BROKEN-HEARTED GIRL – Beyoncé

“Broken-hearted Girl” is a single in an album I am…. Sasha Fierce of an American singer Beyoncé, released 2008. This is a song about love with a classic rhythm. It describes the heartbroken feeling and insecurity of love. This song was on the top twenty on the single charts of Australia, Ireland, and German…

[Verse]

“You’re the only one I wish I could forget
The only one I’d love to not forgive
And though you break my heart, you’re the only one
And though there are times when I hate you
Cause I can’t erase
The times that you hurt me
And put tears on my face
And even now while I hate you”

The first part of the lyrics brings up a picture of a girl with a broken heart but still being deeply in love. She is afraid of being away from her love, “I don’t wanna be without you babe”; “I don’t want a broken heart”, although “But sometimes I feel you’re not deserving me”, “There are times when I hate you”

[Verse 2]

“Something that I feel I need to say
But up to now I’ve always been afraid
That you would never come around
And still I want to put this out
You say you’ve got the most respect for me
But sometimes I feel you’re not deserving me
And still you’re in my heart
But you’re the only one and yes
There are times when I hate you
But I don’t complain
Cause I’ve been afraid that you would’ve walk away
Oh but now I don’t hate you
I’m happy to say
That I will be there at the end of the day”

In the second verse, it shows clearly an insecure feeling of love “But up to now I’ve always been afraid that you would never come around, I’ve been afraid that you would’ve walk away”, however, she is always believeing, waiting and keeping this love “ still you’re in my heart”, “I’m happy to say that I will be there at the end of the day”

No Role Modelz – J. Cole

Album: 2014 Forest Hills Drive

What has been dubbed one of J. Cole’s (real name Jermaine Lamarr Cole) best ever projects, ‘2014 Forest Hills Drive’ is quite comfortably my favourite album by the North Carolina MC and one of my favourites in general from the last decade. After spawning mammoth tracks such as ‘Apparently’, ‘G.O.M.D’, and ‘Wet Dreamz’ to name but a few, the album achieved a much publicised feat of going platinum and eventually double platinum with no features. One of the standout tracks from this album for me and I’m sure many others, is ‘No Role Modelz’. On it, Cole laments the the fake, talentless L.A women and attributes their shallow, materialistic ways to growing up watching witless reality TV stars.

“No role models and I’m here right now
No role models to speak of
Searchin’ through my memory, my memory, I couldn’t find one”

Cole reflects on his upbringing and can’t recall a single role model, a topic that he is not afraid to broach, as evidenced by his musings on a fatherless upbringing on ’03 Adolescence’. Throughout the track, Cole voices his concern for the nature of superstardom and the associated trappings, unafraid to concede that he himself is not immune to corruption and reflecting upon a time when he was a better version of himself (“But then I thought back, back to a better me, Before I was a B-list celebrity”).

“I want a real love, dark skinned Aunt Viv love
That Jada and that Will love
That leave a toothbrush at your crib love
And you ain’t gotta wonder whether that’s your kid love”

The Fayetteville MC expresses his disdain for the current template set for relationships. The slow deterioration of traditional values and what a partnership has come to be leads Cole to fantasise about establishing a relationship akin to that of Aunt Viv and Uncle Phil from the TV series ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ or the series star Will Smith and his wife Jada.

‘No Role Modelz’ is my favourite track from ‘2014 Forest Hills Drive’ and one of my favourite songs of all time. Cole’s anthemic chorus, nuanced yet frank lyricism, the way his flow weaves in and out of the beat pockets, the catchy melodies, and the variety he provides in his impassioned and powerful delivery combine to make this song what is it. The interpolation of Project Pat’s ‘Don’t Save Her’ on the chorus alongside the vocal sampling of George Bush’s infamous destruction of the phrase “fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me” provide levity and variation while Cole mourns the age gap between himself and the strong, virtuous actresses he crushed on as a younger man (“My only regret was too young for Lisa Bonet, My only regret was too young for Nia Long”). Handling the production himself, together with Phonix Beats, J. Cole executes a masterclass in Hip-Hop and social commentary.

A near perfect song.

Bubblin’ – Anderson .Paak

Album: Oxnard

A flex track if ever there was one, ‘Bubblin” showcases the multi talented .Paak (real name Brandon Paak Anderson) in peak lyrical form as his undeniable charisma comes to the fore in a song dripping with personality. The joint production of AntMan Wonder and Jahlil Beats features an urgent, tense-sounding instrumental paired with wild, trap samples and beats and has .Paak delivering signature tongue-in-cheek rhymes.

