Rhetorical Analysis Through Music

You will complete 1 class example

3 choices from the music provided below
1 selection of your own personal choice not from the examples below
A total of 5 total songs analyzed

Artist: Imagine Artist: Brandi Artist: Shakira Artist: Maggie Siff Artist: Billy Ray Cyrus
Dragons Carlile

Song Title: Zero (Lyrics) Song Title: Carry Me Song Title: Try Song Title: Lullaby For A Song Title: Busy Man
With You (Lyrics) Everything (Lyrics) Try EverythingSoldier (Lyrics)
(Lyrics)
 Artist: Ed Sheeran Artist: Brooks & Artist: Billy Ray Artist: Imagine Dragons Artist: Rob Thomas
Dunn Cyrus

Song Title: Castle on the Song Title: Neon Song Title: Some Song Title: Song Title: Little Wonders
Hill (Lyrics) Moon (Lyrics) Gave All (Lyrics) Thunder(Lyrics) (Lyrics)

Title & Artist Audience: The specific Purpose: : (5-10 sentences) Exigence: (3-5 sentences)
Speaker or intended audience of a To inform, persuade, entertain; The exigence is the part of a
text. what the author wants the rhetorical situation that inspires,
audience to believe, know, feel, or stimulates, provokes, or prompts
do writers to create a text.

(“Zero” by Imagine The intended audience
Dragons) of the song are
individuals who have
failed certain things in
life and as result
unsatisified with
themselves and placeless
The primary purpose of this
song is to let the intended
audience know they are not
alone in their situation of feeling
unsatisfied with their progress
in life. For instance, one of the
lyrics in the song states that
The main reason that provoked
the song writer to create this
song about feeling
unaccomplished and placeless is
to show the people who might
not be familiar with feelings of
dissatisfaction with themselves
 in life. “maybe you’re the same as me. .
. let me tell you bout it.” This
suggests that the songwriter
had clearly wanted to tell any
listeners with a feeling of
dissatisfaction that he and the
listeners are the same. Thereby,
this illustrates that the
songwriter wants to connect
with listeners and create a
mood of relatability. Overall, the
song’s main purpose is to relate
with individuals who feel like
they are placeless in order to
make them feel not alone.
Context: (AEC Rhetorical Devices Message:(FRQ Style)the main
Format) Found: (4 examples, 4 idea the speaker communicated to meaning: (FRQ Style) (3
describes the pieces of evidence of the audience in order to achieve
circumstances different rhetorical the purpose.
surrounding the writing, devices. (4 paragraphs)
that there are individuals who
feel like such. In other words,
the song had been made by the
inspiration to make individuals,
moreover society know that
certain people with feelings of
being a failure are there, and as
a result, one should not be quick
to judge such people. For
example, the songwriter
repeatedly tells the audience
that he wants to tell them what
it's like to be a zero. This implies
that the songwriter knows
there are some individuals who
don’t know what he truly means,
revealing the underlying notion
that provoked him to write this
song.
Final Analysis of song
pieces of textual evidence to
support your analysis)
which include the time
(when the text was
written), location (blog,
academic journal, etc.),
and the culture
surrounding the text.

The song developed by Anaphora: In the song Don’t matter to be a For example, the
Imagine Dragons can be “Zero” by Imagine failure. songwriter repeatedly
placed within the Dragons, the use of
context of the mood anaphora conveys an tells the audience that he
and theme brought appeal for a troubled wants to tell them what
from the culture of individual to be heard
it's like to be a zero.
their songs. Imagine out.
Dragons, as a This implies that the
contemporary rock Tone: songwriter knows there
band, produces songs
are some individuals who
that often display Metaphor:
themes of don’t know what he truly
self-discovery, Repetitions means, revealing the
optimism, realistic underlying notion that
moods, and is generally
emotionally resonant.
provoked him to write
Despite this song this song.
following along with
their own musical
themes, it was primarily
made for the movie
"Ralph Breaks the
Internet.” The movie’s
context is of
exploration, as Ralph
and his friend,
Vanelope, navigate the
vast internet; however,
there is a sudden
break in their
navigation. The break
shows the struggles of
navigation in a vast
world and gives a way
into self-discovery and
it is due to this movie
context that the song
comes out of, as the
song serves to reflect
the struggles and
triumphs of the
characters.

