Comparative Analysis

Zachary Freedman

The Poetry of Song

11/19/12

                Both Eminem and The Last Emperor are two “stars” with laid back personalities that write rhymes enjoyed by millions of people throughout the world. This talent that they posses is unique yet intriguing, and gives the people the ability to judge what has been rapped, and yet feel completely comfortable. The powerful comparison between these to artists allows for a theoretical clash of perpetual wordplay, dynamic allusions, and original transitions unmatched between various other artist comparisons. With this in mind, the two artist’s clashes could be defined, or portrayed as fundamental all around yet at many times inconsistent with each other. These thoughts create a contrasting differential that ultimately forms a mean Venn diagram.

                The differential in the lyrics of both songs “Monumental” (TLE) and “Square Dance” (Eminem) highlight the good and great aspects of each song. For example, In Monumental TLE says “Sure, for that kind of capacity, you’d need a crazy large arena that might stretch from west Philadelphia to east Medina” this is a great example, because it shows the simple, but respectable use of rhyming, almost a childish sort of rhyme. “I’m back to ambush this bush administration” is a perfect example for the different aspects of the two songs. Eminem uses just a simple rhyme using the word ambush, and bush in a clever scenario to produce a simple yet effective rhyme. These two quotes compared side by side create a feel of opposites which leads on to the fact that these songs are different, yet parallel simultaneously.

                The similarities in these two songs are alluring because they both tend to reference people using allusions, and have similar yet original transitions which allows for the song listener to have variety in multiple lyricists. Each artist takes on a sinister and, monstrous tone which gives the listener a feel of anger, and pride that projects a rebellious aspect which is synonymous with teenagers. This rebellious aspect is a great reason for why people listen to these artists, because they can relate to them. When you can relate to something you are much more likely to identify with that particular thing, in this case it is allowing for more listeners to fancy the same music. These similarities are consistent with many other songs by these artists showing that they both respect music, and the aspects it brings to the table every night.

                Both of these rappers can be respected for what they have wrote, and produced, but what most people don’t notice are how similar two songs can be, yet still be worlds apart. They can get to the same point, but stray from similarities within each individual song, making song analysis an art when dealing with hard headed ideas. With the ability to produce an analysis it allows people the opportunity to compare two “non-related” songs, and relate them, stumping plagiarism, and enhancing the similarities and differentials brought on by genres. From the quaint mellowness of “Monumental” to the strong passion of “Square Dance” both songs show that there will always be differences in songs, but similarities just as much.