INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Language, a vital system of spoken and written symbols, plays an essential role in society as a primary means of communication, enabling us to express thoughts, ideas, and emotions while preserving cultures and building relationships Its undeniable significance lies in its ability to create meaning, a focus of semantics, a subfield of linguistics that explores the relationship between language and meaning Researchers like Bloomfield (1930) and Jackendoff (1983) have defined language as a medium that conveys concepts through sound and organizes meanings, respectively Kreidler (1984) identified various dimensions of meaning, including denotation, connotation, and lexical ambiguity, while Frawley (1992) emphasized the importance of contextual and referential aspects Goddard (2011) noted that the primary function of language is to express meaning, with lexical and contextual meanings being key areas of study in linguistics, as highlighted by Kearns (2000), who asserted that semantics focuses on the research of meaning.
Lexical meaning is the relationship between the meaning of the word and the sentence where it is used It focuses on the connection between words and meanings.
Contextual meaning is influenced by the surrounding circumstances, indicating that words can have varying interpretations based on their context Language is utilized by humans in diverse forms, including songs, poems, and novels Songs, as a unique art form, combine words and music to convey deep meanings and emotions The interplay between music and lyrics enhances their appeal, making the overall experience more engaging and significant Musicians aim to express their feelings and communicate messages to their audience through their creative works.
Music and songs play a crucial role in human life, serving as a powerful medium for expressing emotions, thoughts, and feelings through lyrics Composers convey meaning both lexically and contextually, allowing listeners to engage with the song's message and enhancing interpersonal communication Eminem stands out as a significant American musician whose impactful lyrics resonate deeply with the author This study focuses on the lexical and contextual meanings within Eminem's songs, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of his emotional and intellectual expressions through his music.
Aims and Objectives of the Study
This analysis aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the lexical and contextual meanings present in Eminem's lyrics, serving as a valuable resource for semantic teaching and learning.
The study has two objectives:
- To examine the different types of lexical meanings in the lyrics of Eminem's songs
- To examine the different types of contextual meanings in Eminem's song lyrics
Research questions
The thesis must clarify the following questions so as to achieve the aims of the study:
- What are the lexical meanings in the lyrics of Eminem's songs?
- What are the contextual meanings in the lyrics of Eminem's songs?
Methodology of the study
The methods used in this study include:
This study focuses on analyzing the lexical and contextual meanings of Eminem's song lyrics To achieve its objectives, the research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods to thoroughly examine the meanings embedded in the lyrics.
Major methods and supporting methods
This study employs a descriptive method integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches The quantitative method gathers data from significant sources, including songs and lyrics, while the qualitative method focuses on describing and interpreting the key aspects of lexical and contextual meaning in Eminem's song lyrics Additionally, an analytical method is utilized to examine the collected data comprehensively.
The study employs two key techniques for data collection: analyzing song lyrics for their lexical and contextual meanings, and conducting Google searches to gather diverse information about Eminem and his music This approach effectively supplements traditional research methods by providing a wealth of insights that may not be available in books.
Three steps are used in collecting the data for the research.
First: Browse Eminem’s album named Encore
Second: Choose the right songs for the study
Last: Choose three songs to analyze
The study analyzes three songs from Eminem's 2004 album "Encore": "The Mockingbird," "Love You More," and "Mosh." Through detailed examination, the author explores the lexical and contextual meanings present in the lyrics, providing insightful conclusions about the themes and messages conveyed in Eminem's work.
The procedure of data analysis includes the following steps:
First: Analyze three selected songs by Eminem
Second: Read and listen to the lyrics and the songs to find how his intonation influences the meaning
Third: Identify and categorize the aspects of contextual and lexical meanings in the lyrics
Last: Give a conclusion based on the data analysis and make suggestions
Scope of the study
Eminem's renowned album Encore features three standout tracks: "The Mockingbird," "Love You More," and "Mosh." This analysis delves into the lexical and contextual meanings of the lyrics in these selected songs, highlighting their thematic depth and emotional resonance.
Significance of the study
This research delves into the semantic dimensions of Eminem's music, offering an in-depth analysis of the lexical and contextual meanings found within the lyrics of his well-known songs The findings from this study serve as valuable insights for researchers engaged in semantic analysis.
Practically, for those who are interested in Eminem’s songs, this study will give them the correct interpretation of lexical and contextual meanings in his songs.
Structure of the study
The thesis begins with essential sections such as the Declaration by the Author, Acknowledgements, Abstract, and Table of Contents The core of the study is divided into four comprehensive chapters.
Chapter 1 is the Introduction of the study that explains why the topic is chosen It also presents the aim, scope, significance, structure as well as the methods applied in the study.
Chapter 2 presents an overview of previous studies overseas and in Vietnam related to the research This chapter gives a brief theoretical background and theoretical framework of the study.
Chapter 3 is the Findings and Discussions The chapter presents and analyzes the data collected from Eminem’s three songs in the Encore album It describes the lexical and contextual meanings found in his song lyrics.
Chapter 4 is the conclusions that presents the recapitulation, the limitations of the study and gives some suggestions for further studies.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Review of previous studies
In the field of semantics, notable studies have been conducted, with Cruse's "Lexical Semantics" (1986) being a significant contribution Cruse explores the semantic relationship between lexical items that denote parts and their corresponding wholes, as highlighted in his work (1986, p 159) Kearns (2000) further elaborates on this concept by demonstrating how the sentence frame "X is part of Y" can be utilized to identify such semantic relationships, exemplified by the meronyms "finger" and "palm" in relation to "hand."
Hyponymy is defined as a relationship of inclusion, where the meaning of a hyponym is encompassed within the meaning of a broader term known as a superordinate (Saeed, 1997, p.68) This concept is explored in depth in Saeed's book "Semantics."
Kreidler (1998) explored the lexical significance of songs, particularly analyzing the semantics of the Cranberries' music Her research highlights the prevalence of denotative, connotative, and figurative meanings in lyrics For example, the phrase "How to be killing you" carries both connotative and denotative interpretations related to the concept of killing Additionally, the word "like" is used figuratively to express an image, such as "like the sparkle of a diamond in her eyes."
In her 2005 thesis titled "Semantic Analysis of Iwan Fais' Songs," Nila Kumiasari explores the meanings and messages within ten tracks from Iwan Fais' "In Collaboration With" album This descriptive qualitative study employs various analytical techniques to draw conclusions, supported by the author's own works throughout the investigation.
Nugroho (2007) analyzed the denotative and connotative meanings in Metallica's lyrics, revealing that they possess both positive and negative connotations Positive connotations arise from phrases used in everyday language, like "psychotic," which denotes mental disturbance Conversely, words with negative connotations, such as "psychotic," often appear in figurative language, reflecting madness or craziness.
Illah (2008) concentrated on lexical meaning as one type of meaning According to the study, Bob Marley's song lyrics typically feature synonyms, antonyms, hyponyms, denotations, connotations, and messages.
In 2008, Illa conducted a study titled "A Semantic Study on the Lyrics of Eminem’s Songs," focusing exclusively on the lexical meanings within Eminem's lyrics This analysis was grounded in the semantic theory proposed by George Yule.
Nguyen Hoa, a Vietnamese researcher, emphasizes in "An Introduction to Discourse Analysis" that synonyms play a crucial role in achieving lexical cohesion He highlights the frequent use of synonyms and near-synonyms in English, which effectively eliminates unnecessary repetition in writing.
