'Mushaboom' by Feist

Helping the kids out of their coats

But wait the babies haven't been born oh oh oh

Unpacking the bags and setting up

And planting lilacs and buttercups oh oh oh

But in the meantime I've got it hard

Second floor living without a yard

It may be years until the day

My dreams will match up with my pay

Old dirt road (mushaboom)

Knee deep snow (mushaboom)

Watching the fire as we grow (mushaboom)

Old

I got a man to stick it out

And make a home from a rented house oh oh oh

And we'll collect the moments one by one

I guess that's how the future's done oh oh oh

How many acres how much light

Tucked in the woods and out of sight

Talk to the neighbours and tip my cap

On a little road barely on the map

Old dirt road (mushaboom)

Knee deep snow (mushaboom)

Watching the fire as we grow (mushaboom)

Old

Old dirt road

Rambling rose (mushaboom)

Watching the fire as we grow (mushaboom)

Well I'm sold ...

Oh oh oh oh oh oh ...

Oh oh oh oh oh oh ...

Paolo Nutini’s ‘These Streets’ Album Review

Paolo Nutini is obscurely known for his bluesy, folk, pop rock sound, which the few followers of his in the U.S., admire and love entirely. Although the name sounds of Italian descent, Paolo is the son of two Scotland natives and resides in Paisley, Scotland. Nutini was born January 9, 1987. It is usually hard to detect accents among English speaking artists, but Nutini is quite different. His Scottish brogue can be easily heard when listening to his soulful singing. His first album, ‘These Streets’, perfectly portrays his wonderfully unique sound. Influences from southern blues, folk, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll are easily identified when listening to the lyrical, vocal, and instrumental sounds of ‘These Streets’.

The entire album in draw together by a common theme; love. Whether the song is about lost love, found love, almost love, or eternal love, each song has its own personal expression of love and its overwhelming effects. The album opens with an upbeat song about teenage love, which grabs the reader’s attention with its rhythmic progression and catchy melody. Many of the songs throughout the album are mellow and sentimental, provoking the listener to feel deeply and wholeheartedly. Almost all of these songs are acoustic, but the more upbeat melodies are full of horns and drums. Some of the songs have very similar bases, but others are entirely different and unique. Each song, whether upbeat or mellow, is incredibly soulful and full of immense feeling. I have yet to come across a British singer with quite as much soul and blues injected within their music. Some of the songs in the album reminisce an early Al Green, although perhaps accompanied with a heavy Scottish accent. I have a feeling that many of these songs were intended to be played specifically during intense moments of love and feeling, and possibly even, during baby making. Personally, my two favorite songs on the album are ‘Last Request’ and ‘Alloway Grove’. ‘Last Request’ is a slower song full of passionate emotion and longing, while ‘Alloway Grove’ is an upbeat, catchy melody, which instantly upon playing, provokes a steady tapping of the foot. Paolo Nutini is a promising new talent that I hope to see more from in the future. The collaboration of soul and rock create a unique sound which is wonderfully pleasing to the ears.

Song Analysis 2

You and I Both

by: Jason Mraz


Was it you who spoke the words that things would happen but not to me
Oh things are gonna happen naturally
Oh taking your advice I'm looking on the bright side
And balancing the whole thing
But often times those words get tangled up in lines
And the bright lights turn to night
Until the dawn it brings
Another day to sing about the magic that was you and me


Cause you and I both loved
What you and I spoke of
And others just read of
Others only read of the love, the love that I love.


See I'm all about them words
Over numbers, unencumbered numbered words
Hundreds of pages, pages, pages forwards
More words then I had ever heard and I feel so alive


You and I, you and I
Not so little you and I anymore
And with this silence brings a moral story
More importantly evolving is the glory of a boy


Cause you and I both loved
What you and I spoke of
And others just dream of
And if you could see me now
Well I'm almost finally out of
I'm finally out of
Finally deedeedeedee
Well I'm almost finally, finally
Well I'm free, oh, I'm free

And it's okay if you have go away
Oh just remember the telephone works both ways
And if I never ever hear them ring
If nothing else I'll think the bells inside
Have finally found you someone else and that's okay
Cause I'll remember everything you sang

Cause you and I both loved what you and I spoke of
and others just read of and if you could see now
well I'm almost finally out of.
I'm finally out of, finally, deedeeededede
well I'm almost finally, finally, finally out of words.

     ‘You and I Both’ is a Jason Mraz song that is full of poetic and literary devices that create a beautiful and flowing masterpiece of fun. Mraz' song writing has always been catchy, amusing, clever, heartfelt. As a musician, Mraz exemplifies how to write a good pop song that is bursting with personality and cheekiness. ‘You and I Both’ is one of Jason’s better known songs. It is a song, no matter how many times you hear, you always find yourself singing along or humming to the beat. Although, the upbeat tempo of the song is somewhat misleading; in fact the lyrics do not suggest the beginning of a romance but is actually about two people falling out of love.

