Myth #3
In 1969 a rumor began that Paul McCartney, of the Beatles, had died. It circulated that after a big fight with the other Beatles at the Abbey Road recording studio in London, McCartney sped off in his car and got into an accident which led to his demise. The Beatles were at their peak of fame so they hired an impersonator to be McCartney. This conspiracy came from the Beatles “Abbey Road” cover. On the cover they were working across the Abbey Road crosswalk in what seemed to be a funeral procession. John Lennon was dressed in white and represented a church, Ringo in black represented the undertaker, and Geroge in work clothes represented the grave digger. In the middle of Ringo and George was Paul, out of step with the other, his eyes closed and he was barefoot. Also, the license plate on the car behind them read “LMW 28IF”, McCartney would have been 28 if he did not “die”. Then on the cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band, it seemed to be mourners at a funeral. Also, yellow hyacinths formed the shape of a left-handed base guitar, McCartney’s instrument. There were multiple songs such as “she’s Leaving Home” and “A Day in the Life” which referenced car accidents. None of this was true. Paul McCartney himself had to reassure everyone that he was, in fact, still living. He also explained the so-called “clues”, which did not actually have to do with him dying.
Myth #4
At the Newport Folk Festival in 1964, Bob Dylan strayed away from his usual folk genre, and played “electrified rock-and-roll”. The audience, in shock, booed and shouted at him the entire time. They felt betrayed that Dylan would change his sound. Some say that Dylan wasn’t to blame, it was the sound system, other’s say the band was unrehearsed and deserved the reaction they received. Dylan walked of the stage seemingly stunned, and did not understand why he couldn’t play rock-and-roll, but other bands there, like Muddy Waters, could.
Myth #5
A major legend that still circulates today, is that Elvis Presley is still alive. Many fans say he simply faked his death in 1977 and still roams around today. Then again, there are contradicting conspiracies that he was never alive in the first place. Despite this there are still fans today making websites and blogs of “Elvis sightings” and other possible myths. This myth can’t particularly be accepted or denied, but everyone eventually has to die.
Myth #6
Marilyn Monroe was an actress and a “sex symbol” during the 1950’s. She was notorious for being a dumb blonde because she played many roles in which the girl seemed incredibly stupid. She became a huge actress, but was often criticized for the way she came off. Sigmund Freud was an incredibly famous psychologist, often called the father of psychology. He founded the branch of psychoanalysis and created many different theories. He was known to be somewhat perverted. Many of his theories dealt with human desires. Diana Dors was an actress very similar to Marilyn Monroe. She was also blonde, and known as a “sex symbol”. Many people did not take her seriously, although she tried to change their view. She died of cancer in 1984.
Stan Laurel was a comedian who starred in many famous roles. He traveled the world during WWII and entertained the troops. He also won an Academy Award for creative pioneering on film. Mae West was a fashion model, and also a stage actress. A lot of controversy centered around her as she tried to take on humorous roles, but was belittled by critics. Max Miller was another very famous comedian that dressed in eccentric costumes. He specialized in sexual innuendo, although he did have some other jokes. He had a tendency to dominate the stage, which was not always effective. He is known as the greatest stand-up comedian of his generation.
Works Cited
Corbett, By Ben. "Bob Dylan Goes Electric - Bob Dylan Goes Electric at 1965 Newport Folk Festival." American Folk Music - All About American Folk Music and Americana. Web. 31 Oct. 2010. <http://folkmusic.about.com/od/bobdylan/a/Bob-Dylan-Goes-Electric.htm>.
Oxford. "Oxford DNB: Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Web. 31 Oct. 2010. <http://www.oxforddnb.com/public/sgtpepper/>.
"Ozzy Osbourne The Rest of the Story." Dial-the-Truth Ministries a Christian Resource and Tract Ministry. Web. 31 Oct. 2010. <http://www.av1611.org/rock/ozzy.html>.
Polidoro, By Massimo. "A Myth That Rocks: The Premature Death of Paul McCartney | LiveScience." LiveScience | Science, Technology, Health & Environmental News. Web. 31 Oct. 2010. <http://www.livescience.com/strangenews/051220_mcartney.html>.
ROBERT JOHNSON AND THE CROSSROADS CURSE. Web. 31 Oct. 2010. <http://crossroads.stormloader.com/>.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Song Analysis 2 Lyrics
Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift
The way you move is like a full on rainstorm
And I'm a house of cards
You're the kind of reckless
That should send me runnin'
But I kinda know that I won't get far
And you stood there in front of me
Just close enough to touch
Close enough to hope you couldn't see
What I was thinking of
Drop everything now
Meet me in the pouring rain
Kiss me on the sidewalk
Take away the pain
'cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile
Get me with those green eyes, baby, as the lights go down
Give me something that'll haunt me when you're not around
'cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile
My mind forgets to remind me
You're a bad idea
You touch me once and it's really something,
You find I'm even better than you imagined I would be.
I'm on my guard for the rest of the world
But with you I know it's no good
And I could wait patiently but I really wish you would...
Drop everything now
Meet me in the pouring rain
Kiss me on the sidewalk
Take away the pain
'cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile
Get me with those green eyes, baby, as the lights go down
Give me something that'll haunt me when you're not around
'cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile
I run my fingers through your hair and watch the lights go wild.
Just keep on keeping your eyes on me, it's just wrong enough to make it feel right.
