Short Story #1

Once Upon A Dream

Water is dripping from the concrete slabs that encompass this tiny hole. The lights are continuously flickering without end; driving me mad. No one is around; no one can hear me. My voice is hoarse from screaming; they should know I didn’t mean it; it was not my fault. All I see is his face, the look of horror permanently stained on his perfectly sculpted structure. His eyes were red and puffy from tears, all he whispered to me was words of hate and regret. He didn’t know what to think of me; what to say. In my mind it seemed right at the time, how could it all go wrong?

We were once walking through the forest that surrounded the town, so happy and not caring about what lays beyond our eyes. He knew what we were doing was wrong, but he did not care as long as we were together. His parents would understand, learn to accept me. We had many conversations of what our life would be like together, how it would work, but we never really came to any conclusions. It just seemed impossible, but as long as we had each other and our love we knew something would have to happen.

He had a plan, that when we told his parents about us they will have one of two reactions. If they decide to be joyous for us then we will stay and live as one big happy family, but if they reacted badly we would run away together. He knew running away would not be so easy; practically everyone in the country knew his face, but we would make it happen. Over and over he would reassure me that no matter what occurred we would find a way to be together; he did not care how long it would take; he would give up his crown for me.

It was settled, we were going to tell his parents that we were to be wed that evening. Everything was in place; if they refused to agree we would run away in the carriage that awaited us. It was a real prince charming moment for me; he really was going to give up his entire life just to be with me. We had a dream; and it was going to become our reality.

Everything went wrong. I can’t even think about it; all I see in my mind is streaks of blood running down the walls. Those eyes; those eyes that bulged out towards me, riddled with murderous anxiety. Through a wrenched, chocked voice she screamed, “Look at me!” repeatedly as she stabbed the sword viciously through their chests. She seemed drugged, delirious, anything but normal. As she stared at the corpses she solemnly mumbled, “I did it for us.” Everything was spinning, the dry walls, the soiled carpet, the broken glass, the shattered mirrors; everything but her. She stood still, staring at me in a twisted way with the corners of her lips curling into a devious smile.

In an instant she disappeared. Everything stopped spinning. I looked down at my hands to see my blood soaked garments, blood still dripping from my cold hands. My pulse was racing, my heart pumped as if it was being ripped from my body; sweat poured down my face. I was running, just running; I could not stop. He caught me forcing my body to a whipping halt. “Why?” was all he said, he did not understand; I do not understand.

As I lay here staring up at the white washed ceiling, all I can think was it was only just a dream, or was it?

Song Analysis #2

Song Analysis #2 “Part of Your World” by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman

Imagine a life under a river, under a lake, even under a sea not knowing what life was like above the water. Being kept away from a society so close to one’s own, but never having the opportunity to experience their life, has an effect on one’s emotions. The longing, the dreaming put into seeing things that can never be apart of one’s own world inspires hopes that can lead to rebellion. The unseen oppression of one’s parents keeping a daughter away from a part of society that they do not understand brings unanswered questions of what the world really consists of. In the Disney film, The Little Mermaid, illustrates hidden meanings through figurative language that teaches children morales of life in a simple manner. The main theme of the movie is that it is all right to stand up for what one wants, to have dreams for the future, to not let anyone prevent those dreams from coming true. Dreaming of a foreign life within the lyrical composition, “Part of Your World” by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman creates an astounding song by using figurative language as well as appealing to the emotions to portray the dreams of the Little Mermaid.

The song in it’s entirety compiles a series of figurative speech and rhetorical devices that are used for points of emphasis. Question after question is asked by the speaker, however, they are all rhetorical questions that do not require an answer as in, “What’s a fire, and why does it-what’s the word? Burn” (VIII: 40). This affect makes the audience feel as if they are incorporated into the song due to being asked directly creating a connection between the audience and speaker. “Love to explore that shore up above” (IX:43) is an exemplary example of a synecdoche due to the real intention of exploring the world and not only just the shore. The shore represents only part of what she desires; her mind is set on expanding her knowledge of the world above. Not uncommonly found in a children’s song is complementary alliteration and assonance that create a memorable tune, which Menken and Ashman portray in almost every verse. The content of the lyrics focus on everyday actions that even the smallest of children can comprehend to increase the audience that this song can relate to, such things as dancing, walking, jumping, strolling, exploring and more. Simple words also lend to multiple interpretations because one can look simply at the literal meaning, or the deeper meaning hidden within the chosen diction and syntax. By incorporating numerous techniques a song has the ability to transform from good to magnificent.

