Social Relevance

American Pie By: Don McLean

American Pie by Don Mclean has social relevance because it is a tribute to Buddy Holly, who died in a tragic plain crash. This song not only has to do with this tragic event, but McLean’s life in general. It entails the events of his life from the mid-1950’s to the end of the 1960’s. Music greatly changed through these times, as did American history in general. McLean believed that with the disastrous events of Buddy Holly dying and John F. Kennedy getting assassinated, America was going through an extremely difficult time. The actual, “Day the music died,” is February 3, 1959, when Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash after a concert. The fact that Don McLean wrote this song pertaining to a crucial time in history proves it to me socially relevant. What also make this song so great are its numerous allusions to different musicians at the time, as well as the names of many famous songs. They add to this transition that music went through during the 1950’s and 1960’s. There are also numerous other poetic elements that add to this song’s value as a whole.




Born in the USA By: Bruce Springsteen

“Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen has social relevance because it reflects the difficult times of the Vietnam War. This song may seem very patriotic, but if one actually listens to the lyrics, it is the opposite. It talks about how many boys coming home from the Vietnam War aren’t the same as before and why should they be proud of where they are from when their country puts them through worthless torture. Springsteen introduces the song by talking about a boy who grew up in a “dead man’s town” who went through a lot, and has to spend the rest of his life covering it up. This is true of many boys growing up through poverty in many towns in the USA. Then, it explains that the boy got a rifle and was sent across seas to go fight for this country that essentially gave him nothing from when he was born. Basically, the boy lost everything in his life. He was born in the USA, and he had no choice but to live his life this way. This song is also extremely ironic because it has the tone of a happy patriotic song, but when the lyrics are read one sees Springsteen’s point very clearly.



Imagine By: John Lennon

“Imagine” by John Lennon has social relevance because it is an anti-war song. It was written during the tragic time of the Vietnam War, which was a very relevant protest age. Lennon wrote a very calm song simply suggesting a world that didn’t have any of the issues that it does. This song was very controversial because it was during the red scare, which was a time period when Americans were very paranoid of communism entering America. Communism is a type of government where everyone is treated equally, with money, schools, and everything. Essentially, this is an equal society but as Americans, this would be an extremely unfair way of life that would not be equivalent to freedom whatsoever. Since Lennon suggested a world with no possessions and equality, people suggested he was a communist. Personally, I think that Lennon was just a guy dreaming of a different world, and wished to share this world with all of the people to listen to his music. All in all, this song is very socially relevant because it reflects many issues in history mainly during the 1960’s. Unfortunately, Lennon was assassinated, but his music is still a part of many people’s lives to this day.

Original Lyrics

A Different Song By: Jamie Hall

Sometimes life, it moves too fast

I barely catch my breath and then the moment its past

I know when I think back, I'll remember you

With everything I think and everything I do

*Chorus:

But the sun's still shining and I feel alright

The wheels will keep spinning, were all in flight

Things will change and we'll sing a different song

I know someday we'll get where we belong

When I told you I was leaving I could see the fake smile

But I told you I'd be back in a short while

Do you really think I could ever forget you?

Through the smiles and tears and everything we've been through?

*Chorus

If you don't change, I won't change

If you don't change, I won't change

We'll just be singing a different song...

Two Songs for Each Type

JOY

Free Falling by Tom Petty

She's a good girl, loves her mama

Loves Jesus and America too ALLUSION

She's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis

Loves horses and her boyfriend too

It's a long day livin' in Reseda

There's a freeway runnin' through the yard PERSONIFICATION

And I'm a bad boy, 'cause I don't even miss her

I'm a bad boy for breakin' her heart

And I'm free, I'm free fallin'

All the vampires walkin' through the valley

Move west down Ventura Blvd ALLITERATON

And all the bad boys are standing in the shadows

All the good girls are home with broken hearts

And I'm free, I'm free fallin'

I wanna glide down over Mulholland

I wanna write her name in the sky

I wanna free fall out into nothin'

Gonna leave this world for awhile

And I'm free, I'm free fallin'

This song is a great example of joy. It speaks of great troubles, and how keeping happy and joyous, and going on with life is what you need to do in life. Everyone has difficulties, but what makes a person is how they can keep their head up and get through them smiling.  Tom Petty uses his vocals to express his freedom.  Also, he uses many allusions throughout the song.  These include Elvis, Jesus, America, etc. Also, an example of personification is used when he says the freeway is  running.  Overall, this song is extremely joyous because it reflects freedom through life.