Title & Artist Audience: Purpose: (5-10 sentences) Exigence:. (3-5 sentences)
Speaker
“Try Everything” by The intended audience The primary purpose for the The songwriter’s exigence is to
Shakira of the song “Try songwriter to create this song inspire resilience in listeners
Everything” by Shakira is to persuade and motivate which stems from the
are demotivated individuals who had gone through
individuals who hardship to fall forward. In
particularly had gone other words the songwriter
through hardship/ wants to help those individuals to
failure. The intended learn from their past mistakes
audience of the song and try again to keep moving
can be inferred from forward towards their goals or
the beginning lines of success. For instance, nearing
the song as the the middle of the song, the
songwriter informs that verse changes, and in the verse
they had “messed up changes the songwriter
tonight, I lost another attempts to persuade the
fight… but I’ll just start specific audience to not “beat
again,” (Shakira 5-6). Due [themselves] up… sometimes we
to the fact that the come last, but we did our best,”
author had already and because of this notion,
established their story “[they] won't give up, no, [they]
or recent events in won't give in,” (Shakira 28-30).
their life, it is implied By establishing that despite
that the songwriter is failing something or importance,
seeking to appeal to it is not necessary to be so
individuals who also are tough on oneself, the author’s
sharing or who have intentions are evidently
already gone through optimistic. Due to this evident
the feelings of failure cause to push the audience to
or hardship. not give in to their
circumstance, the author is
experience of facing setbacks
in certain events. In other
words, Shakira was prompted
to create this song due to
observing or experiencing
moments of doubt during a
fallback and the resulting need
for encouragement to keep
moving. For example, throughout
the song the songwriter
repeatedly remarks that they
“won’t give up, no, I won't give in,
‘til I reach the end, and then I'll
start again,” (Shakira 30-31). By
repeating this line that reflects
maintaining determination after a
setback, it is evident that a main
motivation for Shakria in
creating this song is to support
and spread an attitude for
specific times of failure like the
one portrayed in the song. In
essence, the songwriter’s
exigence lies in the fact that
failure and challenges are a part
of life, and as a result she
brings this motivation to move
 clearly wanting to motivate forward, despite how hard a
those who have gone through a failure is.
defeat. This reveals that the
primary purpose of the song is
to persuade individuals who had
failed to not feel bad and
accept defeat, but simply try
again.

Context: (AEC Rhetorical Devices Message: (FRQ Style) Final Analysis of song
Format) Found: (4 examples, 4 meaning: (FRQ Style) (3 pieces
pieces of evidence of of textual evidence to support
different rhetorical your analysis)
devices. (4 paragraphs)