Menken and Ashman rely on the use of pathos to effectively send their message to their audience. In the third stanza the line reads “No big deal. I want more”(III:14) which are two contradictory statements juxtaposed together to emphasize the speaker’s emotions to indicate that despite claiming she has everything, those things do not reflect her hidden desire of wanting to know what lies above the sea. The message within is directed towards parents who manipulate material things to try and replace any intention of their child wanting to explore differences, or make their dreams a reality. Also, they use a metaphor “Ready to stand” (XIII:35) to represent a child ready for the world, ready to be on their own and learn for themselves, ready to define their character and life. The message reaches out towards hovering parents who fear that the world is a dreadful place to send their child; but the reality is that the longer a child is sheltered the harder it will be for them to adapt to their surroundings. Ariel in the movie demonstrates this theory perfectly because she was kept away from the world and rebelled to experience life, which almost had catastrophic endings, but she also was not prepared to live on her own which can be frightening for parents to think of. This song shows the longing and dreaming of being able to experience new things and how it deeply affects the emotions of a caring parent who does not want to see their blessed child fall.

Many do not immediately choose a children’s song as being deep and meaningful; however, they are the ones that are most important because of the impression they leave on the future generation. The themes inside every Disney song represent a morale that every child should learn, and every adult should be reminded of. In particular, “Part of Your World” demonstrates letting individuals explore their options and surroundings to make their own opinions and judgements, and to not keep them protected or versed in one’s own views. Dreams are meant to be fulfilled, even if they are the grandest of the grand, because without dreams there cannot be any hopes or goals for the future. Menken and Ashman created most of the Disney classics in terms of musical compositions, and there is a reason why they are memorable. The techniques and moving melodies add powerful emphasis and lasting impressions of values that every child needs to be properly nurtured in life lessons. “Part of Your World” is a truly inspirational song that incorporates figurative language and emotional appeals to convey their messages.

Backmasking

1. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

This song has some definite backmasking technique hidden within specific lines. The irony of the song is that it references heaven, while backwards it references Hell through using Satan's name. The lines are too pronounced and clear for it not to be considered backmasking; it seems intentional.

2. Imagine by John Lennon

The only reason why it may be considered reverse speech is because of the lyrics that were put with the song, meaning it does not sound clear if one listens to the song without reading the lyrics. The suggested lyrics sound ironic because it uses war, while John Lennon promoted peace in the anti-war movement.

3. Paparazzi by Lady Gaga

There are hints of intentional backmasking in the lyrics, due to the clarity of the words when heard backwards. The beginning lyrics say “Evil save us...” while in her actual song does not promote the same content. The backmasking lyrics may have the hidden message that the world is full of hidden evils, like parts of the Hollywood business, and many use those evils to save themselves due to their lifestyle.

4. Beat it by Michael Jackson

The suggested reversed lyrics are not coherent enough to be considered any form of reversed lyrics or backmasking. However, I do believe that in other songs Jackson may of intentionally used backmasking due to the creativity he had with music.

5.Baby One More Time by Brittany Spears

The backmasking lyrics sound convincing enough that Spears made the intentional effort to incorporate them into her original lyrics. Her music is naturally intended to be seductive, and the backmasking lyrics of, “Sleep with me, I’m not too young” can relate to her past relationships of dating older men when she first started her pop career.

6. Kiss, Kiss, Kiss by Yoko Ono

The backmasking lyrics could be translated into any words that have the same number of syllables as the suggested lyrics, thus meaning she did not intentionally say “I shot John Lennon.” Many people were not big fans of Yoko Ono and had the potential of using these lyrics against her.