Livin' On a Prayer By: Bon Jovi

Once upon a time not so long ago:
Tommy used to work on the docks
union's been on strike
He's down on his luck - It's tough
so tough.
Gina works the diner all day
working for her man
She brings home her pay for love
for love.
She says: We've got to hold on to what we've got
'Cause it doesn't make a difference if we make it or not.
We've got each other and that's a lot for love -
We'll give it a shot.
We're half way there - Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it
I swear - livin' on a prayer.
Tommy got his six string in hock.
Now he's holding in what he used to make it talk -
So tough
it's tough.
Gina dreams of running away
when she cries in the night
Tommy whispers: Baby
it's okay
someday.
We've got to hold on to what we've got . . .
We're half way there - Livin' on a prayer
We've got to hold on ready or not
You live for the fight when it's all that you've got.
We're half way there - Livin' on a prayer
We're half way there - Livin' on a prayer
We're half way there - Livin' on a prayer

This song is a great example of joy. It speaks of great troubles, and how keeping happy and joyous, and going on with life is what you need to do in life. Everyone has difficulties, but what makes a person is how they can keep their head up and get through them smiling.  The vocals in this song also add to it's joy.  They are very powerful, and the song just has a feeling of happiness and power.

FRIENDSHIP

The Jumper By Third Eye Blind

I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies SYMBOLISM
That you've been living in
And if you do not want to see me again
I would understand I would understand
The angry boy, a bit too insane
Icing over a secret pain You know you don't belong
You're the first to fight You're way too loud You're the flash of light
On a burial shroud I know something's wrong METAPHOR
Well everyone I know has got a reason To say Put the past away
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies
That you've been living in
And if you do not want to see me again
I would understand I would understand Well, he's on the table
And he's gone to code And I do not think anyone knows
What they are doing here And your friends have left
You've been dismissedI never thought it would come to this
And II want you to know Everyone's got to face down the demons
Maybe today We can put the past away
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies That you've been living in
And if you do not want to see me again I would understand
I would understand I would understand
Can you put the past away I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
I would understand...

This song is an excellent example of friendship because it deals with the singer's friend commiting suicide. The singer wishes his friend would not perform this act, but he understands him, and there for would always be there for him if he did. He says that everyone has a past, thus everyones has problems, and that he shouldn't end his life when he has so much future to live for besides the past. True friends would be there no matter what.  This song includes many examples of symbolism, including, "you could cut ties with all the lies that you've been living in."  Also, a metaphor is mentioned when the singer says, "You're a flash of light."  Overall, this song displays some very important meanings of friendship.

Dig By: Incubus

We all have a weakness
But some of ours are easy to identify.
Look me in the eye
And ask for forgiveness;
We'll make a pact to never speak that word again
Yes you are my friend.
We all have something that digs at us, SYMBOLISM
At least we dig each other PUN
So when weakness turns my ego up
I know you'll count on the me from yesterday
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me
Sing this song
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone.
We all have a sickness
That cleverly attaches and multiplies
No matter how we try.
We all have someone that digs at us,
At least we dig each other
So when sickness turns my ego up
I know you'll act as a clever medicine.
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me.
Sing this song!
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone.
Oh each other....
When everything
Else is gone.


This song is a great example of friendship because brings up an example of someone changing, and relying on their friends to get them out of this funk. He is basically saying that he knows his friends will always be there for him to be honest, and know him more than he knows himself.  This whole song uses symbols.  It uses the word, "dig" to describe loosing one's self to other's manipulations.  This word is also used as a pun in the beginning, which adds to it's significance. True friendship involves honest and trust, and this song has many examples of that. 


