Burden In My Hand SA

Christian DeLano

G Block

Irony Song Analysis

3-30-12

In the song Burden in My Hand by soundgarden, lead vocalist Chris Cornell, employs the use of literary devices such as desolate imagery, clever irony, and murderous characterization. The devices are used to show that even the people who kill have remorse for what they have done.

Cornell uses desolate imagery to show how lonely the killer was after he committed the awful crimes “Close your eyes and bow your head, I need a little sympathy, cause fear is strong and love's for everyone who isn't me”. Cornell is trying to say that the man wants people to feel bad for him, because he wants someone to share his sadness with. Also “love's for everyone who isn't me” implies that love is not for him because he killed the only person he has ever loved. Another example of imagery within the lyrics is “I left her in the sand just a burden in my hand” which is meant to tell us that the killer now has to live with murder on his conscious. “Crack a smile and cut your mouth, and drown in alcohol” shows us that alcohol has either influenced the killing of the lover, or is being used to deal with the burden of committing murder.

Another device used by Cornell is the use of characterization. He uses murderous characterization to present the killer in a more sinister light. The Chorus “I shot my love, today, would you cry for me, I lost my head again, would you lie for me, I left her in the sand just a burden in my hand, I lost my head again, would you cry for me” is a prime example of the use of personification in the song. Cornell assumes the role of the killer and this segment, and is describing himself and the acts he’s done, to the listener. The lyrics “Just a burden in my hand, just an anchor on my heart, just a tumor in my head” also serves as characterization, and once again shows us that the killer feels remorse for killing his lover.

One of the most prevalent devices in the song is Cornell’s use of clever irony. “Follow me into the desert, as thirsty as you are” is an example of irony because it couples two things that when placed adjacent to each other, combine and make something that you would most likely not want to do. Another example is found in the lyrics “I shot my love today, would you cry for me”. This line is considered ironic because normally a killer would not want you to feel bad for him after he has committed murder, especially someone considered to be his lover. “So kill your health and kill yourself, and kill everything you love” Is Irony because for the majority, most people want to remain alive, and in good health while living.

Cornell uses desolate imagery, murderous characterization and clever irony, to show us the remorse that the killer has for the crime he has committed, and how he has to spend the rest of his life with that burden in his hand.

Black Song Analysis

Christian DeLano

Kefor, G

Black, by Pearl Jam

Many songs on the radio today, and the radio of the past, have an underlying theme of love, or the ending of love known as the break up. Usually these songs are popular do to the fact that most everyone can relate to a time in their life where they experienced love, or experienced a break up. The song Black by the group Pearl Jam utilizes many literary devices, such as caliginous imagery, spiritual symbolism, and melancholic tone, to give the song a sensual feel, and allow the listener to experience the hardship of heartbreak.

       

The song contains dark, powerful imagery in order to give the listener a sense of heartbreak, and emptiness. The lyrics “Sheets of empty canvas, untouched sheets of clay were laid spread out before me as her body once did.”  gives the feeling that her belongings had been left behind, and that was all he had left of her. Another example of the caliginous imagery would be “Now the air I tasted and breathed has taken a turn” which  means that she had once been everything to him, “the air he breathed” and now something has happened and that the “air” is different. Also, lyrics such as “Oh, the pictures have all been washed in black, tattooed everything” tells us that the experiences they had together just bring more pain into his life, and reminds him that he no longer has her in his life. Eddie Vedder’s use of caliginous imagery really enhances the feeling the listener gets while listening to the song.

Another utilized device in the song is spiritual symbolism. the phrase “all five horizons” could be a symbol for the five sense that the human body has. He obviously loved this girl with all his senses, and now that she is gone, its hard to function. another symbol used in this song is the earth and the sun. He uses “earth” as a symbol for himself, while the “sun” is used as a symbol for his lover. He does this to show that his life revolved around this girl, and now that she is gone his whole universe is destroyed. In the line “And now my bitter hands cradle broken glass” he uses broken glass as a symbol for the failed relationship, and the loss of a loved one. The use of the spiritual symbolism adds many different layers to this song, and gives a deeper meaning.

Another powerful device is Vedder’s melancholic tone. First off, the title of the song is a great starting point. The title is powerful because of its simplicity. Black is depressing and saddening, which is exactly what the song is supposed to convey. Also, his view toward the children I'm surrounded by some kids at play I can feel their laughter, so why do I sear?” shows how other peoples happiness just makes him even more depressed because he can no longer feel happiness now that she left. Tone is a key device used in this song, and really delivers the message Vedder is trying to send.

The use of caliginous imagery, spiritual symbolism, and melancholic tone really help to convey the feeling of lost love. The darkness of the imagery shows us how to feel his pain, while the symbolism adds depth and complexity to the song. Finally the tone just ties everything together, making this song a truly epic ballad, and making it one of the best songs of the 90’s.

Soundtrack of my life

Soundtrack of my life