The song “Try In the song “Try The primary message of “Try The song “Try Everything” by
Everything” by Shakira, Everything” by Shakira, Everything” by Shakira is to Shakira carries a message of
was primarily written the use of repetition of maintain one’s self-preservance profound resilience in the face
for the movie inspirational phrases after failure and not give in to of a failure and to not easily
“Zootopia,” and as a motivates individuals to your defeat in circumstances give up due to your past
result the movie’s main carry themselves after of a setback. This prevailing mistakes that led to a setback.
themes of facing major setbacks. main idea had been represented This message influences a
determination and For instance, and carried throughout the song meaning that is multifaceted as it
exploration had throughout the song through the use of metaphors encourages individuals to take
influenced the lyrics of there is the repetition and repetition. For example, failure as a stepping stone to
the song by Shakira. of the phrase "I won't Shakira uses a metaphorical fall forward to success and to
The film “Zootopia” give up, no, I won't give reference at the beginning lines keep an optimistic outlook on
describes the story of in,” (Shakira 15). The of the song as she remarks life and goals. For instance,
bunny rabbit Judy repetition of that that “birds don't just fly, they Shakira repeatedly mentions the
Hopps that aspires to particular phrase in the fall down and get up,” (Shakira, phrase that even after a
be a police officer song emphasizes the line 9). The comparison of our hardship she “won't give up, no, I
who eventually does idea of maintaining failures to a bird’s journey in won't give in, ‘til I reach the end,
become one, but along unwavering flying are to suggest that and then I'll start again,” (Shakira,
the process and even determination to achieve learning and making mistakes lines 31-32). The repetition of the
after achieving that one’s goals despite are all a natural process, and phrase that remarks that she
position she faces challenges that may be because she makes an persists to not give up
immense prejudice appealing for individualsimplication of failure being illustrates the strong
from others. Despite to give in. The reason naturally occurring, the determination of the songwriter
the prejudice and vast why the songwriter audience would feel more to maintain her stand in
failures she faces in repeats this specific hopeful and more content in significant endeavors, no matter
her journey, Judy still phrase is to consistentlythat they can try again and “get how challenging she could face a
remains motivated to remind and persuade up”. Shakira carries this idea of failure. This demonstrates a
prove to everyone that individuals who are goingnot staying fallen in your refusal to succumb to a failure
she could be chief through a setback to mistakes or failures as she in her path, which is core to one
police officer. As a adopt a persevering sings nearing the end of the aspect of the meaning. Another
result of this context, mindset and to not let song that she “won't give up, no, example of this aspect of the
the song “Try them become a victim I won't give in, ‘til I reach the meaning is shown in the evident
Everything” serves as of the circumstances end, and then I'll start again,” repetition of “I wanna try
the thematic backdrop of failure. (Shakira, lines 31-32). The use of everything” throughout the song
for the film, carrying diction that contains an (Shakira, line 44). The emphasis
the emotions of The utilization of optimistic connotation implies a on exploring new things and
perseverance after metaphors in the song theme of continuation of one’s seizing many opportunities
failure from the film. “Try Everything” had path to success, despite how suggests a desire to not give up
Furthermore, the made the idea of failure difficult or small their setback completely as there are many
context of the film to be of a natural was. The placement of this line other endeavors to seize and
can be seen in the
song, as for example,
the beginning lines of
the song establish that
“nobody learns without
getting it wrong, I won’t
give up, no, I won’t give
in,” (Shakira, lines 10-11).
The lines establish the
fact that individuals go
through some form of
struggle in the pursuit
of their aspirations,
which is a clear
reference to Judy’s
story. The following line
of not giving in also
makes it clear that
despite falling there is
an inclination to resist
giving in to the situation,
which also describes
how Judy faced
intense prejudice, but
despite that she still
carried herself. As a
result, the