KNOWLEDGE

Blowing in the Wind By: Bob Dylan

How many roads must a man walk down,before you call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove fly,before she sleeps in the sand? PERSONIFICATION
And how many times must a cannon ball fly,before they're forever banned?
The answer my friend is blowing in the wind,the answer is blowing in the wind. SYMBOLISM
How many years can a mountain exist,before it is washed to the sea?
How many years can some people exist,before they're allowed to be free?
And how many times can a man turn his head,and pretend that he just doesn't see?
The answer my friend is blowing in the wind,the answer is blowing in the wind.
How many times must a man look up,before he sees the sky?
And how many ears must one man have,before he can hear people cry ? HYPERBOLE
And how many deaths will it take till we know,that too many people have died?
The answer my friend is blowing in the wind,the answer is blowing in the wind.
The answer my friend is blowing in the wind,the answer is blowing in the wind.


This song is a great example of knowledge becuase of all the issues is brings about. Bob Dylan questions many things: What defines people?, When will people stop hurting eachother, Will peace ever be on earth? All of these questions are very profound, and although we don't have answers, this song makes us really think and yearn for knowledge of the wars on earth and history. Also, the use of hyperbole and personification further make this song have deep meaning.  Basically, this song really makes you think about life, and the meaning of actions through history.




Waiting on the World to Change By: John Mayer

Me and all my friends
We're all misunderstood
They say we stand for nothing and
There's no way we ever could
Now we see everything that's going wrong
With the world and those who lead it
We just feel like we don't have the means
To rise above and beat it SYMBOLISM
So we keep waiting
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting
Waiting on the world to change
It's hard to beat the system
When we're standing at a distance
So we keep waiting
Waiting on the world to change
Now if we had the power
To bring our neighbors home from war
They would have never missed a Christmas ALLUSION
No more ribbons on their door
And when you trust your television
What you get is what you got
Cause when they own the information, oh
They can bend it all they want
That's why we're waiting
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting
Waiting on the world to change
It's not that we don't care,
We just know that the fight ain't fair
So we keep on waiting
Waiting on the world to change
And we're still waiting
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting waiting on the world to change
One day our generation
Is gonna rule the population
So we keep on waiting
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting
Waiting on the world to change


This song is a great example of knowledge because it brings up many issues around the world.  John Mayer talks about the youth of America, and how there are so many issues going on.  We, as the future of America, have the potential to change the world, but that is easier said than done.  John Mayer just suggests that we are waiting for the world to change, not realizing that we need to take action in order to produce change.  There are many symbols in this song that promote deep meaning, as well as an allusion.  This song is an example of knowledge because it promotes deep thinking about the future of the world.

"The World in Six Songs"

friendship, love, joy, comfort, religion, knowledge



LOVE She is Love By: Parachute

I've been beaten down

Ive been kicked around

But she takes it all for me

And I lost my faith

In my darkest days

she makes me want to believe

They call her love, love, love, love, love

They call her love, love, love, love, love

she is loveAnd she is all I need she's all I need

Well I had my ways

They were all in vain

And she waited patiently

It was all the same

All my pride and shame

she put me on my feet

They call her love, love, love, love, love

They call her love, love, love, love, love

They call her love, love, love, love, love

she is loveAnd she is all I need

she is loveAnd she is all I need

she is loveAnd she is all I need

and when the world slows down deep

and when those stars burn out here

ohhh she'll be there yes she'll be there

They call her love, love, love, love, love

They call her love, love, love, love, love

They call her love, love, love, love, love she is love

And she is all I need she is love

And she is all I need she is love

And she is all I need

JOY Free Falling by Tom Petty

She's a good girl, loves her mama

Loves Jesus and America too

She's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis

Loves horses and her boyfriend too

It's a long day livin' in Reseda

There's a freeway runnin' through the yard

And I'm a bad boy, 'cause I don't even miss her

I'm a bad boy for breakin' her heart

And I'm free, I'm free fallin'

