Project Lyrical Genius

Jessica's Analysis

I have to admit, when I first read the lyrics, I assumed something much different than what the song actually is. This sounds like something the group 3oh!3 would sing. Anyways, it's hilarious. I wish I could do all of these things like a boss. By the way, you should check out the full lyrics. It's pretty funny.Here's the breakdown: Well, basically, it's performance review day and the boss's turn. You find out just what an average day as the boss is like... and I'm sure it's not at all like you'd imagine. My favorite line: "Uh huh. So that's an average day for you, then? (Yup.) You chop your balls off and die? (Hell yeah!) And somewhere in there you said you sucked your own dick? (Nope.) Umm, I'm pretty sure you did... (Naw. That's not me.)" Great stuff. Side note- I personally love Russians. Just a lyric, friends.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

"...fool, your royal penis is clean!"

"They give me hugs and lots of kisses and they ask me what my wish is. I say, 'Go and call your bitches 'cause there's gonna be a party.' Next they wash my body as a team, and then they say, 'Fool, your royal penis is clean!' and I'm like yes."

Song information:

Title: Yes

Artist: LMFAO

Album: Party Rock (2009)

Jessica's Analysis

Every time I hear this song, it reminds me of two white guys from my school rapping and beat-boxing to this song every chance they got. A great feel-good song from Redfoo and Sky Blu, AKA LMFAO. If you're not tech/text savvy, LMFAO is an acronym for "laugh my fucking ass off." Apparently the cousins got the name from a conversation with their grandma. Sounds interesting! Here's the breakdown: It's a little story. The character talks about how hard it is to be humble when he dives in his pool, is greeted by 'two naked models with suds on their booties,' is then tag-team-washed and told that his "royal penis" (no guy I know would be disappointed with having their penis called royal!!) was clean! The next verse is about the character 'waking up next to a beautiful girl,' Grandma cooking pancakes, checking myspace and receiving friend requests (yes!), dancing through a mansion, and his band going double-platinum. What a great day!

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"You were always where the sun would never go..."

"You were always where the sun could never go; I never wanted you to have to be alone, but I couldn't find a way to help you grow, black rose."

Song information:

Title: Black Rose

Artist: Trapt

Album: Only Through The Pain (2008)

Jessica's Analysis

This song paints a picture of emotional turmoil and abuse. It's one of Trapt's softer arrangements, and another about parasitic relationships. Personally, I can relate to this song and I think a lot of others can, as well. My pick for favorite lyric of the song goes to... "Your thorns are cutting into me for the last time." Sometime's you have to remove yourself from sticky situation no matter how it feels. Who knows how long it would've taken me to figure this out without music! Here's the breakdown: here's the scenario we're looking at here. In a relationship, one person is always depressed. The other loves them and wants them to be happy, but as it goes with relationships, the mood is contagious. If you've ever been in a similar situation, you know how difficult it can be to cheer someone up when you're down yourself. "I tried to save you from yourself; I felt every high and low, but the lows have drowned the highs away. Now there's nowhere left to go." The garden references are an interesting touch-- the rose symbolizing love in the relationship, "you were always where the sun could never go... couldn't find a way to help you grow...," etc. If you need a little extra strength to get through a hard relationship, this could be a good song for you.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"Maybe it's time to put this..."

"Maybe it's time to put this pussy on your sideburns..."

Song information:
Title: Bed Rock
Artist: Young Money ft. Lloyd (Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Manaj, Tyga, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda)
Album: We Are Young Money (2009)

View Complete Lyrics

Song and Video

Jessica's Analysis

If you've turned on the radio in the past six months, chances are you've heard this song. A collaboration group called Young Money, including Lil' Wayne, Drake, Nicki Manaj, Tyga, Jae Millz, and Gudda Gudda, hit the jackpot with this promiscuous tune. Here's the breakdown: Quite frankly, this song is about sex. The song plays with words with references to the Flinstones (in the '60s TV show, the Flinstones, the family lived in the Stone Age era in a town called "Bedrock"). The sexual references in this song are abundant, but I won't go into detail. (If someone else would like to, you're more than welcome!)