The article discusses significant works in semantics, highlighting "Synonym Substitution in English and Vietnamese" by Le Thi Thuy Trang (2011) and "The Lexical Features of English Used in Travel Brochures in Vietnam" by Vu Thi Thu Huong (2018) It also references Tran Thi Le Dung's doctoral thesis, “Đối chiếu từ đồng nghĩa trong Tiếng Anh và Tiếng Việt trên binh diện ngữ nghĩa và ngữ dụng” (2018), which explores various semantic elements Unlike these previous studies that focus on poems, books, and news stories, the current research emphasizes song lyrics Additionally, Nguyen Thi Nhuyn's master's thesis (2020), titled "An Analysis of Lexical and Contextual Meanings in the Lyrics of Bob Marley's Songs," provides insights into the lexical and contextual meanings within Marley's music.
This article delves into the semantics of language, focusing on both lexical and contextual meanings, as analyzed in the lyrics of Eminem's songs The researcher aims to enhance understanding of these meanings, providing valuable insights for teachers and students studying semantics The thesis, titled "An Analysis of Lexical and Contextual Meanings in the Lyrics of Eminem's Songs," serves as a useful reference for those interested in this field.
Theoretical background
Semantics plays a vital role in daily communication, significantly influencing reading comprehension, understanding, and language learning At its core, semantics is the study of meaning, focusing on how words and sentences function within a language It examines the ways in which people interact with words and symbols, making it essential for grasping the meanings of language Lyons (1984) defines semantics as the study of meaning, highlighting that the interpretation of words can vary across different languages Cruse (1986) expands on this by noting that semantics encompasses the study of language units, including words, signs, and symbols, and their meanings.
Evans (2009) contends that although meaning and form are interconnected, establishing a precise relationship between the two remains complex He notes that specific sounds organized in certain ways create words, and those words, when structured appropriately, form sentences While it is suggested that some elements of a sentence's meaning influence its form, speakers often intuitively connect particular meanings with distinct language structures Ultimately, the exact nature of the relationship between linguistic forms and their meanings is still unknown.
Semantics, as defined by Kriedler (1998) and Charles (1998), is the systematic study of how languages organize and express meanings, requiring an understanding of meaning structures within a single language This field encompasses the interplay of linguistics, philosophy, and psychology in exploring meaning Semantics focuses on the scientific examination of meaning at both the word and text levels, analyzing how meaning is constructed, functions, and evolves, highlighting the intrinsic connection between meaning and linguistic forms.
Context, encompassing physical settings, social situations, and communication purposes, serves as the linguistic environment for words, phrases, and sentences It plays a crucial role in determining meaning, as words can only be fully understood within their specific contexts By analyzing the context, one can grasp the significance of each element in a sentence and how they interrelate Linguists have explored various facets of language meaning, consistently highlighting the importance of both lexical and contextual meanings A comprehensive understanding of these two aspects simplifies the process of comprehending language effectively.
The researcher shows interest in examining the lexical and contextual meanings in Eminem’s song lyrics, which are filled with emotions and thoughts.
Eminem's lyrics convey profound messages about love, life, and politics, offering listeners a deeper understanding of his artistry By exploring the dual meanings within his songs, audiences gain valuable insights into the complexities of his themes.
Semantics is the study of meaning in language, focusing on units like morphemes, words, phrases, and sentences It encompasses various aspects of meaning, which can be categorized into different references As noted by Lyons (1984, p 36), understanding semantics is crucial for grasping the nuances of language.
“There arc many types of meaning such as lexical meaning, philosophical meaning, contextual meaning, grammatical meaning, sentence meaning, descriptive meaning, expressive meaning, and social meaning”.
According to Charles (1998), meaning encompasses various aspects such as phrase and meaning, reference and denotation, connotation, sense relations, lexical and grammatical meaning, morphemes, homonymy, polysemy, and lexical ambiguity Patcda (2001) categorized meaning into four types: cognitive, ideational, denotational, and promotional Additionally, Evans (2009) identified eight kinds of meaning, including core, dictionary, fringe, emotional, cognitive, descriptive, and referential.
Kreidlers (1998) emphasizes that meaning encompasses various dimensions, including reference, denotation, connotation, sense relations, and grammatical aspects, as well as complexities like homonymy, polysemy, and lexical ambiguity Additionally, Bloomfield (1930) discusses the evolution of meanings, noting how they can be both broadened and narrowed over time.
Patcda (2001) identified multiple types of meaning, such as referential, contextual, mentalist or conceptual, and theoretical formalism Similarly, Chaer (2007) categorized meanings into several forms, including lexical, grammatical, and contextual meanings, along with referential and non-referential, connotative and denotative, conceptual, and lexemic meanings.
This study focuses on the lexical and contextual meanings of song lyrics, highlighting their importance in understanding the overall message of the songs By examining these meanings, the researcher aims to simplify the comprehension of lyrics, emphasizing their role in conveying various interpretations The author prioritizes lexical and contextual meanings over other types of meanings to provide a clearer insight into the songs' significance.
Theoretical framework
Lexical meaning is the smallest unit of meaning that distinguishes a word from others within a language's meaning system, relating to both abstract concepts and the physical world It represents the intrinsic meaning of a word when considered in isolation, as noted by Flawley (1992) Unlike contextual meaning, lexical meaning remains unaffected by surrounding context, embodying the definition found in dictionaries.
Lexical meaning refers to the significance of a word or lexeme within a lexicon, encompassing meanings derived from our sensory experiences It's important to note that not all lexemes are traditional word forms; many can exist as phrases or possess phrase-like structures.
Synonymy is a combination of the Greek words syn and nymy, which means
Synonymy refers to the study of synonyms, which are words or phrases that share similar meanings These synonyms enhance language by providing variety, allowing for improved word choice and helping to prevent the repetitive use of the same terms As a fundamental aspect of every language, synonyms play a crucial role in effective communication.
Synonymy refers to the similarity or identity of meaning between words According to Yule (2006, p 104), synonyms are defined as two or more words that share closely related meanings and can often be interchangeably used in sentences, although this is not always the case.
A lexical item that is somewhat similar to an earlier one in meaning is referred to as a synonym It is the real meaning of a word without context Palmer
(1986) defined the concept as a closely related meaning between the two words Smith (2006) thought that synonymy is the situation in which two or more forms have the same meaning.
Kreidler (1998, p 97) defines synonyms as single lexemes that share similar meanings, highlighting the semantic relationship between different speech units.
According to Bloomfield (1930), there are five ways to recognize synonyms:
1 Different dialects of the language have their own sets of synonyms In the
US, for example, the word "fall" is frequently used "Autumn" is the term used in various Western nations.
2 Words that are used in different styles can also cause problems; for instance, "a nasty smell" may be better described as "an obnoxious effluvium" or "a horrible stink" depending on the context.
3 One could argue that some words have several evaluative or emotional connotations Their remaining meaning, or "cognitive" meaning, remains One could contend that some words have several evaluative or emotional connotations Their remaining meaning, or "cognitive" meaning, remains unchanged.
4 Some words have limited usage in colloquial contexts; they only appear in connection with other words.
5 Many words have overlapping or similar meanings For example, "adult,"
"ripe," and "perfect" arc some synonyms for "mature."
Synonymy refers to the equivalence in meaning between words Synonyms are classified into two categories: absolute synonyms, which can be interchanged in any context, and partial synonyms, which are suitable for specific situations The author analyzes both partial and absolute synonymy present in the lyrics of Eminem's songs.
Antonymy, derived from the Greek words "ant" meaning "opposite" and "nymy" meaning "name," refers to the relationship between words that have opposite meanings According to Yule (1985), pairs such as "hot-cold," "good-bad," "tall-short," and "cheap-expensive" exemplify antonyms An antonym can be any expression that conveys a meaning contrary to another, including morphemes, words, phrases, and sentences Typically, antonyms are adjectives and adverbs that share the same grammatical units.
