Carrie Underwood is an extremely talented artist who enhances her compositions by applying literary and poetic devices into her pieces. Underwood’s song, Wasted, hit number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs in April 2007, and was a track on the fastest selling album debut in Nielsen Sound Scan history. Some literary and poetic devices Carrie Underwood incorporates into her song Wasted include similes, alliteration, diction, imagery, allusion, and ambiguity.
Alliteration, several words with the reoccurring same consonants, is present multiple times throughout this song. For instance, “she said sometimes love slips away… for one split second… so she took another step and said” all has an alliteration with the letter ‘s’. A southern, twangy diction is also evident with the way words are sung. Such as “wanna’, gotta, gonna’, cause’, ain’t, and drivin’”. Instead of saying the endings and prefixes Underwood illustrates her southern drawl by changing the way the words are pronounced. Similes, a comparison of two things using the words like or as, are also portrayed in Wasted. One example is in the first stanza: “one tear hit the hard wood, it fell like broken glass”. Underwood compares a tear drop falling from one’s face to a glass falling and breaking on the floor. The simile also symbolizes the pain and heartbreak the narrator is feeling. Another simile appears in the second stanza: “For one split second she almost turned around, but that would be like pouring rain drops back into a cloud”. The simile is basically proving that it would be pointless or improbable to go back. Imagery is briefly apparent when Underwood sings about the drunk, loved one. For example, “so he stumbles to the sink and pours it down the drain”. One can vividly picture this drunken man tumbling to the sink and finally ending his drunken habits. “He looked in the mirror and his eyes were clear for the first time in a while” alludes to the fact that the man no longer drinks and he is sober for the first time in a long time. The song title, Wasted, is also a use of ambiguity because it can mean that the singer does not want to waste their life, and it could also be referring to the drunken man who spend most of his life wasted and no longer wanted to waste his life being drunk.
In conclusion, Underwood’s educational use of literary devices and mastery vocals in her song Wasted is only a few of the main reasons why her songs are hitting the top billboard records all over the nation.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
'Concrete Angel' by Martina McBride Analysis
Well-known country soprano singer, Martina McBride, is famous for her inspirational compositions based on women and children. McBride grew up in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, a small rural town which inhabited 200 people. Growing up around country music, Martina McBride instantly fell in love with the ‘twangy’ southern drawl. Her father had started a small band, and at the age of eight she joined them; singing only at first, and then being promoted to more challenging jobs, such as playing the keyboard. McBride loved nothing more than singing in her father’s band. After her first semester away at college, on a full scholarship, she soon realized that she would rather make a career of singing instead, and left her college experience. Martina met John McBride, a crew member of a country star, got married and her career in the music business gradually picked up. Martina McBride’s, Concrete Angel, contains literary device such as alliteration, irony, allusions, and similes.
This emotionally moving song begins with a young girl packing her own lunch for school, wearing the same clothes she did the days before. Sadly, however, one can come to the conclusion that this young girl is neglected by her parents and even abused: “she hides the bruises with linen and lace”. Ironically, ‘linen and lace’, also alliteration, is usually viewed as a symbol of innocence, and perfection, when in reality the girl is hiding behind this ‘perfect image’ an abused body, and the pain that follows. The young girl seems so strong and normal as if nothing bad is happening to her at all. For example, “she stands hard as a stone” is a simile which illustrates how she tries to stay strong and not let abuse from her own ‘loving’ parents get to her, even though it is killing her inside, physically and figuratively. An allusion, or an indirect reference to something, occurs when McBride sings, “When morning comes it will be too late”. Thus, portraying that by the time morning occurs, one can infer that the young girl would have been beaten as much as her little body could take, and that she has passed away: “her name is written on a polished rock”. “Bearing the Burdon of a secret storm”, and “a statue stands in a shaded place” are both examples of alliteration.
In conclusion, Martina McBride writes beautifully and touches the hearts and souls of all her listeners. Her emotionally evocative songs and use of literary devices demonstrate what makes her such a phenomenal artist.