7. Another One Bites the Dust by Queen

The lyrics sound like they could be intentional backmasking, but I believe it was just a coincidence. It does not sound exactly like how the words would be read how they were said in the song.

8.Break On Through by The Doors

Due to the shortness of the lyrics I do not believe the backmasking was intentional, but it sounds pretty close to the suggested lyrics. The reverse lyrics have no connection to the regular lyrics strengthening my believe that it was only a coincidence.

9.My Name Is...by Eminem

There is definite backmasking in the lyrics due to the connection of the song title and the suggested reversed lyrics. It is a very creative twist to his song.

10. I’m So Tired by The Beatles

Many would assume that the backmasking in this song is intentional due to previous rumors of Paul McCartney being dead, but the reversed lyrics are a bit of a stretch when the music is played with them. But, the subtle hints are what got the suspicions to occur in the first place, so why not this one too? It is indeed a mystery behind The Beatles.

Legend and Myth in Music

Myth/Legend #1: Robert Johnson sells his soul to the devil

There is much speculation on if Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil. According to sources, Robert Johnson disappeared for a long span of time, and when he returned he was a genius with the guitar. Others say that the song lyrics he wrote were impossible to write without an initiation into a cult, or some group very similarly involved with voodoo, due to the extreme symbolism within the lyrics. Julio Finn suggests that the sudden turn towards potentially selling his soul to the devil was provoked by the death of his wife during childbirth. It is also suggested Johnson sought the help from a Root Doctor in order to harness his voodoo power. To do this, he learned to channel the power through his guitar the same way others channel it through their spirit and body. All of these claims are within the works of David Scotese. There is no actually evidence if Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil.

Myth/Legend #2: Ozzy Osboure's taste for doves and bats

Ozzy Obsbourne has been speculated to have bitten the head off a dove during a meeting with the CBS executives where his wife Sharon had planned for three doves to be releases at the beginning. Also, during Osbourne’s “Bark At The Moon Tour” a fan threw a bat on the stage and Ozzy grabbed the bat and bit off it’s head. According to sources, he was going through a series of demonic stages in which he almost seemed possessed, but others believe his behavior was due to his drug and alcohol intake. He has admitted to both instances where he bit the head off of a live animal, but did not do so knowingly.

Myth/Legend #3: The mythology surrounding the Abbey Road cover

Many believe that the Abbey Road cover of the Beatles symbolizes the death of Paul McCartney. In the image, many claim they are walking in a funeral procession, and Paul is the member that is walking out of sync with the other members and is not wearing any shoes, plus his eyes are rumored to be closed. All of these signs indicate that he is in fact a walking corpse. In addition, Paul was a lefty, but in the picture he is holding a cigarette in his right hand; an oddity for him. There is also much speculation about the background of the cover that show signs of his death, but all are far stretched ideas. In reality, Paul McCarney is still alive and did not die in a car accident at the age of 27.

Myth/Legend #4: Bob Dylan goes electric

During the Newport Folk Festival Bob Dylan approached the stage with an electric guitar; something never seen before. The fans went into an uproar, but the biggest controversy was when Pete Seeger was allegedly running around backstage with an axe to chop the wires off the soundboard. He denied all claims of it. The festival was suppose to be about the musicians talent, and many did not want to see Bob Dylan play an electric guitar but an acoustic one. Stunned on the crowds reaction, Dylan went back on the stage and preformed a few hit singles with his acoustic guitar to give the crowd what they wanted.

Myth/Legend #5: Research on your own and choose your favorite

The myth I choose was the one that claims Elvis ever died but faked it to remove himself from the public eye. According to fans, they have seen Elvis in sores and around towns in Canada, however, all are wrong. Elvis is in fact dead, and many fans cannot get over his death thus they still believe he is alive.

Myth/Legend #6: The mythology presented in the Sgt. Pepper cover (click here). Identify and summarize the notoriety of 3 individuals whom you recognize and 3 individuals of whom you are ignorant.