process, appealing and nearing the end also gives off a become passionate about. As a
alleviating the concerns hopeful mood in the audience, as result, this aspect of the
of individuals who are the message comes full circle meaning encourages the specific
struggling from the to the idea of not giving your audience to maintain and adopt a
hardships of a recent failure too much power to proactive mindset to approach
failure. In the beginning control you, but rather allowing life with enthusiasm.
of the lyrics, for them you to persevering until Furthermore, the last aspect of
example, Shakira you reach your goals. analysis on the meaning of the
remarks that she will song is to embrace failure, as
“get up now… birds don’t for example, the songwriter
just fly, they fall down uses the metaphor in the
and get up,” (Shakira, beginning as she explains that
lines 8-9) “birds don’t just fly, they fall
down and get up,” (Shakira, lines
Shakira’s use of 8-9). By comparing human
parallelism in her song experiences of setbacks to
emphasizes the ongoing that of a bird, this aspect of
nature of learning from the song suggests that failure is
mistakes done in the natural and as a result, it should
past and continuing to be collectively viewed as a
grow as one moves learning process, rather than a
forward in their path. detriment. This allows for the
For instance, along the song to give off the meaning
last lines, before the that hardship is a reason to
closing chorus, the move forward and prove
songwriter yourself, rather than a reason
acknowledges that she to give in to circumstance.
establishment of the will “keep on making
reference to Judy those new mistakes, I'll
Hopps story shows keep on making them
that the song comes every day,” (Shakira,
within the context of lines 38-39).
the movie’s main
persevering narrative The creation and use of
of the main character. a tone of perseverance
in the song “Try
Everything” by Shakira
leads to an emotional
appeal to the audience,
increasing their
relatability with the
songwriter. For
example, Shakira
repeatedly uses the
phrase remarks that
she “won't give up, no,
[she] won't give in
'Til [she] [reaches] the
end, and then [she’ll]
start again,” (Shakira,
lines 15-16).
Title & Artist Audience: Purpose: (5-10 sentences) Exigence:. (3-5 sentences)
Speaker
“Thunder” by Imagine The intended audience The purpose of the song is to The songwriter’s exigence, Dan
Dragons of the song “Thunder” encourage young individuals, Reynolds, is to challenge
by Imagine Dragons are such as children, who have conformity to society’s opinions
young individuals who dreams to embrace those and standards. In the beginning
feel that they are dreams and pursue them, of the song, Reynolds made it
underestimated in despite societal criticism. For clear that he “was dreaming of
certain abilities by the instance, during the song, the bigger things,” and he was “not a
people around them. The songwriter establishes that the follower… [to] fit the mold,”
specific audience can “kids were laughing in my (Imagine Dragons, lines 26-27).
be inferred from when classes… now I'm smiling from By informing the intended
the songwriter says the stage while you were audience about his experience
that they were clapping in the nosebleeds,” of avoiding trying to be
“dreaming 'bout being a (Imagine Dragons, lines 26-27). pressured into being put into a
big star, they say you're Explaining his own personal mold, shows that the underlying
basic, they say you're story of how despite that he reason he made this song was
easy,” (Imagine Dragons, was being challenged by other to prove the societal standards
lines 23-24). The lyrics opinions on his dream he still wrong as he remarks that with
bring a feeling of being pursued his path, provides a his dream, he eventually made it
brushed off which compelling example for young into the spotlight. In other words,
would most likely individuals to believe in. As a the songwriter was prompted
resonate with individuals result, his purpose comes to be to create this song to directly
who aspire to be to persuade all the individuals challenge the influence of
something great, but facing social pressure on their society’s perception on you and
their social setting passion for their big dream to your dreams.
doesn’t validate them as not take their perception too
 they label those as seriously, and allow them to
simple. come to terms and pursue their
goals. In addition, the upbeat and
optimistic outlook on having and
pursuing dreams that the song
provides adds to the purpose
of positive persuasion for
uncertain or underestimated
individuals in providing them a
confirmation to be individualistic.

