the general

Shifting from a relentless war hero to a sudden epiphany depicting the enemy as much like himself, Dispatch in “The General” employs distinctive imagery, loyal tone, and the juxtaposition of the General’s unwavering valor and gladiatorial prowess to a sense of compassion and understanding that exemplifies his sudden realization that the enemy is no different from them and “that this fight is not worth fighting.”

            Throughout the entirety of the song, Dispatch utilizes loyal tone by expressing the respect the troops have for their General, to their reaction after hearing the decision not to fight was rendered.  In several instances, Dispatch brings to the surface loyal tone in the way the men carry themselves.  “All the men held tall with their chests in the air, with courage in their blood and a fire in their stare” showing just how ready this troop was to give their all to the man they hold so highly in their mind. 

            Dispatch also applies distinctive imagery throughout the song to further entice the listener to feel the emotions and actions that the men felt. “Not a man moved, their eyes gazed straight ahead till one by one they stepped back and not a word was said… he then prepared to fight.” Through these images Dispatch is able to convey, to the listener just how much respect the troops had for their tremendous and dedicated General.

            Lastly Dispatch uses the juxtaposition of a “decorated General with a heart of gold” to a man who, “tossed in his sleep and wrestled with its meaning” to verbalize the change in him from “a seasoned veteran” to a sympathetic man of compassion. This juxtaposition sets up the listener for the unexpected change from a violent and animalistic war to respectful surrendering to the enemy in order to save men’s lives and mother’s hearts.

            With distinctive imagery, loyal tone, and contradictory juxtaposition, Dispatch drives home the point that we are all the same, from a decorated general with battle wounds and medals to show his prowess to the common soldier awaiting his orders.

           

Funny the way it is

            Shifting from a melancholy tone to one of solemn recollection in “Funny The Way it is,” Dave Matthews Band uses captivating hyperbole, depressing irony, and the juxtaposition of positive and negative situations in order to convey the idea that while some people flourish, others fail, showing that life isn’t fair and it truly is, “funny the way it is.” 

            Through out the entirety of the song Dave Matthews uses captivating hyperbole in order to draw the listener into analyzing each line in depth and to understand exactly how bad a situation could possibly be.  In several different instances, Dave Matthews contradicts himself to create a sense of uneasiness in the listener.  “Lying in the park on a beautiful day Sunshine in the grass, and the children play Siren’s passing, fire engine red Someone’s house is burning down on a day like this” this quote exemplifies Dave Matthews contradictory style that captivates the reader using dramatic and over the top hyperbole.

            Dave Matthews also uses depressing irony to lull the listener into a knock out statement,  “One kid walks 10 miles to school, another’s dropping out Funny the way it is, not right or wrong On a soldier’s last breath his baby’s being born.” This quote shows about as dramatic of a situation as he possibly could have.  This shows just how awful a predicament can be and to cherish every moment you have.  You never know when you could be taking your “last breath.”

            Lastly, Dave Matthews uses positive and negative juxtaposition to confuse the listener and to keep them on their toes waiting for the next solemn line to further drive home his point.  Do not take life for granted.  The juxtaposition of “Somebody’s heart is broken and it becomes your favorite song” gives extra emphasis on his disturbing lyrics.  This adds to the depth of Dave’s song and makes it more substantial and much more memorable.  

            With captivating hyperbole, depressing irony, and contradictory juxtaposition, Dave Matthews’s drives home the point that life is a gift and you should treasure each great moment as if it is your last, making life truly “funny the way it is.”

new top 100 crappy songs.

Of the top 100 songs currently, I knew no more than 15 of them, and could tolerate far less. The vast majority of the top 100 songs use sexual references, catchy rhythms, and keeps up with new musical fads such as techno beats and electric tones. In the songs "Sexy and I Know it" by LMFAO, "You and I" by Lady Gaga, and Cheers (drink to that) by Rihanna, all three songs use sexual references to persuade listeners from this sex driven generation to tune in, listen, and buy their songs. The use of catchy rhythms ingrain the musical beat into your head and hooks you onto its beat. One listen and your infected. Lastly new songs in general as well as these songs use techno tones that ruin your day by constantly beating inside your head for hours. Almost like another listen will cure you of your newly acquired “sickness.”

jack johnson

Lyrics to Staple It Together:Its really
Too bad
He became a prisoner of his own past
He stabbed a moment in the back
With a brown thumb tack
That held up the list of things he gotta do
Its really,
No good
He's moving on before he understood
He shot the future in the foot with every step it took
From the faces that he knew cause he forgot to look
Better staple it together and call it bad weather
Staple it together and call it bad weather X3
Mm hmm

Well I guess you could say
That he dont even know where to begin
Cause he looked both ways but he was so afraid
Diggin deeper through the ditch
Lyrics www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/jack_johnson/
With every chance he missed
And the mess he made
Cause hate is such a strong word
And every brick he laid
A mistake they say
That his walls are getting taller
His world is getting smaller

Better staple it together and call it bad weather
Staple it together and call it bad weather X3
Mm hmm

Whoo

Its really
Too bad
He became a prisoner of his own past
He stabbed a moment in the back
With a brown thumb tack
That held up the list of things he gotta do
Its really,
No good
Hes moving on before he understood
He shot the future in the foot with every step it took
From the faces that he knew cause he forgot to look

Better staple it together and call it bad weather
Staple it together and call it bad weather X3

If the weather is better
We should get together
Spend a little time and we can do whatever
And if we get together we'll be twice as clever
So, staple it together and call it bad weather, mm hmmm