In morpheme: useful- useless, harmful- harmless
In word: old-young, tall-short, thin-fat
In phrase: happy-unhappy, friendly-unfriendly
In sentence: He is smart and He is not smart
Antonymy refers to lexical words with opposite meanings, typically involving two words from the same word class According to Smith (2006), antonyms differ from synonyms in terms of distribution, emotional coloring, and style.
Antonyms are classified into gradable and non-gradable categories, as noted by Crystal (1987) Gradable antonyms, often adjectives, relate to the objects they describe but do not establish an absolute scale In contrast, non-gradable antonyms, or complementary pairs, are seldom used in comparative structures, as the negation of one term does not necessarily denote its opposite Additionally, various methods exist for forming antonyms in English, such as using prefixes like un- and im- to create opposites, for example, likely becomes unlikely, fortunate turns into unfortunate, and possible changes to impossible.
Incorporating antonyms enhances the effectiveness and intrigue of writing by highlighting contrasts between people and things This technique not only emphasizes differences but also enriches descriptions, making them more vivid and engaging According to Lyons (1984, p 277), the use of antonyms is a powerful tool in crafting compelling narratives.
Antonymy plays a unique role in society, influencing how we perceive and categorize our experiences While it's difficult to determine if there is a universal human inclination to view the world in terms of opposites, our interactions with antonyms are profound From memorizing opposites in childhood to encountering them daily, antonymy serves as a vital cognitive tool that helps us organize and understand human experiences.
Polysemy refers to a word that possesses multiple related meanings, which are documented under a single entry in a dictionary Words that exhibit this characteristic are known as polysemous terms While these meanings often share a common core concept, they can vary in their specific applications.
Polysemy refers to a single word or form, whether written or spoken, that possesses multiple meanings interconnected by extension A word exhibiting two or more related meanings is classified as polysemic, highlighting the complexity and richness of language.
The Biography of Eminem
Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III in Missouri in 1972, is a legendary rapper and influential music producer of the twenty-first century He overcame a challenging childhood and gained fame in early 1999 with the release of his multi-platinum album, The Slim Shady LP, after dropping out of school and taking on various odd jobs Eminem has won two Grammy Awards and four MTV Video Music Awards, and his success has played a pivotal role in breaking down racial barriers for white rappers in mainstream music.
Eminem's musical journey began with his debut album Infinite (1996) and the Slim Shady EP (1997), leading to critical acclaim for The Marshall Mathers LP (2000) and The Eminem Show (2002), both of which earned Grammy nominations for Album of the Year After a hiatus in 2005 due to prescription medication issues following Encore (2004), he made a triumphant return to the music scene with Relapse (2009) and the subsequent release of Recovery (2010), which became the best-selling album worldwide that year, marking Eminem's second time achieving this milestone after The Eminem Show.
LP2 (2013), Revival (2017), Kamikaze (2018), and Music to Be Murdered By (2020) were his following US number-one albums.
Eminem made his cinematic debut by portraying a dramatized version of himself and also launched his own YouTube channel In addition to his solo career, he was a member of the hip-hop collective DI2 and is renowned for his collaborations with fellow Detroit rapper Royce da 5'9," with whom he forms the duo Bad Meets Evil.
Eminem, with over 220 million estimated global record sales, ranks among the best-selling musicians in history In the 2010s, he was the third-best-selling artist in the United States and held the title of the best-selling male musician in the 2000s.
Billboard named him "Artist of the Decade (2000-2009)," recognizing his unique achievement as the only musician with ten consecutive number-one albums on the Billboard 200 Additionally, he has secured five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 The Recording Industry Association has certified several of his works, including The Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show, Curtain Call: The Hits (2005), and the hit single "Lose Yourself."
Eminem's albums "Love the Way You Lie" and "Not Afraid" have achieved Diamond status or higher, solidifying his place in music history He is recognized in Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Artists and Songwriters of All Time Throughout his career, Eminem has garnered numerous accolades, including 15 Grammy Awards, 8 American Music Awards, and 17 Billboard Music Awards, along with an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and an MTV Europe Music Global Icon Award In November 2022, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy in the music industry.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminem)
Summary
Chapter two provides an overview of key components, beginning with a review of previous studies both internationally and in Vietnam It highlights significant linguistic theories from authorities such as Lyons (1984), Cruse (1986), Charles (1998), Kearns (2000), Chaer (2007), and Evans (2009) The chapter outlines the theoretical framework guiding the research and clarifies essential concepts, including lexical meaning, contextual meaning, song, and lyric Additionally, it includes relevant information about Eminem and his album "Encore."
FINDINGSAND DISCUSSIONS
Research findings
Lexical meaning refers to the definition of a word or phrase as found in a dictionary, as outlined in Chapter 2 Understanding the context of words, especially idiomatic expressions, is crucial for accurate interpretation This chapter presents a lexical and contextual analysis of lyrics from three Eminem songs, focusing on words with clear meanings that resonate with the audience.
This study analyzes three songs from Eminem's 2004 album, Encore, specifically "The Mockingbird," "Love You More," and "Mosh." Despite not achieving the same commercial success as its predecessors, Encore still sold over 11 million copies, a remarkable feat for any artist.
Eminem's fifth studio album, titled "Encore," was released five days earlier than planned due to an online leak on November 16, 2004 Featuring a cover image of Eminem bowing, the album is often viewed as his final studio release Notable lyrical themes include Eminem's critiques of Michael Jackson and former US President George W Bush Unlike his previous works, "Encore" incorporates more comedic elements and themes throughout its tracks.
Data presentations
This study analyzes three songs from Eminem's album "Encore," which received mixed reviews compared to his earlier work While the latter half of the album faced significant criticism for its quality and lyrical depth, the track "Mockingbird" stands out, earning acclaim and recognition as one of Eminem's best songs.
2004, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the album quadruple platinum after it had sold 11 million copies globally.
The following data presentations were made:
Eminem's 2004 track "The Mockingbird," featured on his album "Encore," showcases some of his most poignant rap lines, highlighting a more tender side of the artist Nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 2005 Grammy Awards, the song deeply explores Eminem's relationship with his daughters during challenging times in their family life.
In "Mockingbird," Eminem reflects on his struggles to explain to his daughters, Hailie and Alaina, the absence of their mother, who had always been a constant presence in their lives Acknowledging his limitations as a storyteller, he pours his emotions into this poignant song, aiming to convey the difficult circumstances surrounding their family This heartfelt track stands as one of the most emotional pieces he has ever created, capturing the essence of a father's love and the challenges of parenting amidst turmoil.
Eminem's challenging childhood and the negative habits of his family are reflected in his song "The Mockingbird," where he strives to comfort his daughters despite his wife Kim's absence The lyrics convey a heartfelt apology to Hailie and Alaina for their struggles, emphasizing his unwavering love and commitment to them, regardless of the difficulties they face.
Eminem's "Love You More" delves into the complexities of love within a tumultuous and destructive relationship The artist expresses that his affection for his partner intensifies despite the hardships they face Acknowledging that their conflicts should lead to separation, he remains captivated by the idea of their bond, continuously drawn back to his lover The lyrics suggest that, regardless of the severity of their arguments, the love they share prevails Ultimately, the song highlights how love can deepen and strengthen when confronted with chaos and trauma.
In this song, Eminem delves into his tumultuous relationship with his ex-wife, Kim, revealing his emotional turmoil and confusion regarding his feelings for her He candidly portrays the struggles they faced, highlighting the complexities of their troubled romance.
On October 26, 2004, just before the American presidential election, Eminem released his protest song "Mosh" as a digital single to sway voters' perceptions of George W Bush.