Context: (AEC Rhetorical Devices Message: (FRQ Style) Final Analysis of song
Format) Found: (4 examples, 4 meaning: (FRQ Style) (3 pieces
pieces of evidence of of textual evidence to support
different rhetorical your analysis)
devices. (4 paragraphs)

The song “Thunder” by In the song “Thunder” by The main message behind The song “Thunder” by Imagine
Imagine Dragons was Imagine, the use of “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons is Dragons carries a message of
mainly made for and metaphor suggests the to keep one’s dreams by self-discovery and
featured in their desire of young avoiding societal criticism in empowerment. The aspect that
emotionally-charged individuals to become order to pave your own way to is of particular analysis for the
album “Evolve,” and as a great. For example, in success. The songwriter song’s meaning is the
result, the album’s the starting line of the achieved the creation of the songwriter’s story from initially
themes had influenced song the songwriter main idea through the use of being criticized by societal
the lyrics and broader informs that he was the claim of value to metaphors. opinion on his dream to
meaning in the song. “just a young gun with For instance, one main point embracing them, inspiring a
The song was written [a] quick fuse,” (Imagine that the songwriter makes feeling to overcome molds to
during a time when the Dragons, line 1). The clear at the start of the song pursue dreams. For example, the
rock band was metaphor compares the is that they were “dreaming of use of an anecdote supports
assembling their album songwriter’s young self bigger things,” and was, “not a the analysis as the songwriter
“Evolve,” and overall the to an explosive new gun, follower [to] fit the box, fit includes in the song that many
title implies a sense of which implies that they the mold,” (Imagine Dragons, lines “kids were laughing in my
self-growth which had a youthful and 3 & 5-6). Their claim on their classes, while I was scheming
indeed explored themes energetic-type energy. opinion of not following the for the masses,” (Imagine
of resilience and The songwriter uses masses of society brings out Dragons, lines 21-22). The
self-discovery. Due to this metaphor, the idea of refusal to conform speaker’s sense of alienation
the empowering title of specifically at the to societal expectations of had given into his desire to rise
the album it is beginning, to make a what to think of and instead above skepticism, highlighting a
suggested that the direct connection and embrace individual ambitions. contrast between his aspiration
songs would fall within appeal to young Furthermore, the song’s use of and the opinion of others. This
the emotional context individuals or people who the notion that the songwriter gives way to making the
and situation that the share the same persona was “lightning before the importance of faith and
album implies. Further, as him. thunder” conveys a sense of pursuing one’s dream, an aspect
the year the song was triumph as the speaker's of the meaning. Another instance
released was 2017, and The songwriter of actions were of great deal due to support the provided analysis
this cultural mood “Thunder” utilization of to the fact they had produced is the lyrics that show that the
around the era of this an anecdote made the an impact of thunder. Thus, it is songwriter is now “smiling from
year had given off intended audience evident that the song brings out the stage while, [they] were
themes of societal inclined to relate with a mindset that gives a message clapping in the nosebleeds"
defiance. As a result, the song through to find strength in resilience in (Imagine Dragons, lines 27-28).
the emotional emotional appeal. For pursuing one’s dreams These lines convey a strong
significance of the instance, during the relentlessly, no matter what the sense of triumph and even
album and the era the song, the songwriter people around you say or think self-assurance, portraying how
song was released mentions that the “kids of it. with the songwriter’s
affected the lyrics of were laughing in [his] transformation from being
“Thunder”. For instance, classes, while [he] was underestimated to having a
the starting lines of scheming for the spotlight on a stage. This
the song mention that masses" (Imagine reinforces the message of
the songwriter was Dragons, lines 21-22). The empowerment, creating a
“dreaming of bigger line provides insight into significance of embracing unique
things, and wanna leave the songwriter’s past passions as they could lead to
my own life behind,” experiences, eliciting success. The same effect is