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

Monday, July 12, 2010

"Whatever it is you need, I pray I am."

"You mean everything; there are not quite words enough to tell you all the things that you've become to me. ...Whatever it is you need, I pray I am."

Song information:

Tile: Headlights on the Highway

Artist: Ron Pope

Album: Hello, Love (2008)

Jessica's Analysis

Another sappy love song, only this time, by vocal genius Ron Pope. (Definitely in the Top Ten of Sexy Men. For sure.) Acoustic feel, beautiful man... uh, I mean voice... and overall just a great, sweet song. Here's the breakdown: Boy loves girl. Boy writes song for girl that says boy would do anything for her, and whatever she needs, he really hopes he can be. Boy can't figure out what to name said song, so he randomly incorporates the first thing he sees... headlights on the highway. Vwaaaah-la. Okay, so I pretty much made that last part up. But hey, you get the idea!

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"...I don't remember how they got there, but I guess I must've killed 'em."

"It's 3 A.M. in the morning, put my key in the door; there's bodies layin' all over the floor, and I don't remember how they got there but I guess I must've killed 'em, killed 'em."

Song information:

Title: 3 A.M.

Artist: Eminem

Album: Relapse (2009)

Jessica's Analysis

Oh, Marshall Mathers. Such an idol for so many kids who don't have anything: but with a song like this, parents find that frightening. Kids just think it's freakin' awesome. Twisted, disgusting, scary lyrics, a message that includes drugs, serial murder, cannibalism, and masturbation... and parents wonder why their children love Eminem! Here's the breakdown: First, Eminem points the picture of himself as a coroner at a hospital. He knows what he wants: "all he wants is to kill you in front of an audience while everyone is watching in the party, applauding it." He talks about stealing drugs from the hospital, careful to get every last powdery grain, and then flashes to "wake up naked in McDonald's with blood all over my hands, dead bodies behind the counter. Guess I must have just blacked out again... shit, not again!" The next morning, he wakes up (at noon) and masturbates to Hannah Montana before heading out. He talks about using more drugs, then talks about how messed up he is, and then sings the chorus again. The lyric "It puts the lotion on the skin..." is a reference to an old horror movie, The Silence of Lambs. (If this analysis isn't making any sense, follow along with me in the lyrics or the video.) Once again, we talk about drugs accompanied by alcohol this time, and then we launch into a memory about the first time our character has 'dismantled' a family member. The rest is fairly self explanatory.

*This is a perfect example of the healing power's of music. Marshall Mathers (Eminem) is clearly not a serial murderer. What he does have, though, is anger, like every other human being. For most musicians, lyrics are a safe outlet for our emotions.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"I was born to tell you I love you."

"I was born to tell you I love you, and I am torn to do what I have to."

Song information:

Title: Your Call

Artist: Secondhand Serenade

Album: A Twist in My Story (2008)

Jessica's Analysis

This song is just so darn mushy! For someone like me, it's a little overboard in the mush, but a lot of people love this song. It's a very heartfelt song between lovers with a gorgeous melody and excellent vocal quality. Here's the breakdown: The character singing the song is away from home and is an emotional mess. ("Waiting for your call I'm sick, call I'm angry, call I'm desperate...") He/she is recalling memories and playing the couple's favorite song on repeat. I believe the next verse is about sex, or at least physical closeness, ("You and me, flesh to flesh, 'cause every breath that you will take when you are sitting next to me will bring life into my deepest hopes. What's your fantasy?") and then the song finishes out with a thought that all of this loneliness makes the character want to go home to the object of his/her affections/desires.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"If you can wait 'til I get home..."

"If you can wait 'til I get home, then I swear, come tomorrow, this will all we in our past. It might be for the best."

