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- Landslide – Fleetwood Mac. Penned and sung with wrenching simplicity by the legendary Stevie Nicks, “Landslide” is featured on most people’s breakup playlists – mine included.
- Titanium – David Guetta feat. Sia. Of all the songs that regularly get stuck in my head, “Titanium” is one of the most persistent. The message extolling personal strength and self-love is universally relatable.
- Another Brick In the Wall (Part 2) – Pink Floyd. Composed by Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters in 1979 as part of the band’s famous concept album The Wall, “Another Brick in the Wall” is an iconic protest song against closed-minded teaching and abusive practices in the educational system, including corporal punishment.
- God Is a DJ – P!nk. P!nk has many songs with metaphors in the lyrics, but this track has several right in a row. There’s the one in the title – “God is a DJ” – but she also sings that “life is a dance floor, love is a rhythm, and you are the music.”
Example #1: Hound Dog (By Elvis Presley) You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog. Quit snoopin’ ’round my door. You can wag your tail. But I ain’t gonna feed you no more. In this song, the singer berates his significant other, comparing her to a dog that just won’t leave him alone.
- In this song, Brooks is comparing something as simple as a one-song dance to life. He says that we could avoid the pain of losing people, but he wo...
- In this country classic, Lonestar sings to their children while they are away on tour. The band compares themselves to the daily things that their...
- In this song, the Eagles compare the fickle, temporary, and false nature of all the glamor found out west in Hollywood-land to that of a short-stay...
- In this song from the 90s, the R&B trio each takes a turn telling a story about someone who got caught up in something that hurt him. It was a meta...
- Ever the romantic, Michael Buble uses his song Everything to tell his wife that she means everything to him. He compares her to multiple things thr...
- Katy’s anthem of self-love is a great example of metaphors and similes. The overarching metaphor is that everyone is a firework: unique, special, a...
- In this dance classic, she compares herself to one of the strongest metals. She is showing that no matter what you throw at her, or how much you tr...
- Here, Poison is taking a popular metaphor and putting it to song. Just like the flower that is so beautiful and beloved, this woman has a side that...
- In this sometimes overlooked Disney classic, Mulan leaves her family and acts like a man to keep her father from war. This metaphor compares how sh...
Aug 16, 2024 · The song’s lyrics continue to use metaphor to convey a message of hope, transformation, and the pursuit of freedom. This Simple metaphor has resonated with many and has become a timeless example of how music can be a powerful vehicle for social commentary and expression. 50 Famous Examples of Metaphors in Songs
Here are a few examples of metaphors in songs from the 2000s and later. Happy by Pharrell Williams. I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space. With the air, like I don’t care baby by the way. Here the singer compares himself and his positive nature to a hot air balloon. As the balloon uses hot air to rise up, the singer fuels his mind ...
- Classic Songs with Metaphor-Based Figurative Language
- Modern Songs with Metaphor-Based Figurative Language
- “Rolling in The Deep” by Adele
- Lesser-Known Songs with Powerful Metaphors
- Conclusion
1. “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan
“Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan is a classic song that uses metaphor-based figurative language to great effect. Dylan uses a metaphor to describe how the protagonist in the song feels like a rolling stone that has been cast out of society. Through this metaphor, Dylan conveys the feeling of being powerless and out of control, but ultimately, how having the freedom to go wherever life takes you can also be empowering. It is a classic example of how a metaphor can be used to evoke a range o...
2. “I Am the Walrus” by The Beatles
I Am the Walrus by The Beatles is a classic psych-rock song from the iconic 1967 album, Magical Mystery Tour. The song features a combination of surreal lyrics, musical experimentation, and dreamy atmosphere. The lyrics, which were penned by John Lennon, draw upon Lewis Carroll’s poem “The Walrus and the Carpenter” for inspiration, which is further highlighted by the mellotron and cello flourishes found throughout. The song has become a classic of its genre and a fan favorite, and its influen...