The album cover of the Beatle’s “Sgt. Pepper” is uniquely its own creativity. Each face of the album has significance to the band, meaning men or women they admire, respect, honor, or would like to see in the crowd. The three recognizable characters on the album in my opinion are Shirley Temple, a child actress, Edgar Allen Poe, a writer, and Diana Dors, a famous actress. Three individuals that are not recognizable to me are Karlheinz Stockhausen, a composer,

Richard Merkin, an artist, and Simon Rodia, a creator of Watts Towers.

Works Cited

Myth/Legend #1: Robert Johnson sells his soul to the devil

1. Scotese, David W. Did Robert Johnson sell his soul at the crossroads?Mudcat Cafe,1997.Web. 31 Oct. 2010.

Myth/Legend #2: Ozzy Osboure's taste for doves and bats

2. Watkins, Terry. Ozzy Osbournes the rest of the story. Dial-the-Truth Ministries, 2001. Web. 31 Oct. 2010.

Myth/Legend #3: The mythology surrounding the Abbey Road cover

3. Abbey Road. Deadman Radio. 2005. Web. 31 Oct. 2010.

Myth/Legend #4: Bob Dylan goes electric

4. Corbett, Ben. “Bob Dylan Goes Electric.” About.com. New York Times Company. n.d, Web. 31 Oct. 2010.

Myth/Legend #5: Research on your own and choose your favorite

5. White, Dave. “Top 10 Rock Music Myths.” About.com. New York Times Company. n.d, Web. 31 Oct. 2010.

Myth/Legend #6: The mythology presented in the Sgt. Pepper cover

6. Haber, David. The Internet Beatles Album. Beatles News, 2010. Web. 31 Oct. 2010.

Song Analysis #2 Lyrics

"Part of Your World"
Music by: Alan Menken
Lyrics by: Howard Ashman
Walt Disney Music Company

Maybe He's Right
Maybe There Is Something The Matter with me With Me
I Just Don't See How A World That Makes Such Wonderful Things
Could Be Bad

Look at this stuff
Isn't it neat?
Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?
Wouldn't you think I'm the girl
The girl who has everything?

Look at this trove
Treasures untold
How many wonders can one cavern hold?
Looking around here you'd think
Sure, she's got everything

I've got gadgets and gizmo's a-plenty
I've got woozits and whatzits galore
[You want thingamabobs? I've got 20!]

But who cares?
No big deal
I want more

I wanna be where the people are
I wanna see
Wanna see 'em dancing
Walking around on those
[What do you call 'em? oh, feet!]

Flipping your fins you don't get to far
Legs are required for jumping, dancing
strolling along down the
[What's that word again?] street

Up where they walk
Up where they run
Up where they stay all day in the sun
Wandering free
Wish I could be
Part of that world

What would I give
If I could live
Out of these waters?
What would I pay
To spend a day
Warm on the sand?
Bet'cha on land
They understand
Bet they don't reprimand their daughters
Bright young women
Sick of swimming
Ready to stand

And ready to know what the people know
Ask 'em my questions and get some answers
What's a fire and why does it
[What's the word?] burn
When's it my turn?
Wouldn't I love
Love to explore the shore up above?

Out of the sea
Wish I could be
Part of that world

What would I give to live where you are
What would I pay to stay here beside you
What would I do to see you, smiling at me
Where would we walk
Where would we run
If we could stay all day in the sun
Just you and me
And I could be..
Part of your
world..[gets distracted by dog]

I don't know when
I don't know how
But I know something's starting right now
Watch and you'll see
Someday I'll be
Part of your
world.

Pop Culture Assignment

The modern American culture can be classified to a point by using the top songs from the Rolling Stone’s list as of October 7, 2010. Each song is very unique in terms of the lyrics; however, many conform to main subject matters such as love, life, and happiness. Most of the songs in at least the top ten are from genres of hip hop and rap; an extremely different view from previous generations. Each song, Teenage Dream by Katy Perry, Just a Dream by Nelly, and Dynamite by Taio Cruz represent the modern American culture through uses of poetic devices that relay messages of love, life, and happiness.