To maximize its reach, the song from the album Encore was made available for free online, being the only track released at that time The term "mosh," reflecting the band's ethos of "dancing violently to rock music," suggests a chaotic energy The lyrics focus on critiquing George Bush's decisions and America's role in the Iraq War.
Discussion of the data
The following sections will involve a lexical and contextual analysis of the gathered data.
The song "Mockingbird" is a track by American rapper Eminem It was released on April 25, 2005 as the fourth single from Eminem's fifth studio album,
"Encore" beautifully captures a father's unwavering love for his daughters, emphasizing his commitment to their happiness and protection This article will explore the lyrics of "Mockingbird," analyzing both their lexical choices and contextual significance to highlight the depth of parental affection.
No Lyrics Lexical meaning Contextual meaning
1 But hey, what daddy always tell you?
Straighten up, little soldier connotation Straighten up: to make your body straight and vertical
Soldier: a member of an army
He encourages his daughters to be brave.
"Stiffen up that upper lip; what are you crying about? The phrase 'stiffen up' means to make yourself or a part of your body firm, straight, and still, particularly in response to feelings of anger or fear."
He encourages his daughters to be stronger.
3 No more cryin', wipe them tears, daddy's here no more nightmares
But no more worries, rest your head and go to sleep synonymy a dream or an experience that is very frightening or unpleasant
The daughters are fearful when their Mom is on the run they do not understand it.
4 When it spins, when it swirls
When it whirls, when it twirls synonymy to move around
Eminem makes an effort to sooth the two girls and get them ready for another night of sleep.
I know it’s confusing you synonymy unable to understand something or the reason for something, or something is not clear
While Eminem is explaining all of this to his daughters, they both look confused They are obviously too young to understand the situation.
6 Looking at your baby pictures it just trips me out
The father in the song recognizes his children's growth and development, highlighting his awareness of both their progress and his responsibilities as a parent This reflects the importance of observation in understanding and nurturing familial relationships.
7 Haille I know you miss your mom
Mama’s always on the synonymy beloved mother The father makes an effort to console the kids because he is news
You’re mother and me aware that they miss their mother.
8 Daddy’s always on the move, mama’s always on the news
But daddy had to work, you and momma had to leave me synonymy the action of going away from a person or a place
The father tries to explain the absence of their father and mother some time in life because of work.
9 Stiffen up that upper lip
I can see you are sad even when you smile antonymy Stiffen up: to become, or to make something to become, difficult to bend or move
Smile: to make a smile appear on your face
His daughters are trying to hide their sadness.
Daddy’s here antonymy There: (in/ at/ to that place or position)
Here: (in/ at/ to this position or place)
A father’s promise to be here by their side and hold them through the night.
11 Rest your head and go to sleep
Maybe one day we’ll wake up antonymy Sleep: to rest with your eyes closed and your mind and body not active
Wake up: to stop sleeping
He hopes that everything is only a dream and that they will one day awake in a loving and happy home.
12 Heh, it’s funny, I remember back one year
Christmas antonymy Remember: to have or keep an image in your memory of an event, a person, a place, etc from the past
Forget: to be unable to remember something or information that you knew in the past
The father reminds his children of unforgettable memories they had together.
13 But daddy had to work, you and momma had to leave me
And Dad moved back to the other side of 8
Mile on Novara antonymy Leave: to go away from a person or a place
Move back: come back to the place where you live, work, etc.
The children's parents had a very unhappy marriage, they got married and then divorced.
14 I can see you sad, even when you smile, even when you laugh
I can see it in your eyes, deep inside you wanna cry. antonymy Smile: to make a smile appear on your face
Cry: to produce tears from your eyes because you are unhappy or hurt
The father is aware of the children’s love for their mother They miss her and are sad when she is away.
15 Daddy gonna buy you a mockingbird, 1’ma give you the world
I'd go back to the jeweler who sold it to ya antonymy Buy: to obtain something by paying money for it
Sell: to give something to somebody in exchange for money
Eminem promises to do anything to bring his daughters happiness and a better life.
16 But I’m trying to give you the life that I never had connotation the period between birth and death
Eminem wants to give his children a better living condition and a happier upbringing than he did.
17 Look at your baby pictures it just trips me out polysemy - a very young child or animal
- the youngest member of a family or group
- somebody, especially your wife, husband, or lover, in a way that expresses affection
He reminds his daughters of good memories they had together.
18 It may seem a little crazy, pretty baby polysemy - not sensible, stupid
- very angry -very enthusiastic or excited about something
Eminem makes an effort to comfort the daughters and help them spending the night apart from their mother.
- liking somebody very much, in love with somebody
19 And make him eat every carat, don’t fuck with dad, ha ha polysemy - have sex with someone
- an offensive swear word that is used to express anger, disgust or surprise
He assures his daughter that they should believe him.
20 Tryin' to start a piggy bank for you so you could go to college polysemy - an organization that provides various financial services
- an amount of money that is collected
- the side of a river, canal and the land near it.
His wife is putting money aside for their girls' college education.
21 Stiffen that upper lip up, little lady, I told ya connotation A polite word used to mean woman
He considers his daughters grown-up
He encourages them to overcome the current situation.
22 Stiffing up that upper lip
1 can see it in your eyes hyponymy Body part He tries to understand his daughters with all his heart.
Rest your head and go to sleep
And I know it hurt so bad it broke your mama’s heart
I’ma break that birdie’s neck
Lanie, uncle’s crazy ain’t he?
Haile I know you miss your mom
And met Dr Dre and flew you and Mama out to see me
Looking at your baby pictures it just trips me out
It’s almost like your sisters now hyponymy family member He is sorry for not bringing a happy family for his daughters.
24 Daddy's always on the move, mama's always on the news connotation On the move: to travel from place to place
On the news: to appear in the newspaper or television or radio
He wants the children to know he is always busy His wife is criticized for bad reasons.
25 The harder that I try to do that, the more it backfires on me connotation To have the opposite effect to the one intended, with bad or dangerous results
The father is so depressed Even when he makes an effort to protect the kids from this negativity, it nevertheless works against him.
26 'Cause daddy felt like a bum, see daddy had a job connotation A lazy person who does nothing for other people or for society
I can see the sadness in your eyes; deep down, you want to cry This reflects the inner turmoil in your heart As your father, I empathize with your feelings, understanding that you are struggling to conceal your sorrow.
28 Daddy gonna buy you a mockingbird, I’ma give you the world connotation A grey and white American bird that can copy the songs of other birds
He pulls in another well-known story, Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" novel, to help people understand his point He would overcome all hardship for his daughters.
There are 6 synonymous words, 7 antonymous words, 4 polysemous words,
2 hyponymous, and 9 connotative words in the song The Mockingbird The
Eminem's song "Mockingbird" poignantly reflects his deep love for his children while recounting the challenges his family has faced To convey this heartfelt message, he incorporates elements from the famous nursery rhyme "Hush, Little Baby" alongside references to Harper Lee's novel, creating a rich tapestry of emotion and resilience.
"To Kill A Mockingbird" to socialize his message This demonstrates Eminem's talent as a songwriter as well.
The researcher investigates and categorizes the types of contexts contained in the data based on the information that has been discussed in the lyrics to The
Mockingbird There are three different types of context: context of mood, context of speaker, and context of purpose found in the song lyric.
The results are displayed in the following table.
Yeah, I know sometimes The father shows his sympathy for the daughters’ sadness.
But hey, what daddy always tell you?
He shows his love for his daughters
Now hush little baby, don't you cry
The father draws their attention to his words and comforts his daughters.
It may seem a little crazy, pretty baby
He shows his love to his daughters.
Straighten up, little soldier He wants his daughters to be brave.