All the vampires walkin' through the valley

Move west down Ventura Blvd

And all the bad boys are standing in the shadows

All the good girls are home with broken hearts

And I'm free, I'm free fallin'

I wanna glide down over Mulholland

I wanna write her name in the sky

I wanna free fall out into nothin'

Gonna leave this world for awhile

And I'm free, I'm free fallin'




COMFORT I Wish You Were Here By: Incubus

I dig my toes into the sand
The ocean looks like a thousand diamonds
Strewn across a blue blanket
I lean against the wind
Pretend that I am weightless
And in this moment I am happy...happy
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I lay my head onto the sand
The sky resembles a back lit canopy
With holes punched in it
I'm counting UFOs
I signal them with my lighter
And in this moment I am happy...happy
I wish you were hereI wish you were here
I wish you were hereWish you were here
The world's a roller coaster
And I am not strapped in
Maybe I should hold with care
But my hands are busy in the air saying
I wish you were hereI wish you were
I wish you were hereI wish you were here
I wish you were hereWish you were here

FRIENDSHIP The Jumper By Third Eye Blind

I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend

You could cut ties with all the lies

That you've been living in

And if you do not want to see me again

I would understand I would understand

The angry boy, a bit too insane

Icing over a secret pain You know you don't belong

You're the first to fight You're way too loud You're the flash of light

On a burial shroud I know something's wrong

Well everyone I know has got a reason To say Put the past away

I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend

You could cut ties with all the lies

That you've been living in

And if you do not want to see me again

I would understand I would understand Well, he's on the table

And he's gone to code And I do not think anyone knows

What they are doing here And your friends have left

You've been dismissedI never thought it would come to this

And II want you to know Everyone's got to face down the demons

Maybe today We can put the past away

I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend

You could cut ties with all the lies That you've been living in

And if you do not want to see me again I would understand

I would understand I would understand

Can you put the past away I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend

I would understand...

RELIGION Your Guardian Angel By: The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

When I see your smile

Tears run down my face I can't replace

And now that I'm stronger I've figured out

How this world turns cold and breaks through my soul

And I know I'll find deep inside me I can be the one

I will never let you fallI'll stand up with you forever

I'll be there for you through it all even if saving you sends me to heaven

It's ok. It's ok. It's ok.Seasons are changing and waves are crashing And stars are falling all for us

Days grow longer and nights grow shorter I can show you I'll be the one

I will never let you fall

I'll stand up with you forever

I'll be there for you through it all

Even if saving you sends me to heaven Cuz you're my, you're my, my true love, my whole heart

Please don't throw that away Cuz I'm here for you

Please don't walk away,Please tell me you'll stay, stay use me as you will Pull my strings just for a thrill

And I know I'll be ok Though my skies are turning gray I will never let you fall

I'll stand up with you forever

I'll be there for you through it all

Even if saving you sends me to heaven

KNOWLEDGE Blowing in the Wind By: Bob Dylan

How many roads must a man walk down,before you call him a man?

How many seas must a white dove fly,before she sleeps in the sand?

And how many times must a cannon ball fly,before they're forever banned?

The answer my friend is blowing in the wind,the answer is blowing in the wind.

How many years can a mountain exist,before it is washed to the sea?

How many years can some people exist,before they're allowed to be free?

And how many times can a man turn his head,and pretend that he just doesn't see?

The answer my friend is blowing in the wind,the answer is blowing in the wind.

How many times must a man look up,before he sees the sky?

And how many ears must one man have,before he can hear people cry ?

And how many deaths will it take till we know,that too many people have died?

The answer my friend is blowing in the wind,the answer is blowing in the wind.

The answer my friend is blowing in the wind,the answer is blowing in the wind.

Pun and Euphemism

PUN

11 am By: Incubus

Seven am;
The garbage truck beeps as it backs up
And I start my day thinking about what I've thrown away.
Could I push rewind?
The credits traverse, signifying the end
But I missed the best part.
Could we please go back to start?
Forgive my indecision

Then again, Then again, Then again, you're always first when no one's on your side
But, then again, a day will come when I want off that ride.

