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Modern song lyrics have become increasingly reflective of modern day societal issues and personal opinions that otherwise would not be vocalised. ... However, the artists have imparted a mammoth amount of talent to be able to put these issues into words while also making the lyrics somewhat cryptic, creative and cajoling. Protest songs are written often with tender and beautiful language. Societal issue songs are written in a cryptic and enigmatic manner, and controversial issues and opinions are given cacophonous music and unashamed, palpable lyrics to convey their messages. ... The two main points concerning lyrics as poetry that will be discussed henceforth are techniques and meaning.
Lyricists of deep and meaningful songs have often endured much hardship, and more often than not, the best songwriters are those with much life experience. An example of one such lyricist is the lead vocalist of German industrial rock band Rammstein. Till Lindemann, who recently celebrated his forty-first birthday and the release of his latest book of poetry, is a talented, cryptic and often harrowing writer. Some of Rammstein’s songs, all of which are written by Till, are out of the ordinary and certainly not something that, if in English, would be readily heard on the radio. Although their songs are very original, and occasionally violent or evocative, much of Till’s writing reflects life experiences. ...
Another band that displays heavy use of metaphor, symbolism, and speaks out about various issues is Live. ... The lyricist, Ed Kowalczyk, is another artist who has seen much of the world and is able to use his life experiences in various situations as subject matter for his songs. In comparison to Till Lindemann, Ed Kowalczyk is far more eloquent and articulate in the manner in which he writes his songs. His use of metaphors, tone and unique poetry make Live’s songs far more dramatic, distinct and poignant. ... The next line, “you have the power to believe”, is one of the many affirmations used throughout the songs. ... By using this technique of repetition, he reiterates that others should not influence one’s personal beliefs if one is content with one’s own beliefs. ...
Another of their songs that holds a very deep meaning is “Like A Soldier”. ... By using the line “In God we trust” he points some of the blame towards America, as does the line “show me a one dollar bill that hasn’t passed through the cuss. ... By using this line, he declares that no matter what happens, he will somehow cause a revolution and regain America’s former “true” glory.
The second stanza begins to include the audience by using the personal pronoun “we”. ... “Still I gotta live my life here with some scary brethren, but now I’m a rebel on a mission baby, to live and die by my smile” explains to the addressees that although the revelation was beautiful, he had to put the “greater truth” to use, and live amongst the capitalists, which he describes as the “scary brethren”. He expands upon this and further explains that he is a dissident who must use that truth to change the world, even if it means his death (hence the line “to live and die by my smile”). ... He then claims that he will “live to be a hundred and sixty-four”. ... The reference to a midget growing from the North Pole to Mexico is a metaphor, using a midget as the representative image of a minority of people (possibly himself and those who follow what he says) as growing to a mammoth dimension, eventually encompassing the world. ...
One of their earlier songs, T. ... This furthermore illustrates Live’s consistency with content. Many of their songs are politically or religiously concerned, and moreover, all of them hold a deep meaning that is being conveyed to the listener. ... He then includes the audience, using the personal pronoun “you”, and requests that they read something “word for word loud and clear”. ... This piece of the lyrics indicates that we should not just blindly accept everything we do, but we should think for ourselves, which is the main issue of the song. ... Lindemann manages to make himself heard by using shock tactics, whereas Kowalczyk uses eloquent metaphorical language to express himself.
Approximate Word count = 3789
Approximate Pages = 15.2
(250 words per page double spaced)
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