This emotionally moving song begins with a young girl packing her own lunch for school, wearing the same clothes she did the days before. Sadly, however, one can come to the conclusion that this young girl is neglected by her parents and even abused: “she hides the bruises with linen and lace”. Ironically, ‘linen and lace’, also alliteration, is usually viewed as a symbol of innocence, and perfection, when in reality the girl is hiding behind this ‘perfect image’ an abused body, and the pain that follows. The young girl seems so strong and normal as if nothing bad is happening to her at all. For example, “she stands hard as a stone” is a simile which illustrates how she tries to stay strong and not let abuse from her own ‘loving’ parents get to her, even though it is killing her inside, physically and figuratively. An allusion, or an indirect reference to something, occurs when McBride sings, “When morning comes it will be too late”. Thus, portraying that by the time morning occurs, one can infer that the young girl would have been beaten as much as her little body could take, and that she has passed away: “her name is written on a polished rock”. “Bearing the Burdon of a secret storm”, and “a statue stands in a shaded place” are both examples of alliteration.
In conclusion, Martina McBride writes beautifully and touches the hearts and souls of all her listeners. Her emotionally evocative songs and use of literary devices demonstrate what makes her such a phenomenal artist.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Just a Dream by Carrie Underwood Analysis
Carrie Underwood, country singer and song writer, is a talented, multi-platinum selling record artist. Underwood was not originally born into fame however. Her stardom began after she won the fourth season of American Idol. Carrie Underwood grew up in the small, rural town of Checotah, Oklahoma, where she was raised by her parents. Growing up, Underwood sang at many talent shows and churches, where she graced her audiences with her delicate, yet powerful voice. Carrie Underwood’s tragic narrative, Just a Dream, is emotionally evocative and incorporates many literary devices.
The song alludes to a young girl’s wedding when it states that she had “six pence in her shoe, something borrowed, something blue”, which is traditional for a woman to have on her wedding day for good luck. Alliteration is clearly demonstrated when Underwood sings about the congregation and the flag. For instance, “all stood up and sang the saddest song that she ever heard”, and “handed her a folded up flag”. A simile, comparison of two things using the word like or as, is demonstrated right before the chorus is sung: “then guns rang one last shot and it felt like a bullet in her heart”. Underwood compares the pain she feels inside as a bullet to her heart, illustrating the immense amount of heartbreak she is suffering from. Overall, Just a Dream, is ironic because the song is about a young girl getting ready to marry the man she loves and spend the rest of her life with him. Although, he unfortunately dies unexpectedly while serving for his country: “all dressed in white, going to the church that night… she heard the trumpets from the military band and the flowers fell out of her hands”. Ironically, and also quite unfortunately, the man she planned on spending the rest of her life with died, and she is left on her wedding day, the happiest day of her life, not only alone but also a widower.
Just a Dream creates a touching, arousing, emotional mood which leaves the listener with a sympathetic feelings towards the young girl in the song. Carrie Underwood sang with an expansive range and was emotionally evocative, leaving the audience with pure amazement wanting more.
The song alludes to a young girl’s wedding when it states that she had “six pence in her shoe, something borrowed, something blue”, which is traditional for a woman to have on her wedding day for good luck. Alliteration is clearly demonstrated when Underwood sings about the congregation and the flag. For instance, “all stood up and sang the saddest song that she ever heard”, and “handed her a folded up flag”. A simile, comparison of two things using the word like or as, is demonstrated right before the chorus is sung: “then guns rang one last shot and it felt like a bullet in her heart”. Underwood compares the pain she feels inside as a bullet to her heart, illustrating the immense amount of heartbreak she is suffering from. Overall, Just a Dream, is ironic because the song is about a young girl getting ready to marry the man she loves and spend the rest of her life with him. Although, he unfortunately dies unexpectedly while serving for his country: “all dressed in white, going to the church that night… she heard the trumpets from the military band and the flowers fell out of her hands”. Ironically, and also quite unfortunately, the man she planned on spending the rest of her life with died, and she is left on her wedding day, the happiest day of her life, not only alone but also a widower.