Eleven am,
By now you would think that I would be up
But my bedsheets shade the heat of choices I've made
And what did I find?
I never thought I could want someone so much
'Cause now you're not here and I'm knee deep in that old fear.
Forgive my indecision... I am only a man.

Then again, Then again, Then again, you're always first when no one's on your side
But, then again, a day will come when I want off that ride.

Twelve pm and my dusty telephone rings.
Heavy head up from my pillow, who could it be?
I hope its you.

Then again, you're always first when no one's on your side
But, then again, the day has come and I want off that ride.

In this song, Incubus uses a pun with the term “thrown away.” The singer refers to a garbage truck taking away his trash, but also marking how parts of his life have been turned into waste.

Dig By: Incubus

We all have a weakness
But some of ours are easy to identify.
Look me in the eye and ask for forgiveness;
We'll make a pact to never speak that word again
Yes you are my friend.

We all have something that digs at us,
At least we dig each other
So when weakness turns my ego up
I know you'll count on the me from yesterday

If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me
Sing this song
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone.

We all have a sickness
That cleverly attaches and multiplies
No matter how we try.

We all have someone that digs at us,
At least we dig each other
So when sickness turns my ego up
I know you'll act as a clever medicine.

If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me.
Sing this song!
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone.

Oh each other....
When everything else is gone.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, ohh
oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh

If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me.
Sing this song!
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone.

Oh each other....
When everything else is gone.
Oh each other....
When everything else is gone.

In this song, Incubus uses the word “dig” as a pun. Used here, this word can have multiple interpretations. For example, it could refer to an annoyance, actually “digging” up something, recovering hidden traits, etc.

EUPHEMISM

Circles By: Incubus

You saw me lost in treading water
I looked pathetic and
As helpless as a stinger
Without a bee
But underneath my presentation
Yeah
I knew the walls were coming down
And the stones that fell were
Aiming away from me
Hey what would it mean to you?
To know that it'll
Come back around again
Hey whatever it means to you
Know that everything
Moves in circles

I saw you standing in
My headlights
Blink blink blink
I thought I'd run you down
For the weight you left on me
instead I pushed rewind
Reversed and drove away
And see you
Disappear in my rearview
Brought to me the word
Reciprocity

Hey what would it mean to you?
To know that it'll
Come back around again
Hey whatever it means to you
Know that everything
Moves in circles

Round and round we go
We could know
It'd end so well
We fall on and we fall off
Existential carousel
Spin

Hey what would it mean to you?
To know that it'll
Come back around again
Hey whatever it means to you
Know that everything
Moves in circles
Everything moves in circles

Round and round and
Round and round and
Round and round and
Round and round

This song is a euphemism because it uses the phrase, “everything moves in circles,” which sounds a lot better than, “you will get what you deserve you monster of a person.”

Nice To Know You By: Incubus

Better than watching Geller bending silver spoons.
Better than witnessing new born nebulas in bloom.
She who sees from 'up high' smiles and surely sings.
Perspective pries her once weighty eyes and it
Gives you wings.

I haven't felt the way I feel today
In so long it's hard for me to specify.
I'm beginning to notice how much this feels
Like a waking limb... in pins and needles,
Nice to know you, good-bye x 4
Nice to know you... to know you

Deeper than the deepest Cousteau would ever go.
Higher than the heights of what we often think we know.
Blessed she who clearly sees the wood for the trees.
To obtain a 'birds eye' is to turn a blizzard to a breeze.

I haven't felt the way I feel today
In so long it's hard for me to specify.
I'm beginning to notice how much this
Feels like a waking limb... pins and needles,
Nice to know you, Good-bye x4
Nice to Know You,
To know... You

So could it be that it had been there all along?

I haven't felt the way I feel today
In so long it's hard for me to specify.
I'm beginning to notice how much this
Feels like a waking limb... pins and needles,
Nice to know you, Good-bye, x4
Nice to Know You
To know..You

This song is a euphemism because it uses the phrase, “nice to know you,” which sounds a lot better than, “it was great but you ruined everything!” This song is also very optimistic sounding, which adds to its euphemism qualities.