Stiffen that upper lip up, little lady, I told ya
He wants his daughters to be strong.
I'm just sorry, you were there and had to witness it firsthand
It is a heartfelt apology to his daughters
I'ma buy a diamond ring for you, I'ma sing for you
I'll do anything for you to see you smile
But I promise, momma's gon' be alright
Anything will be done to make his daughters' lives happy than his.
The Mockingbird, a song by Eminem, makes reference to his two daughters
Eminem struggled to explain to his young daughters the sudden disappearance of their mother, a situation they couldn't fully comprehend To convey his feelings, he wrote his most emotional song, which served as a heartfelt apology to them He expressed that he never wanted his daughters to witness the painful breakup of their family, a scenario he had desperately tried to prevent.
The song "Mockingbird" by Eminem showcases a father's profound love and commitment to his daughters, emphasizing his desire to protect them and ensure their happiness Beneath its heartfelt lyrics lies a sincere apology for the challenges they face, as Eminem vows to always provide unwavering love and support, promising to overcome any obstacles for their well-being.
Eminem's song "Love You More" explores complex themes such as power dynamics in relationships, the struggles of toxic love, and the fine line between intense affection and obsession The lyrics convey the feeling of being ensnared in a harmful, declining relationship where both partners are unable to improve their situation The song's rich lexical and contextual meanings reflect the emotional turmoil and challenges faced in such connections.
No Lyrics Lexical meaning Contextual meaning
'til I find you synonymy -Hunt: to look for somebody in order to catch them or harm them.
- Find, to discover somebody/ something by
The man shows his determination to find his partner The man affirms his love for his woman is true and strong. searching, studying or thinking carefully
2 It's silly oh why must we try
Is it really so rough?
But I won't be made a fool of synonymy -Silly: being foolish or embarrassing; exhibiting a lack of comprehension, thought, or judgment
-Fool: a person who shows a lack of intelligence or good judgment in their actions or speech
They have little thought when they hurt each other.
Even though they know it is stupid to hurt each other, they still can not avoid it.
3 And fuck you like I don't even know you
When I'm layin' here with you
It's you and me 'cuz any chick can say that she's screwin' me synonymy Have sexual intercourse with each other
They have a deep love and close relationship.
4 But you gotta believe me to a degree
'Cuz neither one of US trusts each other synonymy -Believe: to be confident that something is true or that someone is being honest with you.
There is a misunderstanding that results in disputes between the man and the woman His and his partner's
-Trust: to have confidence in somebody love for one another outweighs their disagreements.
5 It's sick but who could ever predict
And apologize after laughter pain synonymy - Sick: physically or mentally ill
-Pain: mental or emotional sufering
There is something wrong in their relationship The words express their agony in love Their love is full of pain and happiness.
6 You say you hate me, I just love you more antonymy - Hate, to dislike somebody very much.
Love: to have very strong feeling of deep affection for somebody/ something
How a deep and powerful love can become when it is tested by chaos and trauma.
7 You don’t want me, I just w ant you more antonymy Want: To have a desire or wish for something, have sexual desire for somebody
Despite her desire to leave, he expresses a profound love for her, revealing his deep emotional connection Although conflicts arise between them, his unwavering affection remains evident, highlighting the complexities of their relationship.
8 I know it's sad but antonymy - Sad:unhappy The woman has done it's makin' me happy or showing unhappiness; that makes you feel unhappy
Happiness is the state of feeling or showing pleasure and contentment It often arises from experiences that bring joy, even in the face of challenges In relationships, love can transcend pain and resentment, leading to forgiveness despite past mistakes Ultimately, love is the powerful force that fosters understanding and acceptance, allowing individuals to overcome obstacles together.
9 'Cuz we truly love each other
That's why we always fight antonymy Love: to have strong feelings of affection for somebody.
Fight: to struggle physically with somebody; to try very hard to get something or to achieve something
They truly love each other but there always exists conflicts between them It is a mixed blessing Love and hatred are together.
10 So it's off and on, usually more off than on antonymy On: in or into a position covering, touching or forming part of a surface
Off: away from a place, at a distance in space or time
The words express an up-and-down relationship between him and his woman There are both joys and sadness in their relationship.
11 Shout ‘til I throw you out the house
You throw me out the house antonymy Throw': to make somebody/ something in a particular state
There is a strong dispute between them Though they show their anger to their partner violently, they make up with each other in the end.
The term "shit" is a polysemous offensive swear word often used to express anger or annoyance It also refers to solid waste matter expelled from the bowels and can describe foolish remarks or nonsensical writings.
- an unpleasant person who treats other people badly; criticism or unfair treatment.
13 When I'm layin' here with you polysemy - to sleep on the bed
- to do sexual intercourse with somebody
They have sexual intercourse with each other.
14 It's you and me 'cuz any chick can say that she's screwin' me polysemy - to fasten one thing to another or make something tight
They have sexual intercourse with each other. with a screw or screws
- to twist something around in order to fasten it in place
- to be attached by screwing; to cheat somebody especially
- to have a sex with somebody.
15 Cause I hate you do you hate me
Good, ‘cuz you’re so fuckin’ beautiful when you’re angry hyponymy human emotion He describes how their troubled relationship faced struggles.
Cause neither of us trust each other
But you gotta believe me to a degree cause true indeed hyponymy Stative verb:
Their relationship is full of mixed feelings Happiness and sadness, love and hatred coexist.
17 I throw you on the couch, punch you in the mouth
So we fuck ’till we bust ‘till we cuss each other
Try to pull each other’s legs until the other begs hyponymy human body part They are attracted to one another by rage and pain.
18 You’re a slut but I’m equal I’m mutt we’re both people
Despite their frequent disagreements and mistakes that have upset each other, both partners share a deep affection and strong feelings for one another.
19 We are doing the same shit
And fuck you like I don’t even know you that she’s crewin’ me
When I’m layin’ here with you connotation to have sex It is a passionate love, but filled with pain and arguments.
20 It’s you and me cause any chick could say
You’re a slut but I’m equal I’m mutt we’re both people connotation kinds of animal They both make mistakes that hurt their partner.
The song "Love You More" explores the complexities and passions of romantic relationships, presenting a realistic portrayal of love It features a blend of synonymous and antonymous words, along with polysemous and hyponymous terms, highlighting the multifaceted nature of emotions involved The lyrics also suggest that aggression and violence can be intertwined with love, reflecting the darker aspects of relationships.
The lyrics of "Love You More" depict a toxic and dysfunctional relationship characterized by aggression, violence, and sexual obsession The man struggles with his emotions and behavior, becoming increasingly volatile around his partner, who intensifies his anger and passion The song suggests that both individuals are equally unstable and may even thrive on the chaos of their connection Themes of purpose, mood, and situational context are prevalent throughout the lyrics, highlighting the complexities of their tumultuous bond.
But you gotta believe me to a degree
'Cuz neither one of US trusts each other
The man wants the woman to have confidence in his love.
I'ma hunt you down 'til I find you
He shows his deep love for her, and his determination to have her in life.
You say you hate me, I just love you more
The complexity of love and the conflicting emotions that can arise within relationships.
'Cuz we truly love each other
That's why we always fight
He explains the difficulties they encountered in their strained relationship.
Cause I hate you do you hate me
Good, ‘cuz you’re so fuckin’ beautiful when you’re angry
1 know it’s sad but it’s making me happy
There are complicated emotions that coexist in their relationship namely love, hatred, anger
Eminem's unreleased song "Love You More," featured in his album Encore, delves into the complexities of love within a tumultuous relationship The artist expresses that despite mistreatment from his partner, his love continues to deepen He acknowledges that their conflicts should lead to separation, yet he remains tethered to the idea of their bond, repeatedly drawn back to her The lyrics suggest that, regardless of the severity of their arguments, the love they share endures, highlighting how profound love can flourish amidst chaos and emotional turmoil.
