It is obvious, isn’t it, that all songs are written with meanings… that they are symbolic? Some songs do not hide any of the meanings, some do. But no matter what the song, it MEANS SOMETHING!
Meaning is very important to me, why? Because at its essence is always a purpose, understanding or even just a simple question. If you are a parent then you have probably said (I know my parents used to say it all the time!) “Stop asking Why!”, during the early years of life most of us ask questions which are vital to our development… these could include questions about why adults do something, why their friends do not get told off when they do or even purpose the of life (yes, I am talking about 3 year olds)!
It does not stop there. Almost all of us, no matter our age or knowledge, we all want to understand more about how something works or why something happens. Art is the most popular (possibly even only?) way to express our questions or to reveal secrets without anybody understanding what we are saying. It helps.
What do I include when I mention Art?
- Visual – Paintings, Photography, Pictures, Digital Art, Make-Up
- Audition – Lyrics, instrumental
- Taste – Food, drinks
- Smell – Food, perfumes
Of course there are thousands of other aspects that are included in the word Art… let us all know if you can think of any!
Now down to the point of the post, song lyrics. I am not going to interpret them myself, though I will probably do a follow up post in which I will. However, today I am going to a few verses of some songs I like (though of course you can do your own!) and I would appreciate it if you took the time to see what the songs are about. This skill is very useful in interpreting anything in life which in turn will allow you to be successful in what you are trying to achieve!
So remember, look for hidden meanings… even if it looks obvious! Also, not only meanings, try interpreting the content and relating it to a different context.
Circle of Life – featured in The Lion King
Music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim RiceFrom the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There’s more to see than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There’s far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless roundIt’s the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of LifeIt’s the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life
Country Roads
John Denver
Almost heaven, west virginia
Blue ridge mountains, shenandoah river
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breezeCountry roads, take me home
To the place, I be-long
West virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roadsAll my memories, gather around her
Miner’s lady, stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eyeCountry roads, take me home
To the place, I be-long
West virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roadsI hear her voice, in the mornin’ hours she calls to me
The radio reminds me of my home far a-way
And drivin’ down the road I get a feeling
That I should have been home yesterday, yesterdayCountry roads, take me home
To the place, I be-long
West virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads
So what can you interpret in songs, and how do they relate to your life?
Thank u
Good post.
As sad as this sounds I releate to a lot of old school (or should that be skool) hip hop and modern day rap like Eminem or real old Dre or 2pac. I find myself finding inspiration more and more from music or the beats or songs rather than the words.
Requiem for a dream is an amazing piece of music
I like blues music.Nice post Shane.
Oooh, a post that makes me use my brain … it's like being back in GCSE English lit. I never was very good at poetry and that's what lyrics are really isn't it? I find that it's the daft lyrics that engage me the most. Or the lyrics that seem to make no sense at all. I'm trying to think of an example from my husband's CD collection (he always has music on when he cooks) but my brain is failing. Leave it with me, I'll get back to you
circle of life…what a wonderful song. I sing it when I am on my bus run…the kids think im crazy i guess but at least i know how to have fun again
thanks for you post.
It is indeed! I sing it on the bus, at college (im 16, so not classed as one of the “cool” kids because I sing so much!) and everywhere else. I cannot sing well, but the songs in Lion King and Jungle Book are amazing!
Yep, it is useful to keep your brain active… but I bet noone told you that listening (or even singing) to lyrics helps did they?!
What do you mean daft lyrics? If you mean songs such as.. Purple People Eater, Yellow Submerine and Big Fish Little Fish, then I completely agree!
Blues is nice to listen to, I am glad you liked the post.
I do not listen to hip hop or rap but I know a lot of people that do like it, especially artistic people strangely enough.
ha ha artistic I am not! just something about the beat and pain in it really gets me going. Shane when you going to guest post for me?
I don't know why, but I have ALWAYS listened to the lyrics of a song. This determined if I liked the song or not. Now, interpreting the lyrics is a whole different discussion. I really think it depends on the situation. The lyrics may mean one thing to the writer, but something totally different to the listener. What's great about music though is that in one way or another it inspires us all…
Haha, oh well, some people are artistic some are not!
I will write it very soon if I can… maybe today. I also need to write more for Success Circuit, my hands are hurting very very much, which is not good for a blogger doing a full time IT course at college!!
Thank you Shane.see you soon.
I like your idea about interpreting anything. I'll try it.
Both those songs have deep meanings and no wonder they're some of the most everlasting songs ever. I can't tell how many times I've listened to these two numbers.
Till then,
Jean
That is the reason I chose them. Everybody knows the songs (they are two of my favourites) but how many people actually take the time to think about the lyrics? Of course, it is not just the famous songs that mean a lot.. go on youtube and you will find loads of homewritten songs that are amazing.
Well, from looking over the lyrics, I would have thought what you did initially.But then reading it again, it seems like it could be about a father who is seeing his daughter grow up.
I enjoy almost every genre of music and get a lot out of the music itself though the message behind the lyrics can also be very powerful, especially when the music is powerful to begin with.
Hmm… could you please explain that a bit more? I am not seeing it!
Yes, listening to lyrics and understanding/interpreting the are completely different!
First one song is really good. I like it.
Good idea about interpreting. I will try it.
Good write–my first time here
)) I’ll browse more of your site.