3. “Hotel California” by Eagles
The Eagles’ iconic song “Hotel California” is one of the most renowned songs of all time. Released in 1977, the song has become an anthem for its generation, depicting a life of excess and luxury. The lyrics, which follow a journey of a weary traveler to the mysterious hotel, depict the pitfalls of the California dream. The song was a huge success, topping the charts in America, Canada and the UK as well as making it to the top of many other countries’ charts. Its success was mainly due to it...
11. “Chandelier” by Sia
“Chandelier” by Sia is an upbeat, electro-pop anthem about the pain of living life in the spotlight, but also the freedom that comes with it. The song’s vivid lyrics are full of metaphors and figurative language, making it a great example of modern songwriting. Sia’s signature soaring vocals carry the message of the song, which explores the idea of living in a house of broken dreams, but embracing it and finding the freedom in letting go. The song’s chorus is a powerful reminder to the listen...
12. “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay
“Viva la Vida” by Coldplay is an iconic song that has been a fan favorite since its release in 2008. With its uplifting melodies and powerful lyrics, it has become an anthem for many. It is an alternative rock song from the band’s fourth studio album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, and was released as the lead single for the album. The song speaks of a journey with its lyrics about liberation, freedom, and revolution. It has been covered and sampled by many artists, and has been u...
13. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran is a beautiful love ballad about the importance of cherishing a relationship and never taking it for granted. The song, which was the third single released from Sheeran’s second studio album, X, was certified for selling over two million copies in the UK. The track was written by Sheeran, Amy Wadge, and produced by Jake Gosling and is considered one of Sheeran’s most successful releases. With a combination of acoustic guitar and Sheeran’s heartfelt lyrics, th...
“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele is an emotional and powerful song that seamlessly blends elements of pop, soul, and R&B. The lyrics of the song have a deeply profound meaning that many listeners have related to their own lives. Adele’s powerful vocals drive the song and her emotion shines through with each line. The song was a massive success and to...
21. “Cough Syrup” by Young the Giant
“Cough Syrup” by Young the Giant is an insightful song with powerful metaphors. The narrator of the song is struggling with the pressures of life, from trying to fit in and achieving success, to the general feeling of being trapped in a certain situation. The narrator compares this feeling to being stuck in a dream or nightmare that just won’t end. The metaphor of the cough syrup being used to numb the pain and dull the senses further emphasizes the narrator’s feelings of helplessness and hop...
22. “World at Large” by Modest Mouse
This song, “World at Large” by Modest Mouse, captures the complexity of our lives as humans. Through simple yet effective lyrics, lead singer Isaac Brock paints a picture of the world we live in—filled with uncertainty, pain, and beauty. Brock’s thoughtful, poetic words show us that while life can be difficult, it can also be incredibly beautiful and worth living. The gentle, wistful melody and warm instrumentation provide a fitting backdrop to Brock’s words, making the song an inspiring and...
23. “Two Birds” by Regina Spektor
“Two Birds” by Regina Spektor is an uplifting, contemplative tune that celebrates the joys of life and the beauty of nature. The song’s chorus, which is repeated throughout the track, speaks to the power of embracing the moment: “One joy shared by two / One life shared by two / One love shared by two birds.” Regina Spektor’s soothing vocals and vibrant melodies paint a vivid musical landscape that evokes the feeling of being two birds, soaring through the sky in perfect harmony. The song is b...
In conclusion, using metaphors in songwriting is an effective way to add a layer of emotion and depth to the lyrics. It can be seen in songs from various genres and time periods, including hip-hop, rock ‘n’ roll, country music, jazz, and pop. By utilizing figurative language through the use of metaphors, songwriters have been able to better connect...
Jun 24, 2019 · The heart is often used in metaphors. Someone can have a "heart of gold" or "speak from the heart." The title of Maroon 5's song, "Stereo Hearts," is itself a metaphor, and the lyric containing this metaphor is repeated multiple times for emphasis: "My heart's a stereo. It beats for you so listen close".
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Jul 10, 2024 · 14. “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” by Bob Dylan. “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” by Bob Dylan utilizes the ominous imagery of weather as a potent metaphor for the storm of social change and political upheaval. The song’s prophetic and powerful lyrics serve as a call to awareness and action in the face of impending transformations ...