Summary
This section provides a comprehensive lexical and contextual analysis of song lyrics, utilizing three key data sources for the study The researcher employs detailed descriptions to convey the findings, examining both the lexical and contextual meanings inherent in the data Each presentation of the data is followed by an in-depth discussion and a conclusive summary to enhance understanding.
The lexical meaning is described in Table 1
Eminem's song lyrics are rich with synonymous and antonymous words, reflecting his varied emotions and attitudes in different situations The use of connotative words conveys deeper, implied meanings, revealing the cultural and emotional nuances of his work Additionally, hyponymy plays a vital role in clarifying word meanings and establishing logical connections in his lyrics, while homonymy is infrequently employed.
The types of context are described in Table 2
No Song Context of mood
The three songs predominantly utilize context of purpose and context of mood, serving as a medium for the artist to convey a range of emotions and attitudes Through the lyrics, he articulates his thoughts, feelings, love, and even hatred In contrast, the context of speaker and context of situation are less commonly reflected in the songs' lyrics.
The analysis of the lyrics from the three songs reveals significant lexical elements, including connotation, hyponymy, polysemy, antonymy, and synonymy Additionally, these lyrics convey contextual implications, encompassing the context of situation, purpose, and mood.
Readers can better appreciate the beauty of the lyrics of Eminem’s songs by understanding the lexical and contextual meanings.
The song The Mockingbird depicts a wholehearted love of a father for his daughters The father wants his daughter to have a soldier's bravery and strength
The father reassures his daughters, whom he views as little soldiers, by promising them a better life than his own amidst their mother's sudden disappearance He attempts to explain the situation, emphasizing that despite their mother's absence, he will always be by their side and reminiscing about happier times Feeling upset and guilty for not being able to support his family, he acknowledges that marriage can be challenging, and the breakdown of a seemingly everlasting relationship can be shocking for children Nevertheless, he remains committed to doing his best to provide a good life for his beloved daughters.
In "Love You More," Eminem candidly explores his tumultuous relationship with his ex-wife Kim, highlighting the complexities of their love-hate dynamic He reflects on the emotional turmoil and confusion he experienced, illustrating how deep-seated feelings can blur the lines between love and hatred This raw portrayal resonates with anyone familiar with similar struggles, emphasizing that the more someone hurts you, the stronger your feelings can become Eminem's authenticity shines through, as he remains renowned for his honest expression of emotions.
Freedom of speech is a vital American right, and Eminem encourages his fans and the public to advocate for their beliefs He argues that collective support can challenge political figures like Bush, highlighting that individual efforts alone are insufficient Eminem also points out that the government withholds certain information, which underscores his role in guiding the public to raise awareness and take action.
In Eminem's perspective, George Bush embodies deceit, as he reveals the truth that has been concealed during Bush's presidency Despite the nation's support for free speech, Eminem expresses a fear of its implications, urging his audience to "raise hell" in opposition to the Iraq War He advocates for an uprising, emphasizing the need for action through "charging, stomping, and marching." Eminem critiques Bush's decisions and the U.S involvement in the conflict, aiming to enlighten others with his lyrics, which convey his disdain for the administration's hypocrisy He highlights the prevailing gloom and racism during Bush's tenure, rallying his "army" to challenge the authorities as they await a change in leadership.
CONCLUSIONS
Recapitulation
This study analyzes the lexical and contextual meanings of Eminem's song lyrics using a qualitative method Important data was collected through documentation procedures to gather significant information about Eminem The analysis and interpretation of the data were conducted using a descriptive approach, following an inductive process that moves from specific observations to general conclusions about the meanings embedded in his lyrics.
This study analyzes three songs from Eminem's album "Encore": "The Mockingbird," "Love You More," and "Mosh," each exploring distinct themes "The Mockingbird" reflects Eminem's love for his daughters, while "Love You More" expresses his affection for his partner, and "Mosh" serves as a protest against George Bush and his administration Through lexical analysis and semantic theory, the meanings and messages within the lyrics are clarified The research highlights the use of lexical elements such as synonymy, antonymy, polysemy, hyponymy, and connotation, revealing that synonymy and antonymy are predominant in the lyrics of Eminem's songs.
Contextual meaning, or situational meaning, plays a crucial role in understanding lyrics This research identifies four key forms of context: context of situation, context of mood, context of speaker, and context of purpose Eminem's songs are primarily influenced by the context of purpose, showcasing his intentions across various scenarios.
Concluding remarks
This study is structured into four chapters: Chapter 1 provides an overview of the analysis, Chapter 2 reviews relevant literature, Chapter 3 discusses findings and data resources, and Chapter 4 concludes the research.
This study explores three categories of Eminem's songs, analyzing the lyrics through the lens of lexical and contextual meanings Lexical meaning pertains to the literal definitions of words, while contextual meaning emphasizes the significance derived from specific situations Both lexical and contextual interpretations are prevalent in Eminem's lyrics, effectively conveying his thoughts, emotions, and perspectives on personal relationships and political issues.
A lexical analysis of Eminem's songs reveals the use of various linguistic elements, including synonymy, antonymy, polysemy, hyponymy, denotation, and connotation, which enhance the beauty and appeal of the lyrics Synonymy and antonymy are particularly prominent, with parts of speech such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs being classified under synonymy Antonymy is categorized at the levels of word, phrase, and sentence Additionally, hyponymy and connotation play significant roles in the richness of the song lyrics.
Chapter 3 explores the lexical and contextual meanings of keywords in Eminem's song lyrics, utilizing a dictionary to clarify their definitions The research highlights the significant differences between standard dictionary meanings and the contextual interpretations found in Eminem's work It reveals that Eminem employs a diverse vocabulary to convey complex ideas about people, things, and groups Ultimately, the study underscores Eminem's lyrical genius, showcasing how his mastery of language enhances the beauty and impact of his music.
The lyrics of a song are enriched by various contexts, including the situation, mood, speaker, and purpose, which contribute to their deeper meanings Analyzing these contexts allows for a comprehensive understanding of the song's message This contextual analysis enables the audience to fully appreciate the beauty, impact, and allure of the lyrics.
The researcher concludes that listeners interpret various meanings from Eminem's lyrics, highlighting the appeal of both lexical and contextual interpretations Eminem's use of these meanings allows him to express love and convey messages to the world and those close to him Understanding his lyrics requires both cultural and lexical comprehension, making them rich and multifaceted.
Limitations of the research
This study focuses on three of Eminem's songs, with plans for future research to explore additional tracks not covered here Many listeners struggle to interpret the deeper meanings behind Eminem's lyrics, such as in "Mosh," "Love You More," and "The Mockingbird," which express his love for his daughters and partner, as well as his political opposition to former President George W Bush Acknowledging the limitations of this study, the researcher is open to constructive feedback and suggestions to enhance the work, hoping it serves as a valuable resource for future studies on Eminem's music.
Recommendations for further research
Students researching semantics, particularly in lexical and contextual meanings, should read complete song texts to gain a comprehensive understanding of their content and context This approach will enhance their appreciation of song lyrics and help them avoid misinterpretations, especially when discerning lexical meanings such as connotation, polysemy, hyponymy, synonymy, and antonymy.
Teachers of semantics should incorporate examples from existing research in both spoken and written texts to ensure that students gain a comprehensive understanding of lexical meaning theory.
This study offers valuable insights for scholars pursuing further semantic research Future researchers are encouraged to utilize diverse data sources, including both informal and formal speech from everyday conversations, as well as literary works like spoken dialogue in plays and films Additionally, the impact of language on meaning warrants further investigation.