(Imagine Dragons, lines empathy and given when the songwriter
3-4). The lyrics suggest understanding from an repeatedly mentions the chorus
a desire to have audience who had been of “thunder, feel the thunder,
passions for broader through a similar lightning then the thunder."
dreams for the experience. By doing so, (Imagine Dragons, lines 14-15). The
future, and the the songwriter is able repetition of the metaphor
resulting need to leave to appeal to his audience suggests that, like thunder and
one’s current situation and provide an lightning, the songwriter or any
for that dream. The inspirational message individual with dreams can
fact that the lyric’s for an audience that create their path through
theme of self-growth can relate to the strong actions, which propel
and discovery is songwriter. them to success. Overall,
likewise to the album’s through the evocative lyrics, the
theme shows an evident The use of analogy in song inspires individuals to rise
contextual effect on the song is primarily above society’s negative opinions.
the song’s lyrics of used to emphasize the
having dreams and the songwriter’s dynamism
main idea of one’s and impact that came
self-growth. from his energy of
having big dreams. For
example, the songwriter
says in the song that he
“was lightning before
the thunder,” (Imagine
Dragons, line 8). This line
uses the natural
phenomenon of lightning
as a parallel case to the
songwriter’s energy as
he was growing up with
big aspirations, and he
likens this energy or
impact to the force of
lightning. The reason why
the songwriter does this
is to show that his
energy of always
thinking big and wanting
to be a star had come
to action later in life
and using lightning and
thunder as an analogy
for his story.
Title & Artist Audience: Purpose: (5-10 sentences) Exigence:. (3-5 sentences)
Speaker
“Busy Man” by Billy The intended audience is The primary purpose of the Billy Ray Cyrus’s exigence is the
Ray Cyrus working individuals or song “Busy Man” by Billy Ray want to address and challenge
parents who have Cyrus is to inform the intended the societal pressure to
hectic work lives and audience on the consequences prioritize career and work over
may prioritize their of prioritizing one’s own work many other things, such as
work over family and and career over important relationships, in one’s life. For
personal relationships. relationships with family. For example, in the song Cyrus asks
When Cyrus mentions instance, at the beginning of the the listeners if they “ever seen
how he pushed off his song Cyrus remarks vividly on a headstone with these words
kids request to have how his son’s “basketball in [his] ‘if only I had spent more time at
fun with him, he hand, saying Daddy could we work,’ there's a call one day
mentions that the play a little one on one, you pat from the office… you say no
reason that happened him on the back and say not way, the weekend's mine,”
was because “you got now son, I'm a busy man,” (Cyrus, lines 31-35). By showing a
responsibilities, a crazy (Cyrus, lines 3-5). A couple of response that shows a vivid
schedule that you keep… lines later Cyrus describes how emotion of defiance to work on
busy man,” (Cyrus, lines a wife was “in the bedroom break days suggests that the
12-14). The lines crying, saying I thought we had songwriter wants to show that
emphasize that the plans, you say honey I'm sorry I'll societal norms to work even on
songwriter justifies make it up,” (Cyrus, lines 18-20). days off are outright wrong. As
avoiding his son’s and The fact that in the first a result of the scenario shown
daughter’s request to incident, the man easily pushes in the lines, it is evident that the
spend time by saying his son’s innocent request to main reason Cyrus was
that they have the have fun off shows how prompted to write was to
importance of influential the pressure to keep challenge the societal pressure
 responsibilities. Due to working makes one toward of constantly working leaving no
the use of this likely their own children. In the second room for relaxation.
scenario to happen in incident, we can see the grueling
real life, this would effects of this workaholic
resonate with individuals norm and behavior on personal
who have and place relationships as the wife had
more significance on taken an emotional toll from the
hectic work dates, and man’s decision to break a
as a result, leaves them promise to spend time. These
feeling torn between emotional events are put in to
family and work. show and descriptively inform
the audience through scenarios
of the consequences of having
a mindset, pressured by society,
to prioritize work and push off
family.