Song information:

Title: If It Means A Lot to You

Artist: A Day to Remember (ft. Sierra Kusterbeck)

Album: Homesick (2009)

Jessica's Analysis

This song is pretty epic. I have no idea why I like it so much, but I for sure do. I like the chanted "la-la"s, I like the mixture of voices, I like the melody, I just like everything! Well done, ADtR, well done. By the way, for some reason, so many people think the female singer in this song is Hayley Williams from Paramore, but it's Sierra Kusterbeck of VersaEmerge. Here's the breakdown: I always laugh when I hear couples saying this is 'their song' because it's not about a happy relationship. "...this will all be in our past, and it might be for the best," implies that they knew it wasn't the best relationship. They want to make it work, but they just can't. At the end of the song, the female ends the relationship, "...even though you mean so much to me..." The male's heart is clearly broken, "I swear I'll never be happy again, and don't you dare say 'we can just be friends,'" but, "we knew it'd happen eventually." But at the end of the day, "everybody's singing la, la-la-la, la-la-la." Such a great song!

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"Hold your own, know your name, and go your own way."

Song information:

Title: Details in the Fabric

Artist: Jason Mraz (ft. James Morrison)

Album: We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. (2008)

Jessica's Analysis

This is a very calming song. Jason Mraz proves his depth with this gorgeous song. If you haven't heard it, I recommend you give it a listen. A strong message with a mellow musicality. Here's the breakdown: I think the song was written to help people when they're having a hard time. The lyric "If it's a broken part, replace it; if it's a broken arm, then brace it; if it's a broken heart, then face it," lets you know it may not be advice that you WANT to hear, but possibly advice that you need to. The title lyric is meaningful to me personally because those three phrases are ones that I live by. Is there a song that sums that up for you?

Please understand that my opinions don't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

"Sing me anything."

"Sing me something soft, sad and delicate, or loud and out of key; sing me anything."

Song information:

Title: Existentialism on Prom Night

Artist: Straylight Run

Album/Year: Straylight Run (2004)

Jessica's Analysis

I love this song, though it does kind of jump on the "pointless-song-name" bandwagon. But then again... the song title is part of my intrigue. Beautiful piano, raspy vocals, awesome lyrics... it's a winner. Here's the breakdown: Two of the three originally band members of Straylight Run were members (and are again members) of the punk band Taking Back Sunday. Straylight Run is a side project of the singer and guitarist, who felt like songs they had written didn't fit with TBS's musical styles. Existentialism, by Webster's definition: A philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts. In terms we can understand, existentialism means that a person is responsible for giving his/her life meaning. If you'd like to do some research on the subject, here's the Wiki. So, the title of the song would be referring to making your own decisions, and then being responsible for them. Though that's very admirable and a dandy quote, it has little, if any, connection to the lyrics of the song. I love love love the lyrics above, though, and the entire song. Pretty self explanatory... "Sing like no one's listening; you would kill for this." Beautiful.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

Friday, July 9, 2010

"I'm just calling one last time not to change your mind..."

"I'm just calling one last time not to change your mind, just to tell you that I miss you, baby, good luck, goodbye."

Song information:

Title: Bobby Jean

Artist: Bruce Springsteen

Album/Year: Born in the U.S.A. (1984)

View Complete Lyrics

Song and Video

Acoustic Version of Song

Jessica's Analysis

Killer saxophone solos, as always from the Boss. Heartfelt lyrics and a sweet rock beat make this mid '80s song pretty "ace!" (Thank you to this site for the '80s lingo!) From what I hear, this song is a lot of people's all time favorite Bruce Springsteen song. Here's the breakdown: Apparently, this song was written for Springsteen's long time friend and band member Stevie Van Zandt. I also believe that, as is the power of music, you can apply it to whatever part of your life you need it. A best friend, a significant other, a family member, whatever. I've read that Springsteen wrote this as a tribute to a friend that he lost in Vietnam, and therefore the song is an anti-war message. What do you think?

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"I bet you laugh at the thought of me thinking for myself..."

"I bet you laugh at the thought of me thinking for myself. I bet you believe that I'm better off with you than someone else."