1 Amindudin, J (2011) Literature, An introduction to fiction, poetry and drama Bostoi: Little Brown and Company.
2 Bloomfield, L (1930) Language London: Allen and Unwin.
3 Chaer, A (2007) Linguistic PT, Rineka A Cipta Jakarta
4 Charles, c (1998) Linguistic semantics Hillsdale, NJ: Laurence Erlbaum Associates.
5 Cruse, A (1986) Lexical semantics Oxford: Oxford University Press.
6 Crystal, D (1987) The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language Cambridge: CUP
7 Evans, V (2009) How words mean, lexical concepts, cognitive, models and meaning construction Oxford: OU Press.
8 Frawley, Charles C ( 1992) Linguistic semantics Hillsdale, NJ: Laurence Erlbaum Associates.
9 Goddard, C (2011) Semantic analysis: A practical introduction, Oxford University Press, USA.
10 Halliday, M.A.K (1994) An introduction to functional grammar London: Arnold.
11 Illah, Irfak (2008) A semantic study on the lyrics of Eminem's songs Thesis in Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University of Malang.
12 lllah, Irfak (2008) Study of lexical meaning of Bob Marley songs Thesis in Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University of Malang.
13 Jackcndoff, R (1983) Semantics and cognition Cambridge, MA: MIT Press
15 Kreidler, Charles w (1998) Introducing English semantics Routledge 11 New Fetter Lane, London.
16 Le Thi Thuy Trang (2011) Synonym substitution in English and Vietnamese. M.A Thesis, The University of Da Nang
17 Longman, Addison Wasley (1992) Longman Dictionary of American English workbook Amerika Mishawaka, IN, USA: Longman Publishing Group
18 Lyons, J (1984) Language and linguistics Cambridge: CUP.
19 Metlinger, Arthur (1994) Aspects of semantic opposition in English Oxford: Clarendon Press
20 Nguyen Hoa (2000) An Introduction to Discourse Analysis Hanoi-A7 CF1, Vietnam
21 Nguyen Thi Nhuyn (2020) An Analysis of Lexica! and Contextual Meanings in the Lyrics of Bob Marley's Songs MA Thesis Hanoi Open University.
22 Nila, Kurniasari (2005) Semantic analysis on Iwan Fais "songs Thesis in Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University Of Malang
23 Nugroho, L.( 2007) A study on lexical meaning found in the lyrics of
Metallica’s songs The State Islamic University of Malik Ibrahim.
25 Pateda, M (2001) Lexical Semantic Jakarta: PT Rineka Cipta.
26 Saeed, J (1997) Semantics Oxford: Black well
27 Smith, c (2006) Synonyms and antonyms Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
28 Thomas, L (1993) Beginning Syntax Oxford: Blackwell
29 Vu Thi Thu Huong (2018) The lexical features of English used in travel brochures in Vietnam M.A Thesis Ulis
30 Yule G (2006), The study of language, Cambridge University Press.
1 Tran Thị Lệ Dung (2018), Đoi chiếu từ dong nghĩa trong Tiếng Anh và Tiếng
Việt trên bình diện ngữ nghĩa và ngữ dụng Luận án tiến sĩ Hà Nội: Học Viện Khoa học Xã Hội.
2 Đồ Việt Hùng (2013), Ngữ nghĩa học từ bình diện hệ thống đến hoạt động, H,
NXB Đại Học Sư Phạm.
3 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminem)
APPENDIX 1 Eminem - Mockingbird Lyrics Artist: Eminem Album: Encore Genre: Hip Hop/Rap
Things may not always make sense to you right now
But hey, what daddy always tell you? Straighten up, little soldier Stiffen up that upper lip, what you cryin' about? You got me
Hailie I know you miss your mom and I know you miss your dad When I'm gone but I'm tryin' to give you the life that 1 never had
I can see you're sad, even when you smile, even when you laugh
I can see it in your eyes, deep inside you wanna cry
'Cause you're scared, I ain't there, daddy's with you in your prayers
No more cryin', wipe them tears, daddy's here no more nightmares
We gon' pull together through it, we gon' do it Laney
Uncle's crazy ain't he yeah but he loves you girl and you better know it
We're all we got it this world, when it spins, when it swirls
When it whirls, when it twirls, two little beautiful girls
Lookin' puzzled, in a daze, 1 know it's confusin' you
Daddy's always on the move, mama's always on the news
I try to keep up sheltered from it but somehow it seems
The harder that I try to do that, the more it backfires on me
All the things growin' up as Daddy that he had to see
Daddy don't want you to see but you see just as much as he did
We did not plan it to be this way, your mother and me
But things have got so bad between us, I don't see US ever
Bein' together ever again, like we used to be when we was teenagers But then of course everything always happens for a reason
I guess it was never meant to be but it's just somethin'
That we have no control over and that's what destiny is But no more worries, rest your head and go to sleep
Maybe one day we'll wake up and this'll all just be a dream
Now hush little baby, don't you cry
Stiffen that upper lip up, little lady, I told ya
Daddy's here to hold you through the night
I know mommy's not here right now
And we don't know why, we feel how we feel inside
It may seem a little crazy, pretty baby
But I promise, momma's gon' be alright
Heh, it's funny, I remember back one year
When daddy had no money
Mommy wrapped the Christmas presents up
And stuck 'em under the tree
And said some of 'em were from me
'Cause daddy couldn't buy 'em
I'll never forget that Christmas
I sat up the whole night cryin'
'Cause daddy felt like a bum, see daddy had a job
But his job was to keep the food on the table for you and mom And at the time, every house that we lived in
Either kept gettin' broken into and robbed or shot up on the block
And your mom, was savin' money for you in a jar
I was working hard to save money for your college fund, almost reaching a thousand dollars, but unfortunately, someone broke in and stole it This loss was devastating, especially for your mom, whose heart was deeply affected by the incident.
And it seemed like everything was just startin' to fall apart
Mom and dad was arguin' a lot, so momma moved back
On the Chalmers in the flat, one bedroom apartment
And dad moved back to the other side of 8 Mile on Novara
And that's when daddy went to California with his CD
And met Dr Dre and flew you and momma out to sec me
But daddy had to work, you and momma had to leave me
Then you started seein' daddy on the TV
And momma didn't like it and you and Laney were too young
To understand that papa was a rollin' stone, momma developed a habit And it all happened too fast for either one of US to grab it
I'm just sorry, you were there and had to witness it first hand
'Cause all I ever wanted to do was just make you proud
Now I'm siftin' in this empty house, just reminiscin', lookin'
At your baby pictures, it just trips me out to see how much
You both have grown, it's almost like you're sisters now
Wow, guess you pretty much are and daddy's still here
Laney, I'm talkin' to you too, daddy's still here
I like the sound of that, yeah, it's got a ring to it don't it?