Context: (AEC Rhetorical Devices Message: (FRQ Style) Final Analysis of song
Format) Found: (4 examples, 4 meaning: (FRQ Style) (3 pieces
pieces of evidence of of textual evidence to support
different rhetorical your analysis)
devices. (4 paragraphs)

The song “Busy Man” The song “Busy Man” by The main message of the song The song “Busy Man” by Billy
by Billy Ray Cyrus was Billy Ray Cyrus contains “Busy Man” by Billy Ray Cyrus is Ray Cyrus gives a message on
created in the year the use of repetition that there lies a significance in the importance of balancing
1998, and due to the which in effect creates maintaining one’s personal work and career with personal
work culture of the a mood of leading a relationships and making time relationships. The analysis of the
90s the song had haphazard and busy life. for loved ones despite the meaning has multiple aspects to
reflected the aspects For example, in the song demands and societal pressure it which are the consequences
of work-life balance the songwriter of keeping a busy career. For of neglecting family while
during that era. For constantly uses two instance, Cyrus mentions a working for professional
instance, in the late lines that remark that situation where a man who success and that boundaries
1990s, a cultural shift in one has “got to go, got prioritizes a busy job doesn’t should be established in work.
attitudes toward work to run, hit it hard and keep his promise to his wife to For instance, Cyrus
and family life had get it done,” (Cyrus, lines spend time, and as a result, she introspection during the song
taken place. More 10-11). ends up “crying, saying I thought about how regrets “if only I had
specifically, because we had plans, you say honey I'm spent more time at work,”
technology was The utilization of sorry I'll make it up,” (Cyrus, (Cyrus, line 32). This line highlights
advancing, more jobs metaphor in the song lines 18-20). The fact that Cyrus the misplacement of priorities
were advancing which “Busy Man” is used to highlights the consequences to and as a result, the scenario
resulted in parents convey the the actions of breaking key served as a caution which
leading busy lives and consequences of promises that hold a relationship reflects the consequences of
hectic schedules at prioritzing one’s career with a spouse all for the sake not balancing work and life, as a
work. In addition, the and work over family. of work, makes it clear that higher internal priority on work
idea of pursuing a For instance, Cyrus without maintaining equal can increase stress on
career was widely asks the intended importance to family and work, individuals who have jobs. A
adopted by society and audience if they ever individuals can and will be torn similar example can be seen
the work-a-holic have “seen a headstone apart. As a result, the song along the imagery in the lines
culture became a with these words 'If brings out a message to all that describe a boy and “his
norm, pressurizing only I had spent more individuals who live busy work basketball in hand,” wanting to
individuals to prioritize time at work,” (Cyrus, lives to reevaluate their play with a busy father who
work. As a result, due lines 31-32). placements of importance prioritizes work (Cyrus, line 2).
to the societal In the song “Busy Man,” between family and career in Furthermore, the metaphorical
standards that Cyrus’s use of order to have both key imagery of an office “call one
demanded individuals of assonance creates a aspects of life. day… you say no way, the
their time and energy sense of urgency and weekend's mine,” (Cyrus, lines
at work, in the 1990s reinforces the shocking 34-35). The clear refusal to
era, this song had aspect of needing to be work in the weekend describes
become a backdrop on edge with work. For how ridiculous offices are and
that reflected the instance, Cyrus goes to show the significance
intense prioritization of commonly says in the of creating boundaries in order
work life, and the song that “You got to to maintain a balance between
neglect of family and go, got to run," (Cyrus, one’s family and career, two
relationships. line 10). The songwriter’s crucial aspects of the song, and
repetition of the "o" moreover life.
sound in "got" and "go"
emphasizes a sense of
urgency and reinforces
the speaker's need to
constantly be working.

The use of vivid

personification in the
song “Busy Man”
creates a connection
with the audience
through emotional
appeal. For example, In
the line "And when you
 say that time's
a-wasting," (Cyrus, line
16). Here time is
personified as if it has
the capability to waste
away.

Title & Artist Audience: Purpose: (5-10 sentences)
Speaker
“Crooked Smile” by The intended audience The primary purpose of the
J. Cole of the song is young song is to empower those
adults who struggle individuals who feel insecure
with self-esteem and about their appearance in
body image issues. society by promoting feelings
of self-love. For example in
the middle of the song, J. Cole
makes it clear to women, no
matter who they that they
are “a star, don't let 'em tell
you you're not,” (J. Cole, line
36). By clearly telling women
of insecurity that they are
Exigence:. (3-5 sentences)
The songwriter’s exigence is
to challenge societal
pressures to conform to
unrealistic beauty standards,
specifically for women. J.
Cole makes a stance in the
beginning of the song that
shows that he realizes the
hurtful opinions of today;s
society and their comments
to make individuals feel bad
about themselves. Due to
these issues, J. Cole saw, he
 enough as he considers them had been prompted to create
all truly bright, J. Cole makes a song of empowerment to
his intentions clear in that he challenge and show that a
wants to provide feelings of smile is a smile, doesn’t matter
acceptance. Further, by if it is broken or not “looking
telling those same women to right”.
stay resilient when others
criticize them, shows that
Cole wants to embrace their
unique appearance. Overall, J.
Cole wants to tell young
women of insecurity to don’t
take harmful comments to
heart, revealing his purpose
to be of societal
empowerment.