Song information:

Title: My Heroine

Artist: Silverstein

Album/Year: Discovering the Waterfront (2006)

Jessica's Analysis

I like this song's use of irony and how it plays with words. I'll admit, though, I like the acoustic version a thousand times better. I think it more appropriately matches the lyrics. Great lyrics, cool song, good band. Sadly, too many people can relate to this. But hey, that's what music is all about! Here's the breakdown: The song is about a parasitic relationship. The character compares his/her significant other to heroin. The play on words, however, is that they spell it "heroine," as in a female hero. Which brings up the irony: the female hero is the parasitic drug. At the end of the song, the character realizes this: "But under your cover's more torture than pleasure, and just past your lips there's more anger than laughter. Not now or forever will I ever change you; I know that, to go on, I'm breaking my habit." Happy ending!

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

A lap dance is so much better when..."

"I had picked up this hitchhiker that was sweatin' gallons through a pair of Daisy Duke cut-offs and one of those Fruit Of The Loom tank-tops. Well, that night I lost myself to ruby red lips, milky white skin and baby blue eyes. Name was Russell.

Yes, a lap dance is so much better when the stripper's cryin'."

Song information:

Title: A Lap Dance is So Much Better When the Stripper's Cryin'

Artist: Bloodhound Gang

Album: Hooray for Boobies! (1999)

Jessica's Analysis

Oh, jeez, this song. It's difficult to not laugh at this outrageous song, but I know that I personally always feel dirty after it gets through. If you read the full lyrics, all the way to the end, you'll know why. Funny song, but I digress. Here's the breakdown: The character is very lonely and... sexually deprived. He reminisces about his last "encounter" involving a hitchhiker named Russell. After the chorus, he goes out and gets himself a prostitute. Her name is Bambi. He makes several very lewd and vulgar remarks based on her name among other things before they part ways. A few days later, he sees Bambi staring at him from the back of a milk carton. (Missing children's pictures are printed on the back of milk cartons.) He finishes the song out with a chorus.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

"Here it comes, get ready to die!"

"I don't need this shit, you stupid, sadistic, abusive fucking whore! Do you want to see how it feels, Mommy? Here it comes, get ready to die!"

Song information:

Title: Down With the Sickness

Artist: Disturbed

Album/Year: The Sickness (2001)

Jessica's Analysis

What a song. For someone in this situation, I would imagine this song is very powerful and possibly triggering, yet an awesome outlet for what they're feeling. Metal beat and guitars, the famous scream, and the blatant use of lyrics makes Disturbed's "Down With the Sickness" a metal favorite for all time. Here's the breakdown: Basically, the character is remembering his childhood experiences with child abuse brought about by his mother. At the end of the song, he gets into a state where he's reliving the memories but instead of just taking it like he did when he was a kid, he fights her back. "Get ready to die!" could mean he kills her, or just wants to. In my opinion, this song is a flashback and does not imply that a little boy killed his mother due to neglect. Not too many little kids I know use that kind of language (which could show what kind of childhood upbringing -I- had). All in all, the famous child abuse tale still rocks the world of all in need of it today.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"Music and singing have been my refuge..."

"But music and singing have been my refuge, and music and singing shall be my light."

Song information:

Title: Earth Song

Artist: Frank Ticheli

Album/Year: N/A

Song, Video, and Lyrics

Jessica's Analysis

It takes a certain attention-span and maturity to appreciate Frank Ticheli. Stylistically what most would categorize as classical, "Earth Song" is beautiful. Written for large group choruses, the piece has beautiful harmony, dynamics, and musicianship. Here's the breakdown: Lyrically, the song is about the impact music has had on a life. Music and singing have been his/her refuge, and music and singing shall be his/her light. For me, this is very true. Though it may not seem like the most interesting song in the word, give it a shot. You might be surprised what you appreciate when you give yourself a chance.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'all all learn a little somethin'.

"I'd break my silence if I believed..."

"But I'd break my silence if I believed that you and me could ever be more than what's been behind us."