Just a Dream creates a touching, arousing, emotional mood which leaves the listener with a sympathetic feelings towards the young girl in the song. Carrie Underwood sang with an expansive range and was emotionally evocative, leaving the audience with pure amazement wanting more.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
'Don't Take the Girl' by Tim McGraw Analysis of Poetic and Literary Devices
Poetic and literary devices are used by authors, journalists, reporters, and even musicians. These devices enable a piece of work to become richer with complexity and depth, therefore making the works more gratifying. Tim McGraw, a gifted country singer, son of Tug McGraw (a former baseball player) and loving husband to country singer Faith Hill, has had many uncountable songs hit the top of the country charts. This talented, well-known country singer, corroborates poetic and literary devices such as alliteration, imagery, local color, allusion, diction, dialogue, and irony, into his song, Don’t Take The Girl; as a result providing a more effective song.
In the beginning of the song, a boy is getting ready for a fishing trip with his father when a young girl walked into the back yard to join. The young boy, Johnny did not want her to go on the fishing trip with them. Johnny whines, “take Jimmy Johnson, take Tommy Thompson, take my best friend Bo, take anybody that you want as long as she don’t go, take any boy in the world, Daddy please don’t take the girl” (6-9). Ironically, as the song proceeds Johnny begins to show admiration towards the girl, and they end up getting married. Irony is a literary term used when something that is unexpected to happen happens. Having had Johnny portray his firm dislike towards the girl in the beginning of the song leads one to believe that he will always dislike her; however, that is the complete opposite, and as a result the phrase ‘don’t take the girl’ changes meaning from each situation he encounters with her. Although, one would not expect the son to fall for the young girl, the father slyly adds, “Son I know you don’t want her to go but someday you’ll change your mind” (5). Thus alluding that Johnny and the young girl might share feelings for each other someday. Allusion, another literary term displayed, is an indirect reference to something or someone. Although the listeners are certain the boy will never even like the girl, the father softly comments that he might change his mind someday; therefore portraying irony and allusion.
Contributing to the smooth flow and delicate rhythm, Tim McGraw frequently incorporated alliteration in the song Don’t Take the Girl. Alliteration is words beginning with the same letter or consonant. For instance, “take Jimmy Johnson, take Tommy Thompson, take my bestfriend Bo” (6). Another example where alliteration is frequently portrayed was in the chorus, “And Johnny said take my money, take my wallet, take my credit cards, heres the watch that my grandpa gave me...” (17-18). All of the stanza’s that consisted of alliteration help to create a pleasant balance throughout the song.
Diction and dialogue were two poetic and literary devices that were also included into this song. Diction can be described by the choice of words chosen or by the way it is spoken. For instance, “Johnny’s daddy was taking him fishin’, when he was eight years old, a little girl came through the front gate holdin’ a fishing pole” (1-3). The use of the words ‘fishin’’ and ‘holdin’’ portray a strong country, southern twang, contributed by the country harmony in the background. Dialogue, like in real life, is talk or a conversation between two or more people. Dialogue is evident in this song when the boy is faced with a criminal on the streets. For instance, “Stranger came and pulled a gun, grabbed her by the arm said if you do what I tell you to, there wont be any harm, and Johnny said take my money, take my wallet, take my credit cards, heres the watch that my grandpa gave me, heres the key to my car, Mister give it a whirl, but please don’t take the girl” (15-21). The use of the word ‘said’ clearly explains to the listener that a conversation is taking place.
Imagery is another main poetic device used in the song Don’t Take the Girl. Imagery is when words are so descriptive that one is able to imagine the situation, condition, or object. The whole song demonstrates imagery, for example, “There’s going to be a little one and she says its time to go, Doctor says the baby’s fine but you’ll have to leave, cause his mommas fading fast and Johnny hit his knees and there he prayed” (25-28). Having used descriptive words to describe the situation, McGraw was able to portray a scene in a hospital with Johnny and his wife, as she tries to conceive the baby without dying.
In conclusion, Tim McGraw is a talented artist who’s ability to incorporate poetic and literary devices into his songs, helps to make his music more enriched.