Context: (AEC Rhetorical Devices Message: (FRQ Style) Final Analysis of song
Format) Found: (4 examples, 4 meaning: (FRQ Style) (3 pieces
pieces of evidence of of textual evidence to support
different rhetorical your analysis)
devices. (4 paragraphs)

The song “Crooked In the song, the use of The message of the song is to The song’s message on the need
Smile” came out as a repetition brings out embracing his imperfections and to self-accept is born out of
piece for identity themes of embracing advocate for systemic or the causes of resilience and
activism due to the imperfection, appealing societal change. This message is social consciousness. This is
harsh societal to insecure individuals.brought out by highlights that done by juxtaposing personal
comments and For example, the women need to that they are “a struggles with societal injustices.
pressures of the 21st repetition of phrases star, don't let 'em tell you you're For instance, J. Cole uses
century. For like "on my way down" not,” (J. Cole, line 36). By stating metaphorical language as he
this J. Cole clearly wants all states “a perfect smile is more
instance, the 21st and "crooked smile"
people, moreover women, to appealing but it's funny how my
century was an era emphasizes key
stop this self-hate that resulted sh*t is crooked look at how far
where companies had themes of
from societal hate, and to I done got without it." (J. Cole,
advertised and self-acceptance
rather just accept who we are, lines 7 and 8). The metaphor of
prompted beauty throughout the song. and to not care if we are a "crooked smile" emphasizes
standards and many looking “right”. As a result of imperfection, contrasting
icons today promote The utilization of that exact line, a message is societal ideals of beauty with
those standards alliteration contrasted outlined for spreading love and the reality of an individual’s
through ads. As a beauty with the reality countering the hate brought by natural flaws. As a result of this
result of those ads, of imperfection, high societal standards. juxtaposition, the message of the
many individuals embracing the flaws song comes out. In addition, he
adopted a specific of natural creation. repeats the phrase "I'm on my
body image and For example, J. Cole way" throughout the song,
reinforcing the idea of
features that just famously says “we
progression. Along with this, J.
“looked right”. This ain't picture perfect
Cole draws parallels as he
notion sparked but we worth the
states that it “seems like half
hatred to certain picture still,” (J. Cole,
the race is either on probation
individuals which then line 10). or in jail / Wonder why we
led to them having inhale, cause we in hell already.”
feelings of anxiety The song’s use of (J. Cole, lines 55-56). Both of
and insecurity. Out of anaphora had been the evidence above bring about
the issues, J. Cole mainly utilized to that it is rather the social
decided to create a reinforce the theme consciousness of beauty that
song that not only of progression. For brings the fight for
reflected the issues instance, at the self-acceptance, and to avoid
being subdued by societal hate
but also provided a beginning of the song,
on “not right” looks.
counter-argument to J. Cole repeatedly
all society standards, says “I'm on my way.”
and the resulting As a result, the
product of his audience can picture
attitude against hate the artist's moving
and body image journey despite social
belittling was challenges he faces.
“Crooked Smile”. The
words of the title J. Cole’s use of
itself served as a analogy is intended to
format for how his emphasize the
song would go and interconnectedness of
perfectly targeted personal struggles.
the standard of For instance, J. Cole
having straight, white uses the “crooked
teeth. smile” as an analogy to
him. By comparing him
in parallel likeness to a
crooked smile shows
that he is aslo involved
in the struggle of
trying to be “perfect”,
which J. Cole implies
isn’t a struggle at all.