Song information:

Title:White Balloons

Artist: Sick Puppies

Album/Year: Tri-Polar (2009)

Jessica's Analysis

Not surprisingly, I love this song. I love the Sick Puppies, but "White Balloons" adds a new spice by featuring their bassist, Emma Anzai, on vocals. The mix of a soft, melodic-acoustic feeling and the normal hard-rock feel of the band is great. Meaningful lyrics+great music=a stellar song. Here's the breakdown: First, I think there is symbolism in the fact that the balloons are white. Many people think of white as the color of holiness and purity, therefore Heaven and God. 'Angels, lift me' supports this evidence. I also think this song is reaching out to someone(possibly a god, though they're not an overly religious band) after a series of rejections or trials. The character has tried on all his 'faces' and now 'nobody sees' him/her. The character is reaching out to find someone to will see them for who they are. Also, the writer compares the character to contradicting weather. (See full lyrics)

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"If there's one thing I hope I've showed you- just give love to all."

"If there's one thing I hope I've showed you-- just give love to all."

Song information:

Title: Lullaby

Artist: Creed

Album/Year: Weathered (2001)

Jessica's Analysis

"Lullaby" is a very pretty song. As always with Creed, the guitar chords and riffs are spectacular, the vocals are original, and the lyrics send a message. Beautiful! Here's the breakdown: This song can be interpreted one of two ways. Because the character calls the object of the song his "love," you can take this as a literal translation about relationships. Also, this could be referring to a child/parent relationship. ('If there's one thing I hope I've shown you' implies that there has been seniority.) It has a good message though- just give love to all.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

"I mean, come on; it's not like we've known ourselves that long..."

"Have you ever had the sense that we've been lying just a little? I mean, come on; it's not like we've known ourselves that long."

Song information:

Title: Tracing

Artist: John Mayer

Album/Year: Bigger Than My Body (Australia Single) (2004)

Jessica's Analysis

This song is pretty dang rare. It's worth the hunt. John Mayer is definitely in the top 3 of my "sexiest men alive" list... just a side note. The song is genius. "Tracing" is characteristically John Mayer: acoustic base, amazing vocals, and incredible lyrics. Here's the breakdown: I believe this song is about moving into a relationship too fast. 'Do you ever get the feeling that we started in the middle,' and 'I can't say I really blame you with being bored with the beginning' imply that the relationship bypassed some important precursors. Also, 'there's a reason strong moves slow' says that the character speaking is somewhat uncomfortable with it. The title lyric of this post says that they know they're not really in love, but they keep lying to themselves because they want to be, not to mention that they're young and barely know themselves. Another strong lyric in the song is "I found I never learned your number; I only stored it in my phone. You'd think by now I'd know the shape of calling home."

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"We all flirt with the tiniest notion..."

"We all flirt with the tiniest notion of self conclusion in one simplified motion; you see, the trick is that you're never supposed to act on it, no matter how unbearable this misery gets."

Song information:

Title: Self Conclusion

Artist: The Spill Canvas

Album/Year: One Fell Swoop (2005)

Jessica's Analysis

Though this song is about hope, it is quite depressing. Beautiful, thoughtful, well written, but depressing. Musically, it's one of my favorite acoustic songs by The Spill Canvas. It's definitely worth reading through the complete lyrics. Here's the breakdown: I highly recommend reading the complete lyrics. The lyrics tell a story. A lot of people miss the opening lyrics because they're low in volume. First, as if in a playwright, the stage is set ('enter beautiful girl'), etc. Then the lyrics go through the two characters' conversations. You find out the female is on the cliff to commit suicide, and the male character is trying to advise her against it by offering the ultimatum: 'instead of dying, living with me.' Later in the lyrics, you realize that he, too, was planning to commit suicide but together they overcome the urges.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"We all have that face that we hide away forever..."

"We all have that face that we hide away forever, and we take them out and show ourselves when everyone has gone."