      Mraz is very careful with his lyrics. He makes sure to inject as many plays on words, literary devices, and poetic devices he can. Mraz’ creativity never falls short. The lyric, “But often times those words get tangled up in lines,” is a perfect use of personification. Mraz also uses assonance to create a fun and flowing lyric; “Over numbers, unencumbered numbered words.” The lyrics, “And with this silence brings a moral story /More importantly evolving is the glory of a boy,” injects a bit of alliteration and carries on the theme of assonance. “Moral story/More importantly” is alliteration with a hint of assonance and consonance. The stanza, “And it's okay if you have go away/Oh just remember the telephone works both ways/And if I never ever hear them ring/If nothing else I'll think the bells inside /Have finally found you someone else and that's okay/Cause I'll remember everything you sang,” is full of assonance, consonance, and alliteration. Consonance, assonance, and alliteration appear to be Mraz’ favorite poetic devices. All three are used throughout the song. “You and I Both’ is a wonderful song that contains creative and memorable lyrics alongside a catchy and beautifully unique instrumental melody.

Song Analysis

"Many the Miles"
by Sara Bareilles

There's too many things that I haven't done yet
Too many sunsets
I haven't seen
You can't waste the day wishing it'd slow down
You would've thought by now
I'd have learned something


I made up my mind when I was a young girl
I've been given this one world
I won't worry it away
But now and again I lose sight of the good life
I get stuck in a low light
But then Love comes in

How far do I have to go to get to you
Many the miles
Many the miles
How far do I have to go to get to you
Many the miles
But send me the miles and I'll be happy to follow you Love
I do what I can wherever I end up
To keep giving my good love
And spreading it around
Cause I've had my fair share of take care and goodbyes
I've learned how to cry
And I'm better for that
Sing how far do I have to go to get to you
Many the miles
Many the miles
How far do I have to go to get to you
Many the miles
Send me the miles and I'll be happy to
Follow you Love
Red letter day and I'm in a blue mood
Wishing that blue would just carry me away
I've been talking to God don't know
If it's helping or not
But surely something has got to got to got to give
Cause I can't keep waiting to live

How far do I have to go to get to you
Many the miles
Many the miles
How far do I have to go to get to you
Many the miles
But send me the miles and I'll be happy to yeah
How far do I have to go to get to you
Many the miles
Many the miles
How far do I have to go to get to you
Many the miles
Many the miles
Been talking to God don't know if it's helping or not
Many the miles
Many the miles
How far do I have to go to get to you
Many the miles
Many the miles
Oh send me the miles and I'll be happy to
Follow you Love
There's too many things I haven't done yet
Too many sunsets I haven't seen

Sara Bareilles Website

     Sara Bareilles is a soulful pop singer who, through writing, bares her heart on her sleeve. Her first major label album, 'Little Voice', was released in 2007. 'Little Voice' sold about 16,000 copies its first week. In her website's autobiography section, Sara states, "It's a collection of songs that pretty much mean the world to me. They chronicle my life, my relationships, my basket-case-ness, and my utter devotion to trying to write honest stuff down and share it. That's where the title comes from. This record was really about me learning to trust my own instincts, and more importantly, recognize how desperately I needed to learn to listen to myself, however inexperienced and naïve I may be. It sounds cliché, but that little voice is sometimes the only voice that's speaking the truth. I think that's pretty fucking cool." One of Sara's most heart felt and emotion spilling songs is "Many the Miles". "Many the Miles" is the tenth track on 'Little Voice' and is not only surging with emotion, but also full of creative and poetic devices that merely enhance it's lyricism.

      Bareilles opens "Many the Miles" with clear alliteration, found even in the title of the song. "There's too many things that I haven't done yet/Too many sunsets I haven't seen/You can't waste the day wishing it'd slow down"; sunsets and seen, waste and wishing. This injection of alliteration greatly enhances the poeticism of the lyrics. The title words, "Many the Miles," are repeated many times within the chorus for a heavy interjection of alliteration. Along with Alliteration, Sara's song contains a first person point of view along with multiple examples of consonance and assonance; "How far do I have to go to get to you," "Cause I've had my fair share of take care and goodbyes." Although, perhaps the most prominent poetic device is alliteration. "I made up my mind when I was a young girl," "I won't worry it away," "I get stuck in a low light," "To keep giving my good love." These obvious interjections of alliteration make the music, along with the lyrics of the song, flow beautifully. The alliteration within the lyrics wonderfully accompanies the instrumental music of the song to create a master piece of emotion. Well done, Sara.