“Yeah, one in the hand, one in the bag, bubblin’
Look at the cash, look at the cash comin’ in”

Simply put, “one in the hand, one in the bag” means to save your money. .Paak has stated in the past that there was once a time when he was a little more flippant when it came to his finances, an attitude that found him broke on several occasions. These lyrics, repeated throughout the chorus as well as at the beginning of the first verse, show how .Paak’s attitude has changed, despite being more successful than ever.

“All the problems have gotten easy to bury
I’d rather drown them in Hendrick’s, I’d rather kiss on my Mary”

.Paak is acknowledging how much easier it has become to solve problems since his breakout and subsequent success thanks to Dr. Dre’s Compton. Yet despite this, Anderson would prefer to drink Hendrick’s Gin and get high until he forgets about them.

“I’ma need all the fries you can give me
All the hot sauce, all the pie you can give me
Better be all or nothin’, don’t have me in the middle”

Not only is Anderson highlighting his ability to walk into somewhere and order absolutely anything and everything off the menu, this line pays homage to a scene from the cult classic film ‘Friday’ where Mr. Jones stirs in his sleep and asks for “the two piece special. Lots of hotsauce and all the fries you can give me.”

Overall, this song is irresistibly fun. Anderson .Paak’s melodic rapping, layered and light-hearted lyrics, and infectious chorus set against some stellar production pave the way for his sure-to-be impressive forthcoming sophomore release.

Kool Aid and Frozen Pizza – Mac Miller

Mixtape: K.I.D.S

The 14th track from Mac’s breakout mixtape ‘KIDS’, ‘Kool Aid and Frozen Pizza’ is a relaxed, kick-back song about a regular day in Miller’s life. He has previously stated that his music (and this song in particular) focuses on exploring ‘positive things that everyone can relate to’. Mac’s easy flow meanders across the spacey, laid-back production from Lord Finesses ‘Hip 2 Da Game’ as he introduces himself to the listener through playfully braggadocios lyrics about his impending success.

“Kool-Aid and frozen pizza
It’s a work of art, I ain’t talking Mona Lisa”

The opening line of the song has Miller calling out those who don’t consider rap to be art as he boastfully draws a comparison between his song and the infamous Mona Lisa by Leonardo DaVinci. A double entendre, the meaning of this lyric is two-fold. Mac is highlighting his appreciation of the simpler things in life, demonstrating through both interpretations of the bar that art cannot be confined to a traditional ‘mould’ – that it is subjective.

“Yeah, I live a life pretty similar to yours
Used to go to school, hang with friends and play sports
Every single summer taking trips to the shore
And that was all gravy but I knew I wanted more”

One of Mac’s most endearing attributes as a lyricist is his ability to be relatable. Here he paints a picture of his regular upbringing and how his drive to make it as as rapper left him wanting more from life.

You must admit he’s killing ’em, running off adrenaline
Waiting for the game to wanna let him in, so open up

For me, Mac’s earlier work takes on a different level of complexity and subtlety when comparing it to his more recent projects. Observations of his evolution as an artist, person, and how his opinions and perceptions have changed and developed are frequent. In ‘Kool Aid and Frozen Pizza’ Miller discusses his imminent breakthrough as he waits to be accepted by his peers and fans on the global stage. In ‘Brand Name’ and subsequently ‘2009’, Mac shares more cynical, jaded thoughts regarding the industry and indeed success after his presence in the game as mainstay for almost a decade.

‘Kool Aid and Frozen Pizza’ was the very first song i heard by Mac Miller. I remember listening to it with my friends back in highschool when it first came out. It has always held a special place in my heart due to it encapsulating Mac’s care-free, playful nature – an aspect that still resonates strongly with me to this day.

NEVER GIVE UP- YOLANDA ADAMS

This song is from album Believe released 2001. It is one of my favorite song in the album. It is a very inspirational song with a slow rhythm. Yolanda begins with a story of a girl who is shy and afraid to express herself to the world.

[Verse 1:]

“Visions that can change the world
Trapped inside an ordinary girl
She looks just like me
Too afraid to dream out loud
And though it’s simple, your idea
It won’t make sense to everybody

You need courage now
if you’re going to persevere”

The first verse shows an understanding and sympathy to people who need courage and confident in life.

[Pre-Chorus:]

To fulfill your divine purpose
You’ve gotta answer when you’re called
So don’t be afraid to face the world against all odds

[Chorus:]

Keep the dream alive don’t let it die
If something deep inside keeps inspiring you to try
Don’t stop and never give up
Don’t ever give up on you, don’t give up

The pre-chorus and chorus encourage the listener to be strong to face the world, keep the fire of your dream inside and never give up on what you want to do.

[Verse 2:]

“Every victory comes in time
Work today to change tomorrow
It gets easier
Who’s to say that you can’t fly?
Every step you take you get
Closer to your destination
You can feel it now

Don’t you know you’re almost there?”