According to the Rolling Stone top songs in America, Teenage Dream by Katy Perry ranked number 3 for many consecutive weeks. The song’s content is concerned with wishing she had life of a teenager creating a very dramatic tone. The lyrics suggest a romance that is more of a whim with higher physical aspects than what is socially accepted. It also promotes the idea of taking chances and not looking back towards past mistakes. The song has many hyperboles, one of which being, “We can dance until we die.” Also, it incorporated other poetic merit by using symbolism in numerous lines, an example being “ My missing puzzle piece” explaining how he completes the singer. This song suggests that the modern American culture is much more daring and more ostentatious lifestyle than previous decades. This song portrays that the current generation listens to more upbeat, fast songs that encourage high aspirations that may not be accepted by the older generation. In this particular song, the female is the one pushing the male to escape his boundaries, proving that the sexes are equal today. Instead of career success, Teenage Dream perceives a good relationships as terms of success in life; a very different outlook. Katy Perry’s song creates a positive tone, but controversial practices.

Ranked number 4 on the Rolling Stone top songs in America is Just a Dream by Nelly. The subjects matter of the song is about how the singer lost the one he loved, and he cannot get her back because his love was not enough. He views their relationship as only just a dream, and not as reality. The song has a depressing, hopeless tone of a man who is facing a terrible heartbreak. The lyrics suggest a hint of irony when Nelly repeats “it was only just a dream” when he is talking as if it is real because the pain is real. Also, he alluded to the fact he wished he married her in the line, “Shoulda put it down. Shoulda got that ring” references an engagement ring and proposing to her. The aspect the song provides for modern American culture is based on heartbreak and loss; concepts that are not new to society but have always been around. However, some lyrics suggest a deeper relationship but a quick recoery into a new one; a rarity to find decades ago and still in some cultures. Many young teenagers prefer to listen to songs of heartbreak to make them feel not alone in terms of their own relationship standings. There is not a clear dominance of male over female, or vice versa, however it is suggested that the male needs and wants the female hinting at her having the control. The entire atmosphere of this relationship is very different and open than songs of previous generations showing a clear distinction of the modern American culture.

Sixth in rank on the Rolling Stones top songs of America is Dynamite by Taio Cruz. A typical dance club song, Dynamite is about living life to the fullest in means of partying all night. The song hints at giving up or letting of something in the line, “I wanna celebrate and live my life.” He also includes a woman in the lyrics, convincing her to do the same, and take it to the extreme of partying all night and being on fire figuratively like dynamite. The uses of metaphors and hyperboles strenghtens the lyrics to have an intense feeling. An example of a metaphoric simile is, “ We gon' light it up. Like it's dynamite” insinuading an increase of energy to spark dancing as intense as dynamite. One of the hyperboles includes, “I'm gonna be the last one standing.” The modern American culture that is seen through this song is taking some time to oneself to just live life and have fun. Many Americans live in a high-stress enviroment and do not know when to take a break. This song is very eergetic with a euphoric theme; very common in today’s music. As with the previous songs, there is not a clear division between the genders; both need to take a break from their busy lives. The beat is very contrasting to older generations of music, but still relays a distinct concept that applies to everyone in today’s generationa and earlier.

Society changes yearly, and sometimes monthly that creates the overall American culture. Today’s modern American generation is the number one consumer of the music media for numerous reasons of popularity and availibility. The songs are much more expletive than previous generations, but that can be attributed to the more open culture towards life, relationships, and other topics. Many songs are centered around dancing, and being upbeat, but others are about deeper meaning. It is cleansing to see equal gender roles within each song, and in terms of success it is still measured by fame, and money, but also happiness. The aspect of happines has not changed overtime because it is still extrememly valuable to every generation. Music is a large role of life, and it will continue to influence every generation in numerous ways.

Song Analysis Lyrics

A Whole New World

Composed by Alan Menken with Lyrics by Time Rice

1992 Walt Disney Records

I can show you the world

Shining, shimmering, splendid

Tell me. princess, now when did

You lasy let your heart decide?