Yusuf Islam

       Cat Stevens, or as he is known today- Yusuf Islam, is one of the most talented songwriters and musicians to come out of the 1960's. He is known for his folk and blues sound, of which has propelled him to the tops of music charts for decades. Although leaving the music business for quite some time, the hiadus has not haulted the admiration and devotion fans have for Yusuf and his poetic songs. Each and every lyric of Yusuf's songs are thought out and full of poetic devices and flowing imagery. Perhaps one of his most well known songs is "Peace Train". "Peace Train" contains a number of poetic devices that portray Yusuf's vast intelligence and highlights his ingenious song writing capabilities.
       Yusuf Islam opens "Peace Train" with flowing imagery and begins the extended metaphor that engulfs the entire song. In the third stanza Yusuf uses personification, "Cause out on the edge of darkness, there rides a peace train". He continues this personification throughout the entire extended metephor that is "Peace Train". Yusuf writes, "Everyone jump upon the peace train". It is not physically possible for there to be a 'peace train'. The lyrics suggest that the 'peace train' is tangible and capable of being ridden. There is also imagery within the lyrics, "Get your bags together, go bring your good friends too/Cause its getting nearer, it soon will be with you". This song is full of symbolism, especially within the title. The title, "Peace Train", is a symbol for a movement of love and harmony that Yusuf is hoping will sweep across the country.
       "Peace Train" is a song that beautifully highlights both Yusuf's writing capabilities but also his mastery of guitar. The pleasent flow and acoustic strumming aids in creating a folk song full of hope and feeling. Yusuf's harmonious vocals creates an overwhelming vibe of  harmony and bliss. "Peace Train" is a song that perfectly depicts the ideals and dreams of the counter culture generation of the 1960's.

Peace Train

Now Ive been happy lately, thinking about the good things to come

And I believe it could be, something good has begun

Oh Ive been smiling lately, dreaming about the world as one

And I believe it could be, some day its going to come

Cause out on the edge of darkness, there rides a peace train

Oh peace train take this country, come take me home again

Now Ive been smiling lately, thinking about the good things to come

And I believe it could be, something good has begun

Oh peace train sounding louder

Glide on the peace train

Come on now peace train

Yes, peace train holy roller

Everyone jump upon the peace train

Come on now peace train

Get your bags together, go bring your good friends too

Cause its getting nearer, it soon will be with you

Now come and join the living, its not so far from you

And its getting nearer, soon it will all be true

Now Ive been crying lately, thinking about the world as it is

Why must we go on hating, why cant we live in bliss

Cause out on the edge of darkness, there rides a peace train
Oh peace train take this country, come take me home again

Cat Stevens

Cat Stevens

• Born Steven Demetre Georgiou
• grew up in a flat in London’s theatre district
• father bought him his first guitar at age 15
• also a talented painter
• studied at Hammersmith Art College
• was first signed by Decca Records
• first hit song in November 1966 called “I Love My Dog”
• changed name from Cat Stevens to Yusuf Islam
• still making music now
•  has a 2009 album

1963- Aged 15, Steven convinces his father to buy him a guitar.

1964- Although painting and cartooning will remain a lifelong passion, Steve leaves Hammersmith Art College (now the Chelsea College of Art & Design),  before graduation and devotes himself to music.

1966- Steve tells Mike Hurst his stage name is Cat Stevens because a girlfriend at art school had told him he had eyes like a cat’s.

1971- “Peace Train” becomes Steve’s first massive American hit, reaching No. 7.

1978- Steven Georgiou changes his name to Yusuf Islam.

1979- Yusuf Islam marries Fauzia Ali at Regent’s Park Mosque, the 1000th wedding to take place there.

1980- Hasanah, a daughter, is born to Yusuf and his wife.

1981- Yusuf’s second child, Asmaa, is born.

1983- Maymanah, Yusuf’s third daughter, is born at home.

1985- Yusuf’s first son, Muhammad, is born.

At the massive Live Aid charity concert at Wembley Stadium, Yusuf arrives and offers to perform – a capella – a new song written for the occasion, “The End.” The promoters allow Elton John to overrun, leaving no time for Yusuf. Having turned his back on the music business, Yusuf comes to understand that the business has also turned its back on him.

1988- Aminah, Yusuf and Fauzia’s fourth daughter, is born.

1990- Yusuf’s sixth child, a son named Abd Al-Ahad, dies after 13 days of life. Two months later, Ingrid Georgiou (Safiyyah), Yusuf’s mother, dies.

2000- American cable network VH1 profiles Cat Stevens on “Behind the Music,” lifting the veil of mystery from Yusuf and allowing him to speak directly to his fans about his disappearance from the world of popular music, and to address the many misconceptions and rumours that had proliferated over the years. It also provides the program with one of its highest–ever ratings.

2009- Yusuf is in Los Angeles where he records “The Long and Winding Road” for a Paul McCartney tribute album. The session takes place at the Jim Henson Company Lot, the former home of A&M Records and where Yusuf, Carol King, The Carpenters and Herb Alpert used to meet and hang out.

Yusuf Islam Website