“Sometimes life can place a stumbling block in your way
But you’ve gotta keep the faith
Bring what’s deep inside your heart to the light
and never give up”

This verse is like a message that Yolanda wants to send to the audience that the journey to your dream takes time, there are difficulties and challenges but you are on your way, so keep going and never give up on yourself.

[Bridge:]

“Who holds the pieces to complete the puzzle?
The answer that can solve a mystery
The key that can unlock your understanding
It’s all inside of you
You have everything you need
So…
Don’t ever give up on you”

In the end, the lyrics is about: “Never give up” in yourself is the key to achieve the world so believe in yourself and be brave to be on the way your dream.

Greek Tragedy – The Wombats

The gruesome music video was directed by Finn Keenan (The Strypes “She’s So Fine”) and features Skins star April Pearson as a deranged fan of the band. “We all die in the video,” the band told FasterLouder “So as far as I’m concerned it’s the best video ever made – until the one when we all kill each other.”

[Verse 1]
We’re smashing mics in karaoke bars
You’re running late with half your make-up on
This method acting might pay our bills
But soon enough there’ll be a different role to fill

[Pre-Chorus 1]
I love this feeling
But I hate this part
I wanted this to work so much
I drew up our plans on a chart
Cars are flipping, I’m in hot pursuit
My character’s strong but my head is loose

The first part of the song brings light upon how the relationship is fading especially with the lyrics ‘I wanted this to work so much’ and more ‘I drew up our plans on a chart’. This lyrics identify the ultimate end of a relationship that the two seem to be holding onto but neither want to give it up regardless of the signs.

[Chorus 1]
She hits like ecstasy
Comes up and bangs the sense out of me

[Verse 2]
The tarot cards say it’s not so bad
And the blades rotate, there’s just no landing pad
And better have said it but, darling, you’re the best
I’m just tired of falling up the Penrose steps

The second part shows how fate may say the relationship will stay in tact but the relationship will never land anywere safely they instaed just keep stayig in the same position.

[Pre-Chorus 2]

I hate this feeling
But I love this part
She really wants to make it work
And I clearly want to let it start
We’ll build a water slide
As soon as I get home

[Chorus 2]

Oh and she hits like ecstasy
Comes up and bangs the sense out of me
It’s wrong but surely worse to leave
She hits like ecstasy

[Outro]
So free up the cheaper seats
Here comes a Greek Tragedy

I love this song its another favourite its great insight into how even if we love someone deeply toxic relationships are not worth staying even if sign are there to stay ultimately you have to go with gut feel about the relationship.

Tokyo (Vampires and Wolves) – The Wombats

This is the first single by indie rock band The Wombats from their second album.

Vocalist Matthew “Murph” Murphy told The Sun it had nothing to do with vampires or other bloodsucking creatures. He added: “It’s an angst rebellious song about everything. There are also no guitars – just synths. I got bored at looking at guitar amps.”

Murphy explained the inspiration for the track to The Sun: “The song is about the need I personally felt to better Let’s Dance to Joy Division and to not be pigeonholed by it.
Time will tell if I was successful or not. The first time we went to Tokyo, we ended up in this crazy little bar called Edge End. I’ve since wanted to re-live that night over and over again and that’s the bar I’m referring to.”

[Verse 1]
We’re self-imploding under the weight of your advice
I wear a suitcase under each one of my eyes
Finally, I know now what it takes
It takes money and aeroplanes

[Chorus]
If you love me, let me go back to that bar in Tokyo
Where the demons from my past leave me in peace
I’ll be animating every night
The grass will be greener on the other side
And the vampires and wolves won’t sink their teeth
I’m sick of dancing with the beast

I love this song its my personal i enjoy the fast drumming and loud vocals by the band it is a great song.

The dancing with the beast I think reflects to life and how we all need a break from it every so often.

[Verse 2]
Astrophysics, you’ll never be my closest friend
I find no comfort in what my mind can’t comprehend
Finally, I work out what it takes
It takes money and aeroplanes

[Bridge]

No matter how much it needs me
Go and follow someone else’s lead

Turn – The Wombats

A chilling, vibrant track that encompasses the indecision of a relationship, “Turn” proves an exciting bookmark in The Wombats’ current chapter.

While the production on “Turn” seamlessly blends guitar riffs, with lead singer Matthew Murphy’s vocals it’s the lyrics that stand out here. The irony of “giving an aspirin the headache of it’s life”, is a perfect metaphor for the difficulties of a relationship. However, the lyrics of “Turn” can be sentimental, and often heartfelt. “I like the way you turn me inside and out” offers a contrasting perspective on the turmoil, inferring that arguing is a catalyst for passion.