In the beginning of the song, a boy is getting ready for a fishing trip with his father when a young girl walked into the back yard to join. The young boy, Johnny did not want her to go on the fishing trip with them. Johnny whines, “take Jimmy Johnson, take Tommy Thompson, take my best friend Bo, take anybody that you want as long as she don’t go, take any boy in the world, Daddy please don’t take the girl” (6-9). Ironically, as the song proceeds Johnny begins to show admiration towards the girl, and they end up getting married. Irony is a literary term used when something that is unexpected to happen happens. Having had Johnny portray his firm dislike towards the girl in the beginning of the song leads one to believe that he will always dislike her; however, that is the complete opposite, and as a result the phrase ‘don’t take the girl’ changes meaning from each situation he encounters with her. Although, one would not expect the son to fall for the young girl, the father slyly adds, “Son I know you don’t want her to go but someday you’ll change your mind” (5). Thus alluding that Johnny and the young girl might share feelings for each other someday. Allusion, another literary term displayed, is an indirect reference to something or someone. Although the listeners are certain the boy will never even like the girl, the father softly comments that he might change his mind someday; therefore portraying irony and allusion.
Contributing to the smooth flow and delicate rhythm, Tim McGraw frequently incorporated alliteration in the song Don’t Take the Girl. Alliteration is words beginning with the same letter or consonant. For instance, “take Jimmy Johnson, take Tommy Thompson, take my bestfriend Bo” (6). Another example where alliteration is frequently portrayed was in the chorus, “And Johnny said take my money, take my wallet, take my credit cards, heres the watch that my grandpa gave me...” (17-18). All of the stanza’s that consisted of alliteration help to create a pleasant balance throughout the song.
Diction and dialogue were two poetic and literary devices that were also included into this song. Diction can be described by the choice of words chosen or by the way it is spoken. For instance, “Johnny’s daddy was taking him fishin’, when he was eight years old, a little girl came through the front gate holdin’ a fishing pole” (1-3). The use of the words ‘fishin’’ and ‘holdin’’ portray a strong country, southern twang, contributed by the country harmony in the background. Dialogue, like in real life, is talk or a conversation between two or more people. Dialogue is evident in this song when the boy is faced with a criminal on the streets. For instance, “Stranger came and pulled a gun, grabbed her by the arm said if you do what I tell you to, there wont be any harm, and Johnny said take my money, take my wallet, take my credit cards, heres the watch that my grandpa gave me, heres the key to my car, Mister give it a whirl, but please don’t take the girl” (15-21). The use of the word ‘said’ clearly explains to the listener that a conversation is taking place.
Imagery is another main poetic device used in the song Don’t Take the Girl. Imagery is when words are so descriptive that one is able to imagine the situation, condition, or object. The whole song demonstrates imagery, for example, “There’s going to be a little one and she says its time to go, Doctor says the baby’s fine but you’ll have to leave, cause his mommas fading fast and Johnny hit his knees and there he prayed” (25-28). Having used descriptive words to describe the situation, McGraw was able to portray a scene in a hospital with Johnny and his wife, as she tries to conceive the baby without dying.
In conclusion, Tim McGraw is a talented artist who’s ability to incorporate poetic and literary devices into his songs, helps to make his music more enriched.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
'Sara Beth' Song Analysis (using two sentence types)
Rascal Flatts, a group of country singers, are famous for their heartwarming yet heartbreaking songs, which really touch listeners. The three men that make up this phenomenal trio all provide different vocals to the group, which enables a nice balance in the songs they sing. The majority of Rascal Flatts songs, although they may be upbeat and fun, relate to real life tragedies and struggles individuals are forced to face everyday. Their song, Sara Beth, is an emotional song which reveals a young lady being diagnosed with cancer, and the challenges she faces as the aftermath.