Lead me up the staircase
Won't you whisper soft and slow?
I'm captivated by you, baby, like a firework show.
Drop everything now,
Meet me in the pouring rain,
Kiss me on the sidewalk,
Take away the pain
'cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile.
Get me with those green eyes, baby, as the lights go down
Give me something that'll haunt me when you're not around
'cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile
The sparks fly...
Oh, baby, smile...
The sparks fly...
The way you move is like a full on rainstorm
And I'm a house of cards
You're the kind of reckless
That should send me runnin'
But I kinda know that I won't get far
And you stood there in front of me
Just close enough to touch
Close enough to hope you couldn't see
What I was thinking of
Drop everything now
Meet me in the pouring rain
Kiss me on the sidewalk
Take away the pain
'cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile
Get me with those green eyes, baby, as the lights go down
Give me something that'll haunt me when you're not around
'cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile
My mind forgets to remind me
You're a bad idea
You touch me once and it's really something,
You find I'm even better than you imagined I would be.
I'm on my guard for the rest of the world
But with you I know it's no good
And I could wait patiently but I really wish you would...
Drop everything now
Meet me in the pouring rain
Kiss me on the sidewalk
Take away the pain
'cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile
Get me with those green eyes, baby, as the lights go down
Give me something that'll haunt me when you're not around
'cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile
I run my fingers through your hair and watch the lights go wild.
Just keep on keeping your eyes on me, it's just wrong enough to make it feel right.
Lead me up the staircase
Won't you whisper soft and slow?
I'm captivated by you, baby, like a firework show.
Drop everything now,
Meet me in the pouring rain,
Kiss me on the sidewalk,
Take away the pain
'cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile.
Get me with those green eyes, baby, as the lights go down
Give me something that'll haunt me when you're not around
'cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile
The sparks fly...
Oh, baby, smile...
The sparks fly...
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Song Analysis Mockingbird by Rob Thomas
Song Analysis
Rob Thomas pours emotion into his songs, basing a variety of them from experience. Originally the leas singer of Matchbox 20, Thomas took on an additional solo career, releasing “Something has to be in April of 2005 and then “Cradlesong” in June of 2009. Both albums went platinum and contained hit singles such as “Her Diamonds” and “Ever the Same”. It is undeniable that Thomas as a natural ability to sing and appeal to the Rock/ Pop audience. Thomas’ song “Mockingbird” demonstrates various poetic devices by adding depth to the universal theme. A common device used in Rob Thomas’ song “Mockingbird” is allegory. In the first line of the chorus Thomas says “Maybe you and me got lost somewhere, we can’t move on, we can’t stay here”. Obviously, this statement is pointing at a void in their relationship, somewhere it went wrong, and the purpose was lost. The couple is not actually lost in a literal sense. Another prime example of this allegory is in the line “Take my hand and I will lead you through the broken Promised Land”. The Promised Land is also an allusion to the land given by God, according to the Hebrew Bible. This is slyly incorporated into the song meaning he will be there for his significant other while she struggles with her past. The main literary device in this song is the symbol of the mockingbird itself. A mockingbird is a songbird that mimics the songs of other birds around it. Symbolizing, in this song, that as hard as the couple tries, their relationship can not mimic one of happiness.
These poetic devices are key in exemplifying the universal theme; sometimes relationships simply do not work out. “Maybe you and me tried everything, but still that mockingbird won’t sing” is a perfect symbol to describe the underlying theme. One can not mimic a happy relationship when it is not there. This funnels into the middle of the song “Take my hand and I will lead you through the broken Promise Land”, where Thomas is again attempting to mend this shattered relationship abundant with broke promises. Ultimately, the song ends on the line of objectification, “Maybe we ain’t meant for this love”, tying the universal theme together, closing the song.
Thomas’ strong use of poetic devices along with a meaningful universal theme really puts the song “Mockingbird” over the top. The symbolism, allegory and objectification help bring the song to life. Thomas is a strong artist with immense capability. “Mockingbird” is a meaningful, compelling, song that has a connection in every life.
Lyrics:Here we stand
Somewhere in between this moment and the end
Will we bend?
Or will we open up and take this whole thing in?
Everybody else is smiling
Man, their smiles dont fade
And you dont even wonder why
You just dont think that way
Maybe you and me got lost somewhere
We can't move on and we can't stay here
Maybe we've just had enough
Well, maybe we aint meant for this love
You and me tried everything
But still that mockingbird won't sing
Man this life seems hard enough
Well, maybe we aint meant for this love
Take my hand
And I will lead you through the broken promise land
Yes I can, oh yes I can
I can be there when you need it
I'll give it all 'till you can't feel it anymore
I don't wanna love you now
If you'll just leave someday
I don't wanna turn around
If you'll just walk away
Maybe you and me got lost somewhere
We can't move on and we can't stay here
Maybe we've just had enough
Well, maybe we aint meant for this love
You and me tried everything
But still that mockingbird won't sing
Man this life seems hard enough
Well, maybe we aint meant for this love
Maybe you and me got lost somewhere
We can't move on and we can't stay here
Maybe we've just had enough
Well, maybe we aint meant for this love
You and me tried everything
But still that mockingbird won't sing
Man this life seems hard enough
Well, maybe we aint meant for this love
Maybe we aint meant for this love
Maybe we aint meant for this love
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)