Song information:

Title: The Stranger

Artist: Billy Joel

Album/Year: The Stranger (1977)

Jessica's Analysis

I like this song a lot. Though much before my time, the lyrics stand true today. The jazzy beginning with that haunting whistle (and who can help but whistle along?) turns into a rockin' guitar and rock backbeat. Amazing. Way to go, Piano Man. Here's the breakdown: The lyrics are so true. We have several different 'faces' or personalities that we keep hidden or only show to certain groups or people. (E.g.-Around your mother you may a completely different person than you are when you're around your drinking buddies.) In my opinion, the character in "The Stranger" has lost his/her lover because they couldn't open up enough to each other to share their other 'faces,' so they felt disconnected. Another thing I think the song is saying is that we tend to hide those 'faces' because they don't seem socially/politically acceptable. I think by saying 'he isn't always evil and he isn't always wrong,' he/she's saying that it's alright to be whoever you are wherever you are, because you might be hurting yourself more than helping.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"I woke up this morning with a bad hangover, and my penis was missing again..."

"I woke up this morning with a bad hangover, and my penis was missing again. It happens all the time... it's detachable."

Song information:

Title: Detachable Penis

Artist: King Missile

Album/Year: Happy Hour (1992)

Jessica's Analysis

Ahhhh, "Detachable Penis." I highly recommend reading the full lyrics and listening to the song. This song cracks me up every single time I hear it. The musical style is has the expected '90s sound. Very, very funny. Here's the breakdown: Some guy has a detachable penis. He tells you the pros and cons of his detachable penis, (e.g.- he can leave it home when he thinks it might get him in trouble, but when he loses it he has to sit down to use the restroom) and walks you through his latest adventure of finding it after a wild night of drinking. Again, highly recommend full lyrics and video.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"The drugs you use as a place to hide; this will end bad if you don't get this right..."

"The drugs you use as a place to hide; this will end bad if you don't get this right. I got this- I don't need you."

Song information:

Title: The Party Song

Artist: Emery

Album/Year: I'm Only A Man (2007)

Jessica's Analysis

No one ever said Emery was good with grammar. (should be 'this will end badly,' but hey.) I've found several sites with conflicting lyrics in this song, so I chose the ones that made the most sense to me. Emery is a Christian rock band, and I think this song represents that well. It's catchy, edgy, and easily flowing. The lyrics are deep and applicable for most people. Here's the breakdown: This song is somewhat confusing to me. I believe (and feel free to correct me) that both characters thoughts/words are in the lyrics. Supporting evidence: 'this will end bad if you don't don't get this right' straight into 'I got this, I don't need you.' This sounds like a warning and then an 'I can handle this, leave me to my drinking.' Also, the song talks about the partier stealing money from her mother's purse and how she should be ashamed and then goes straight into, don't sit there judging me/you'd be the same if you only knew, etc. The song specifies the partier's cause for the alcohol/drug use as a the death of her father.

Please understand that my opinions don't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"I'm the voice inside your head that you refuse to hear..."

"I'm the voice inside your head that you refuse to hear; I'm the face that you have to face, mirrored in your stare. I'm what's left, I'm what's right, I'm the enemy; I'm the hand that will take you down, bring you to your knees."

Song information:

Title: Pretender

Artist: The Foo Fighters

Album/Year: Echoes, Silence, Patience, & Grace (2007)

Jessica's Analysis

To start with, the video for this song is awesome. The lyrics are powerful, and The Foo just... rocks, hardcore. (Pun intended!) I love the way the volume builds in this song, though most media players edit the sound due to sensitivity of speakers, etc. I also love the irony in the lyrics ('I'm what's left, I'm what's right'-- directions, but meant as 'I'm the only one left, and I'm what's morally sound'). All in all, it's a good one. Here's the breakdown: We all know someone that we absolutely can't stand because they're beyond fake. If it's someone you care about, you've probably tried to talk some sense into them (most likely to no avail.) This song is to that person, the 'pretender.' 'I'm the voice inside your head that you refuse to hear; I'm the face that you have to face, mirrored in your stare' indicates that the person was once just like you and they know you see through them, but they just don't care. A very good song.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"If you can't trust the wind, who can you trust?..."