Sara Beth is a teenage girl, still attending high school, with dreams and wishes just like everybody else. One day she fell and got a bruise that wouldn’t go away, and decided to get it checked out by her doctor. Although, “Between the red cells and white, something’s not right” (12-13), but the doctor’s tell her they will do everything they can to take care of her; thus, alluding that something was wrong with her, and she will discover later that she was diagnosed with cancer. At this point, Sara Beth, along with her parents, are dumbfounded. All Sara Beth can think about is dancing, free, with the boy she loves, dreaming about her magically night at prom, which now seems to be ruined. For instance, “And she dreams she dancin' around and around, without any cares, and her very first love, is holding her close, and the soft wind is blowing her hair” (20-24). Sara Beth, although she is concerned about her health, is more worried that no one would want to take a girl with no hair to the prom. The most heartbreaking part of this song is when for the first time, Sara Beth actually understands what is happening to her, and it finally becomes ‘real’ that she has cancer, when her hair falls out. For example, “For just this morning right there on her pillow, was the cruelest of any surprise, yet she cried when she gathered it all in her hands, the proof that she couldn't deny, Sara Beth closes her eyes” (30-34). As Sara Beth prepares for prom, all she can think about is her bare head, and how she’s so scared to go to the dance and be rejected by her peers. "It's quarter to seven, that boy's at the door, her daddy ushers him in, and when he takes off his cap they all start to cry , cause this morning where his hair had been, softly she touches just skin” (40-45). Having heard of the incident, the boy she loves shaves his head for her, knowing that she would be uncomfortable and feel as though she would be out of place with no hair on her head. Immediately, Sara Beth begings to free some stress she had about attending the dance, and her love for this boy grows stronger. Although she was put through cancer, her night at prom was not ruined because the boy she loved made her feel accepted, and showed how much he cared about her by shaving his own head just so she would feel more comfortable in her own skin and unfortunate situation.
In conclusion, the song ‘Sara Beth’ illustrates real life situations people face, and how others adjust their own life’s to make others feel more welcomed. Rascal Flatts is an amazing group with many talents and are able to portray these tear jerking moments and situations to the world, while still allowing it to have a happy ending.
Sara Beth is a teenage girl, still attending high school, with dreams and wishes just like everybody else. One day she fell and got a bruise that wouldn’t go away, and decided to get it checked out by her doctor. Although, “Between the red cells and white, something’s not right” (12-13), but the doctor’s tell her they will do everything they can to take care of her; thus, alluding that something was wrong with her, and she will discover later that she was diagnosed with cancer. At this point, Sara Beth, along with her parents, are dumbfounded. All Sara Beth can think about is dancing, free, with the boy she loves, dreaming about her magically night at prom, which now seems to be ruined. For instance, “And she dreams she dancin' around and around, without any cares, and her very first love, is holding her close, and the soft wind is blowing her hair” (20-24). Sara Beth, although she is concerned about her health, is more worried that no one would want to take a girl with no hair to the prom. The most heartbreaking part of this song is when for the first time, Sara Beth actually understands what is happening to her, and it finally becomes ‘real’ that she has cancer, when her hair falls out. For example, “For just this morning right there on her pillow, was the cruelest of any surprise, yet she cried when she gathered it all in her hands, the proof that she couldn't deny, Sara Beth closes her eyes” (30-34). As Sara Beth prepares for prom, all she can think about is her bare head, and how she’s so scared to go to the dance and be rejected by her peers. "It's quarter to seven, that boy's at the door, her daddy ushers him in, and when he takes off his cap they all start to cry , cause this morning where his hair had been, softly she touches just skin” (40-45). Having heard of the incident, the boy she loves shaves his head for her, knowing that she would be uncomfortable and feel as though she would be out of place with no hair on her head. Immediately, Sara Beth begings to free some stress she had about attending the dance, and her love for this boy grows stronger. Although she was put through cancer, her night at prom was not ruined because the boy she loved made her feel accepted, and showed how much he cared about her by shaving his own head just so she would feel more comfortable in her own skin and unfortunate situation.
In conclusion, the song ‘Sara Beth’ illustrates real life situations people face, and how others adjust their own life’s to make others feel more welcomed. Rascal Flatts is an amazing group with many talents and are able to portray these tear jerking moments and situations to the world, while still allowing it to have a happy ending.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Diction Descriptions
Gretchen Wilson is an astounding singer, known for her ‘tough girl’ act, and strong opinionated lyrics. Due to Wilson’s rough childhood, many are surprised she made it as far as she has. She grew up with a mom that was always working, and no father figure in her life. Wilson started tending bars at the age of 14, in hopes to help her mom pay rent on their trailer, and was promoted to manager a year later. In attempts to make it on her own, Gretchen moved to Nashville and sang in bars. She was discovered by Big and Rich, and has been a hit ever since. Gretchen developed her ‘tough girl’ act from her rough past and was able to apply her talented voice and life experiences in her compositions. Gretchen Wilson is a brilliant artist who is able to corroborate different diction, or choice of words, into her music. The songs ‘Redneck Women’ and ‘Come to Bed’ both illustrate Wilson’s ability to portray diverse dictions throughout her songs.