I like the way your brain works, I like the way you try
To run with the wolf pack when your legs are tied
I like the way you turn me inside and out
I like the way you turn
(Woo, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
I like the way your brain works
(Woo, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
I like the way your brain works

[Outro]
Baby, it’s the crazy I like
I think I saw the world turn in your eyes
Baby, it’s the crazy I like
And maybe it’s the bullshit I’d miss
Screaming at the moon in black lipstick
Maybe it’s the bullshit I’d miss
It won’t get better than this

Murphy’s confident vocals tie these opposing themes together, by switching from his usual tone, to high pitched riffs. He sells the lyrics with a charismatic performance, and his charming, raspy voice places the words at the forefront of this unassuming love song. Meanwhile, the beat and instruments remain subtle throughout each verse, and are then replaced with a thunderous guitar during the chorus, that works in tandem with Murphy’s singing.

Moving To New York – The Wombats

The song is about one of front man Matthew Murphy’s relationships that went sour.

Drummer Dan Haggis explained to the Liverpool Echo January 12, 2007: “It was something to do with a girl he was dating. He bumped into her in a bar and saw her kissing another girl! She was Norwegian and a bit crazy so he said he wanted to move to New York to get away.”

[Verse 1:]
I’ve just had the craziest week
Like a party bag of lies, booze and then deceit
I don’t know why I want to voice this out loud
It’s therapeutic somehow

Murphy provides the audience with the background of the situation.

He explains the girl he was seeing lied and decieved him whilst out drinking most notably about her sexual orientation.

[Chorus:]
So I’m moving to New York ’cause I’ve got problems with my sleep
And we’re not the same and I will wear that on my sleeve
So I’m moving to New York ’cause I’ve got issues with my sleep
Looks like Christmas came early, Christmas came early for me

[Verse 2:]
I put one foot forward and ended up thirty yards back
And am I losing touch or am I just completely off the track?
And I don’t know why I want to voice this out loud
It’s therapeutic somehow

This verse outlines how Murphy totally misread the situation between him and the Norwegian girl and how he can’t understand if it is his inability to read the situation.

The chorus obviously explains how Murphy wants to move to Yew York in regards to the situation.

Every band needs a song that is a catalyst for their sound and career and fortunately for us Moving to New York became one of our best known numbers and it is still one of the most fun songs to play live.

(Dan Haggis)

Lets Dance To Joy Division – The Wombats

The song is the 8th song on The Wombats first recorded album ‘The Wombats Proudly Present A Guide to Love, Loss and Depression’.

The song is based about a drunken night the lead singer MatThew Murphy had whilst out with his girlfriend in Liverpool were they were dancing drunk on a table to Love will Tear Us Apart.

[Verse 1]
I’m back in Liverpool and everything seems the same
But I worked something out last night that changed this little boy’s brain
A small piece of advice that took twenty-two years in the make
And I will break it for you now, please learn from my mistakes
Please learn from my mistakes

The first verse outlines how life in Liverpool has stayed the same all throughout.

[Chorus]
Let’s dance to Joy Division and celebrate the irony
Everything is going wrong, but we’re so happy
Let’s dance to Joy Division and raise our glass to the ceiling
‘Cause this could all go so wrong, but we’re so happy
Yeah, we’re so happy

The irony is Joy Division were an English rock band back in the 70′ s and once you listen to them you understand that you were unable to dance because of the dark music they produced.

The raise our glass to the ceiling symbolises how we use alcohol sometimes to ease despair and how it makes us feel better even when things are all falling apart.

[Verse 2]
So if you’re ever feeling down, grab your purse and take a taxi
To the darker side of town, that’s where we’ll be
And we will wait for you and lead you through the dance floor
Up to the DJ booth, you know what to ask for
You know what to ask for

This verse illustrates the night Murphy had with his girlfriend dancing on the table drunk.

[Bridge]
Let the love tear us apart
I’ve found the cure for a broken heart, let it tear us apart
Let the love tear us apart
I’ve found the cure for a broken heart, let it tear us apart
So let the love tear us apart
I’ve found the cure for a broken heart, let it tear us apart
So let the love tear us apart
I’ve found the cure for a broken heart, let it tear us apart
Let it tear us apart, let it tear us apart

[Outro]
So happy, yeah, we’re so happy
So happy, yeah, we’re so happy

Lastly the bridge and outro strengthen the argument for alcohol and partying as a cure for a broken heart and how we should let love bring us down and use other methods to heal ourselves.

The song is now one of the most popular dance tunes in England and is well known around the world especially in Australia.

“That song is like people dancing and having fun to songs they really find quite depressing. It’s about people dancing to “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” been havin’ a hard week, then letting loose. The ridiculousness of life gets you down, but it’s kind of like the music can get you out of it.” Band members Dan Haggis and Tord Overland-Knudsen.