"If you can't trust the wind, who can you trust? If you can't love sin, who can you love?"

Song information:

Title: Dust

Artist: Augustana

Album/Year: Can't Love, Can't Hurt (2008)

Jessica's Analysis

I like this song, but it's kind of a bummer. The vocal harmony at the beginning is amazing, and I love the unique style of Dan Layus' voice. "Dust" shows that Augustana has diversity as well as talent. Here's the breakdown: The character's faith in God has been diminished because, I would assume, of unanswered prayers and doubts. All the questions in the song signify doubts and questions that have contributed to his falling out of faith.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

"With the lights out, it's less dangerous; here we are now, entertain us!"

"With the lights out, it's less dangerous; here we are now, entertain us! I feel stupid and contagious; here we are now, entertain us! I'm mulatto, I'm albino, a mosquito, my libido, yeah!"

Song information:

Title: Smells Like Teen Spirit

Artist: Nirvana

Album/Year: Nevermind (1991)

Jessica's Analysis

You have to love the classics. Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is a symbol of teen angst passed on from generation to generation. Arguably one of the top three greatest rock songs in the history of the genre, the '90s hit transcends time. Though not a fan of drug use, I was (years after his death) a fan of Kurt Cobain. Cheers to a great song and a great band. Here's the breakdown: What but sex, stereotypes, dangerous games, and good friends could 'teen spirit' smell like? [Note: Basic stereotyping based on the song. I know not all kids revolve around these things, just as all grandparents don't drive 30 m.p.h.] I think this song is about kids getting stoned, playing games to the likes of Russian Roulette with guns, and getting down. Anyone with a different opinion?

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"We feed on the irony, we drink hypocrisy..."

"We are earthquakes, we are tidal waves, we're destruction at its finest; yeah, we're lava in the caves. We feed on the irony, we drink hypocrisy, we are everything we hate and need."

Song information:

Title: Reckless Abandonment

Artist: The Spill Canvas

Album/Year: No Really, I'm Fine (2007)

Jessica's Analysis

This song appeals to my rebellious side. The guitar riffs throughout the song are awesome. This could be another song that gets you psyched. The Spill Canvas does both rock and acoustic extremely well. Kudos! Here's the breakdown: I think this song was written to the hypocrites of the world, which is most of us at one point or another. 'We feed on the irony, we drink hypocrisy, we are everything we hate and need' says just that. We feed on the irony and drink the hypocrisy that we all say we hate but obviously think we need. Example: An artist that sings constantly about promiscuity is in fact celibate. In this example, of course, we must take into account freedom of speech and being able to express parts of yourself through lyrics that you might otherwise not have a chance to. Just food for thought.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

Monday, July 5, 2010

"Have you ever been alone in a crowded room?"

"Have you ever been alone in a crowded room? When I'm here with you, I say the world could be burning down."

Song information:

Title: Dark Blue

Artist: Jack's Mannequin

Album/Year: Everything in Transit (2005)

Jessica's Analysis

The second I heard this song, I loved it. The lyrics are deep and clever, the music is catchy, and it stylistically matches up. The acoustic version is also astounding. Nevertheless, I was quite excited when this lyric was submitted. Another one of my favorite lyrics from this song is "I'll wait for the ambulance to come pick us up off the floor; what did you possibly expect under this condition?" Here's the breakdown: To me, this song is about the end of the world as we know it. (I'd assume by way of flood--'dark blue,' 'the water rising up,' 'this flood,' 'when the water reached the West Coast,' etc.), and about two lovers caught in their little cliche moment right smack-dab in the middle of it. Sort of romantic, in a sick way.

Please understand that my opinion doesn't have to be yours. If you disagree, strike up a conversation about it! That's the design of the Project. We'll all learn a little somethin'.

"Let me hear your battle cry tonight."

"Everybody with your fists held high; let me hear your battle cry tonight!"

Song Information
Title: Frontline
Artist: Pillar
Album/Year: Where Do We Go From Here? (2004)