Gretchen’s song, ‘Redneck Women’, clearly demonstrates strong country diction, due to her country slang used. For instance, “No I can’t swig that sweet champagne, I’d rather drink beer all night, in a tavern or in a honky tonk, or in a 4wheel drive tailgate”, (4-6). The fact that she’d choose beer over champagne, for one illustrates that she’s not the elegant type, and that she can be like one of the guys. The use of the words ‘tavern’ and ‘honky tonk’ are words used by many southerners, just like another words for a bar, adding to the country feel of the song. The following, illustrates how Gretchen is satisfied and proud of who she is and what she believes in, “Some people look down on me, but I don’t give a rip, I’ll stand barefooted in my own front yard with a baby on my hip” (8-10). The use of the word ‘rip’ is also another term used by southerners as a way of saying ‘I could care less’, and the fact that she’s standing barefoot in the public eye is something that would be considered ‘hillbilly-ish’. Next Gretchen continues with, “Cause I’m a redneck woman, and I ain’t no high class broad, I’m just a product of my raisin’, and I say “hey y’all” and “Yee Haw,’” (11-15). The use of the words ‘ain’t’, ‘raisin’, ‘hey y’all’, and ‘Yee Haw’, demonstrates a lack of education, and typical country slang used in everyday southerners lives. Also, the instrumental music in the song 'Redneck Women' portrays a country tone to it.
In the song, ‘Come to Bed’, the use of diction changes drastically. Gretchen now uses words that flow more, as appose to ‘honky tonk’ and ‘yee haw’. For instance, “Sometimes we fight, 'bout who's wrong and right, and stay up all night, and sometimes we drink, and say hurtful things, that we don't mean” (1-6). This song illustrates how a country song can still be country, yet without the twang, slang, and lingo added. The mood and harmony portrayed, also adds to the diction in this song, because it does not have the typical country instruments in the background, therefore illustrating how the diction is different. In conclusion, diction is used by many artists and provides a unique style than their listeners may be use to , as a result making them better, well rounded artist, just like Gretchen Wilson.
Gretchen’s song, ‘Redneck Women’, clearly demonstrates strong country diction, due to her country slang used. For instance, “No I can’t swig that sweet champagne, I’d rather drink beer all night, in a tavern or in a honky tonk, or in a 4wheel drive tailgate”, (4-6). The fact that she’d choose beer over champagne, for one illustrates that she’s not the elegant type, and that she can be like one of the guys. The use of the words ‘tavern’ and ‘honky tonk’ are words used by many southerners, just like another words for a bar, adding to the country feel of the song. The following, illustrates how Gretchen is satisfied and proud of who she is and what she believes in, “Some people look down on me, but I don’t give a rip, I’ll stand barefooted in my own front yard with a baby on my hip” (8-10). The use of the word ‘rip’ is also another term used by southerners as a way of saying ‘I could care less’, and the fact that she’s standing barefoot in the public eye is something that would be considered ‘hillbilly-ish’. Next Gretchen continues with, “Cause I’m a redneck woman, and I ain’t no high class broad, I’m just a product of my raisin’, and I say “hey y’all” and “Yee Haw,’” (11-15). The use of the words ‘ain’t’, ‘raisin’, ‘hey y’all’, and ‘Yee Haw’, demonstrates a lack of education, and typical country slang used in everyday southerners lives. Also, the instrumental music in the song 'Redneck Women' portrays a country tone to it.
In the song, ‘Come to Bed’, the use of diction changes drastically. Gretchen now uses words that flow more, as appose to ‘honky tonk’ and ‘yee haw’. For instance, “Sometimes we fight, 'bout who's wrong and right, and stay up all night, and sometimes we drink, and say hurtful things, that we don't mean” (1-6). This song illustrates how a country song can still be country, yet without the twang, slang, and lingo added. The mood and harmony portrayed, also adds to the diction in this song, because it does not have the typical country instruments in the background, therefore illustrating how the diction is different. In conclusion, diction is used by many artists and provides a unique style than their listeners may be use to , as a result making them better, well rounded artist, just like Gretchen Wilson.
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