I can open your eyes

Take you wonder by wonder

Over, sideways and under

On a magic carpet ride

A whole new world

A new fantastic point of view

No one tells us no

Or where to go

Or say we're only dreaming

A whole new world

A dazzling place I never knew

But when I'm way up here

It's crystal clear

That now I'm in a whole new world with you

Now I'm in a whole new world with you

Unbelievable sights

Indescribable feeling

Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling

Through an endless diamond sky

A whole new world

Don't you dare close your eyes

A hundred thousand things to see

Hold your breath - it gets better

I'm like a shooting star

I've come so far

I can't go back to where I uses to be

A whole new world

Every turn a surprise

With new horizons to pursue

Every moment red-letter

I'll chase them anywhere

There's time to spare

Let me share this whole new world with you

A whole new world

That's where we'll be

A thrilling chase

A wondrous place

For you and me

Song Analysis 1: " A Whole New World" Composed by Alan Menken Lyrics by Tim Rice

" A Whole New World"

Composed by Alan Menken Lyrics by Tim Rice

1992 Walt Disney Records

Emotionally riveting, but daring with reality against dreams Alan Menken and Tim Rice created a masterpiece titled “A Whole New World.” Despite being a featured song in the popular Disney film, Aladdin, “A Whole New World” contains a varied in-depth analysis. In particular, being a children’s song it has the ability to seem repetitive without a clear focus, but Menken and Rice were able to salvage their main ideas without compromising the aspects of a children’s song. The magical duet adds to the overall tone of the song, but also the astounding poetic devices and figurative language used creates a mystical atmosphere. Menken and Rice composed a miraculous song through the uses of several poetic devices and an underlying theme that catches the amazement of all audiences.

The use of poetic devices within a song can provide an overall enhancement. A common device used with children’s songs is alliteration, due to repetition having a lasting effect in the mind. One of the many examples includes, “Shining, shimmering, splendid” (1:2). Another prominent device is objectification, “Take you wonder by wonder” (2:6) by giving the idea of wonder to be a concrete substance which in reality it is not. Hyperbole is used to describe the circumstances in which the main characters are escaping into a new world together by saying, “Let me share this whole new world with you” (8:37). The couple cannot literally share the whole world together; however, the words insinuate an intense feeling of emotion felt towards each other. The song also provokes certain imagery that corresponds with dreams, and seeing things that are not necessarily the same for each person, “Unbelievable sights, indescribable feelings, soaring tumbling, freewheeling through an endless diamond sky” (6:20-23). The imagery helps the audience experience the journey that the duet provides by instigating the senses. Throughout the song there are hints of numerous poetic devices that enhance the lyrics as a whole while keeping the overall childish atmosphere.

Encompassing a song under a particular theme is challenging, however, Rice and Menken manage to take the challenge using their abstract allusions and use of allegory. The theme in question is dreams; a complex, opinionated topic with many possibilities. Throughout the song, Rice and Menken allude to the discovery of an actual new world, what is now referred to as America. The journey throughout the song is taken on a magic carpet to distances never seen, and with the hope of entering a whole new world; a world to escape to, a world many took as being the great discovery of all time. For a great while America was called the New World, due to it’s mysterious nature and promises; the same concepts the song brings to the audience with their journey. However, many can relate this song to an allegory of a classic life lesson; to start over, to escape. The magic carpet ride symbolizes leaving, while the descriptions of the night are of the place they want to travel to. At the conclusion the song mentions that is was “a thrilling chase a wondrous place” (9:40-41) leading to that these dreams cannot last; the excitement will not stay and the new world will not be different than where the individual came from creating the allegory. Both the allusion and allegory relate to the common theme of dreams; the entire song is about experiencing new wonders that have “a hundred thousand things to see” (7:26).

Menken and Rice achieved a great challenge with creating “A Whole New World.” They are notable for their uses of poetic devices such as alliteration, hyperbole, and imagery as well as allusion and allegory. At the time of the songs production, it was in high competition with other Disney classics such as The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast which released only a year before Aladdin. Menken and Rice had to focus on the strengths of their orchestra while retaining the childlike atmosphere. The lyrics in correspondence with the music create a song worth remembering that leaves a lasting impression.