Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

I believe that Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the most iconic songs of all time. It puts you an a roller coaster of emotions. Just the melody itself is hypnotizing. The way that the song starts of slow with just a piano and drum, then though the song, more instruments are added and then at the climax of the song, an amazing guitar solo. This song has been analyzed many time by people everywhere, and for the most part I believe that Queen was singing about coming out as bisexual which was a really difficult thing to do in the 80's. Freddie Mercury (the writer of the song) never actually explained the meaning of the song. That is why there is so much speculation on what the song was about. The song did take a very long time to create because of the many changes of the style of music that was played. In the end it is a brilliantly written song that is very catchy, and one of the tops songs of it's time.

The Beach Boys - Help Me, Rhonda

Over the distinct harmonizing whistling, "Help Me, Rhonda" begins into the first verse almost instantly as the song starts. Well since she put me down 'I've been out doin' in my head / I come in late at night and in the mornin' I just lay in bed'. The upbeat piano and a tambourine are added onto the whistling to give it a distinct joyful tone. The joyful tone juxtaposes the lyrics, since by the first verse the narrator is talking about his feelings after being broken up with.

The song continues into the pre-chorus – 'Well, Rhonda you look so fine (look so fine) / And I know it wouldn't take much time / For you to help me Rhonda /Help me get her out of my heart'. The narrator is now talking to another girl, a girl who he thinks could help him get over his breakup. Him asking for help, alludes to him wanting to spend time with Rhonda in a way much like he did with his ex-girlfriend.

Once the chorus hits, the instrumentation is at the height of it's cheerful tone. Harmonizing vocals echo throughout the chorus, continually repeating 'help me, Rhonda'. The repetition adds to the juxtaposition between the lyrics and the instrumentation. Help me, Rhonda' is seen as a cry for help. Yet the instrumentation is joyful with twangy guitar and the very necessary 'bow bow bow' vocals reminiscent of any popular doo-wop song a decade before "Help Me, Rhonda" was released.

On the surface, "Help Me, Rhonda" is a popular hit with a cheery tone aimed at radio play. But like much of the Beach Boys discography, "Help Me, Rhonda" uses oversimplification in lyrical structure and cheerful instrumentation to make comments about relationships. Whether this song is echoes the voice of a generation or on the frailty of love, "Help Me, Rhonda" showcases the distinct songwriting of the Beach Boys.

I'll Be Missing You - Puff Daddy

The artist formerly known as 'Puff Daddy' released this song in 1997 as a part of his second studio album, No Way Out. 'I'll Be Missing You' was written about the passing of his colleague and close personal friend, Christoper Wallace. I think that this song is making an argument about how you deal with personal loss.

Sean Combs (Puff Daddy, P.Diddy, Diddy) is saying that although you have lost the person, you must continue on living your life. I completely agree with this sentiment. Puff Daddy says, "Life ain't always what it seems to be, words can't express what you mean to me. And though you're gone, we still a team. Through your family, I'll fulfill your dreams. In the future I can't wait to see, if you'll open up the gates for me."

I chose this quote because I believe that it perfectly depicts the relationship that the two had; They were more brothers than friends. When you lose someone who is very close to you, you can physically feel their presence abscond as you continue your everyday life. You forget they are gone, and wonder what they are doing, and then reality sets in. Although this seems quite dark, "I'll be Missing You" shares that there is a time for sadness, and then it's time to move on and cherish the memories you have of that person.

Boston - Long Time

Boston - Long Time (1:55)

The song opens to a drum and guitar riff like a person waking up to a realization.  The song appears to be about a person who has been settled down in life for a long time and comes to realize they want to move on.  The song picks up after their departure; when he's on the highway "chasin' a dream."

He wishes he could say something to the one he's leaving behind, but he's leaving anyways.  The song breaks down into a steady pace during this moment.  He tells his significant other that they'll eventually move on.

It's been a while since he has left home, he's been on the road for a long time.  The guitar solo queues in, also indicating an inner struggle.  Being on the road for so long and chasing a dream that he may never find would be lonely and exhausting; he's beginning to miss his lover.  He wants to forget about her, but it's impossible.

Eventually, he realizes, again, that time isn't on his side.  The music picks up again.  So, he figures it's best to just continue moving on, regardless of his feelings.  And though he "may never find it" he's "always just behind it."  The song fades out with the lyrics "Takin' my time, just movin' along" as if to suggest that he hasn't found it and probably never will.

Music

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong is a very inspirational song because it focuses on the beauty and good things in the world. It argues that despite all the bad things that might be happening on a daily basis, the world is still an amazing and beautiful place. The song focuses on the little things in life like two friends shaking hands, blue skies, and the colors of the rainbow. Armstrong aims to point out the beauty of these things in life that everyone takes advantage of daily. The music is upbeat enough that it is inspiring and keeps the listeners attention the whole time. The title of the son itself, "What a Wonderful World," conveys a message to listeners to pay attention to the world around them and never take anything for granted, even the simplest things in life.

Music

The song "Wings" by Macklemore has a very deep meaning to it. He talks about today's generation caring about things in life that aren't important like being popular in school. An example of what they do to try to fit in is buying the newest shoes and clothes. In the song, he says "My movement told me be a consumer and I consumed it, they told me to just do it, I listened to what that swoosh said." This line is powerful because he talks about the media taking advantage of kids and giving them happiness if they buy their product. What’s sad is he talks about what they would do anything to try and get these products, even kill someone over a pair of $100 sneakers. At the end of the song, he raps "What I wore, this is the source of my youth. This dream they sold to you. For a hundred dollars and some change. Consumption is in the veins. And now I see it's just another pair of shoes." This line is very big because he realizes that it isn’t necessary to spend so much time and money on trying to fit in because it does not matter at the end.  

Music

The Meaning of Music

Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" does not only have catchy lyrics but it has a deeper meaning attached to it. The biggest argument that this song is making is if you change who you see in the mirror then you will see the world become with a better place. This song made people realize that their personal identity had a relationship or connection to society. The lyrics "If you wanna make the world a better place/ Take a look at yourself, and then make a change..." explain the argument perfectly. In this song you do not have to read behind the lines to find the true meaning of the song. Now the song is not depressing like most songs about changing yourself and society are. The song is catchy and upbeat which makes the song stick to the minds of the people listening to it.