Shh, momma's only gone for the moment
Now hush little baby, don't you cry
Stiffen that upper lip up little lady, I told ya
Daddy's here to hold you through the night
I know mommy's not here right now
And we don't know why, we feel how we feel inside
It may seem a little crazy, pretty baby
But I promise, momma's gon' be alright
And if you ask me to
Daddy's gonna buy you a mockingbird, I'ma give you the world I'ma buy a diamond ring for you, I'ma sing for you
I'll do anything for you to see you smile
And if that mockingbird don't sing
And that ring don't shine, I'ma break that birdie's neck I'd go back to the jeweler who sold it to ya
And make him cat every carat, don't fuck with dad, ha ha
APPENDIX 2 Eminem - Love You More Lyrics Artist: Eminem Album: Encore Genre: Hip Hop/Rap
'Cuz the more you, put me through
The more it makes me wanna come back to you
You say you hate me, I just love you more
You don't want me, I just want you more
I buy you flowers, you throw 'em at me
I know it's sad but it's makin' me happy
The more that you slap me, the more that it turns me on 'Cuz you love me and 1 love you more
It's sick, but who could ever predict
We'd be doin' the same shit
We say we do it for our baby but we don't
We do it for US, it's lust
'Cuz neither one of US trusts each other
So we fuck 'til we bust
Then we cuss each other out
We know what it's about
Shout 'til I throw you out the house
You throw me out the house
I throw you on the couch
Punch you in the mouth
Fist fight 'til we turn this mother out
We're back in the same chapter again
And it's sad but it's true
When I'm layin' here with you
There ain't nothin' anyone could ever say ever do
The more you, put me through
The more it makes me wanna come back to you
You say you hate me, I just love you more
You don't want me, I just want you more
I buy you flowers, you throw 'em at me
I know it's sad but it's makin' me happy
The more that you slap me, the more that it turns me on 'Cuz you love me and I love you more
'Cuz I hate you, do you hate me?
Good, 'cuz you're so fuckin' beautiful when you're angry
It makes me wanna just take you
And just throw you on the bed
And fuck you like I don't even know you
You fuck other people, and I fuck other people
You a slut but I'm equal, I'm a mutt
We're both evil in our ways
But neither one of us would ever admit it
'Cuz one of US would have one up on the other
We can make accusations, people spread rumors
Until there is concrete evidence, it's just the two of us in this relationship While anyone can claim they're involved with me, it's essential for you to trust me to some extent.
'Cuz true indeed, 1 wouldn't be hittin' it
Yeah, I would, 'cuz the sex is too damn good
If I ran, who would I run to?
That would be this soft and warm
So it's off and on, usually more off than on
But at least we know that we share this common bond You're the only one I can fuck without a condom on
I hope, the only reason that I cope
Is 'cuz of that fact
And plus I can bust in that and that's why
The more you, put me through
The more it makes me wanna come back to you You say you hate me, I just love you more
You don't want me, 1 just want you more
I buy you Howers, you throw 'em at me
I know it's sad but it's makin' me happy
The more that you slap me, the more that it turns me on 'Cuz you love me and I love you more
From junior high until we both die
It's silly ho why must we try
Is it really so rough?
That we must always call each other's Billy Goat's Gruff
Try to pull each other's legs
We're lyin' to ourselves
That's the beauty of it, yeah
'Cuz we truly love each other
That's why we always fight
And all we do is shove each other
And it's clear it ain't gonna change
We both feel like we've been upstaged by someone else We've both been
Problem is neither one wants help
It's an addiction and it can't be fixed
Our family is a complex blend, featuring a baby sister, which adds to the confusion It’s painful because the elements of our lives don’t align, and anyone who believes they truly understand us is mistaken.
And they’re probably just tired of bearin' it all the time
On every song, every lyric, and every rhyme
All the hoopla, all of the whoopdy woo
What you put me through, fuckin' whoopdy doo
But I won't be made a fool of
If this is true love
You wouldn't do what you did last time
This time, 'cuz this time girl
You do it again, I'm fuckin' you up
What you say, what you do
I'ma hunt you down 'til I find you
No matter where you run, I'll be right there
Right behind you, in your nightmares
[Incomprehensible] all the flowers and the candy All the times that you threw it back at me
You say, "You hate me", you gon' hate me more When you find out, you can't escape me, whore
The more you, put me through
The more it makes me wanna come back to you You say, "You hate me", 1 just love you more
You don't want me, I just want you more
I buy you flowers, you throw 'em at me
I know it's sad but it's makin' me happy
The more that you slap me, the more that it turns me on 'Cuz you love me and 1 love you more
APPENDIX 3 Eminem - Mosh Lyrics Artist: Eminem Album: Encore Genre: Hip Hop/Rap
People, it feels so good to be back
You scrutinize every word, memorize every line
I spit it once, refuel, re-encrgize and rewind
I give sight to the blind, my insight through the mind
I exercise my right to express when I feel it's time
It's just all in your mind, what you interpret it as
I say to fight, you take it as I'ma whip someone's ass
If you don't understand, don't even bother to ask
A father who has grown up with a fathcr-lcss past
Who has blown up now to rap phenomenon that has
Or at least shows no difficulty multi-taskin' and jugglin' both Perhaps mastered his craft slash entrepreneur
Who has helped launch a few more rap acts
Who's had a few obstacles thrown his way through the last half
Of his career, typical manure
Movin' past that Mr 'Kiss his ass crack'
He’s a class act, rubber band man yeah, he just snaps back
Come along, follow me, as I lead through the darkness
As I provide just enough spark that we need to proceed
Carry on, give me hope, give me strength
Come with me and I wont steer you wrong
Put your faith in your trust, as I guide US through the fog
To the light at the end of the tunnel we gon' fight
We gon' charge, we gon' stomp, we gon' march through the swamp
We gon' mosh through the marsh, take US right through the doors Come on
All the people up top, on the side and the middle
Come together, let's all form this stomp just a little
Just let it gradually build from the front to the back
All you can see is a sea of people, some white and some black
No matter what color, all that matters we're gathered together
To celebrate for the same 'cause no matter the weather
If it rains, let it rain, yeah, the wetter, the better
We are unstoppable and stronger than ever, defying those who say "no" and pushing forward despite the obstacles With a rebellious spirit, we boldly raise our voices and refuse to back down, making it clear that we will continue to fight for our cause.
Stomp, push, shove, mush, fuck Bush
Until they bring our troops home, c'mon, just
Come along, follow me, as 1 lead through the darkness
As I provide just enough spark that we need to proceed
Carry on, give me hope, give me strength
Come with me and I wont steer you wrong
Put your faith in your trust, as I guide us through the fog
To the light at the end of the tunnel we gon' fight
We gon' charge, we gon' stomp, we gon' march through the swamp
We gon' mosh through the marsh, take us right through the doors Come on
Imagine it pourin', it's rainin' down on US
Mosh pits outside the oval office
Someone's tryin' to tell US somethin'
Maybe this is God, just sayin' we're responsible
For this monster, this coward that we have empowered
This is Bin Laden, look at his head noddin'
How could we allow somethin' like this
Without pumpin' our fists, now this is our final hour
Let me be the voice, and your strength and your choice
Let me simplify the rhyme just to amplify the noise
Try to amplify it, times it and multiply it by sixteen million
People are equal at this high pitch
Maybe we can reach Al Qaeda through my speech
Let the President answer a high anarchy
Strap him with a AK 47, let him go fight his own war
Let him impress Daddy that way
No more blood for oil, we got our own battles to fight on our own soil
No more psychological warfare to trick US to thinkin' that we ain't loyal
If we don't serve our own country, we're patronizin' a hero
Look in his eyes, its all lies the stars and stripes have been swiped Washed out and wiped and replaced with his own face
Mosh now or die, if I get sniped tonight
You'll know why, ’cuz I told you to fight
Come along, follow me, as I lead through the darkness
As 1 provide just enough spark that we need to proceed
Carry on, give me hope, give me strength
Come with me and I wont steer you wrong
Put your faith in your trust, as 1 guide US through the fog
To the light at the end of the tunnel we gon' fight
We gon' charge, we gon' stomp, we gon' march through the swamp
We gon' mosh through the marsh, take US right through the doors
And as we proceed to mosh through this desert storm
In these closing statements, if they should argue
Let us beg to differ as we set aside our differences
And assemble our own army to disarm this weapon
Of mass destruction that we call our President