Song Analysis Essays

Song Analysis Essays Song Analysis Paper Song Analysis Paper Writer: VANDROSS, LUTHER/MARX, RICHARD N Back when I was a child Before life removed all the innocence My father would lift me high And dance with my mother and me And then Spin me around till I fell asleep Then up the stairs he would carry me And I knew for sure I was loved If I could get another chance Another walk Another dance with him Id play a song that would never ever end How Id love love love To dance with my father again When I and my mother Would disagree To get my way I would run From her to him Hed make me laugh just to comfort me yeah yeah Then finally make me do Just what my mama said Later that night when I was asleep He left a dollar under my sheet Never dreamed that he Would be gone from me If I could steal one final glance When final step One final dance with him Id play a song that would never ever end Cause Id love love love to Dance with my father again Sometimes Id listen outside her door And Id hear how mama would cry for him Id pray for her even more than me Id pray for her even more than me I know Im praying for much to much But could you send her The only man she loved I know you dont do it usually But Dear Lord Shes dying to dance with my father again Every night I fall asleep And this is all I ever dream Tyeishia Bailey November 15, 2011 Prof. G. Morgan Literary Forms Dance with My Father Luther Vandross was born April 20, 1951 and died July 1, 2005. He was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. During his career, Vandross sold over twenty-five million albums and won eight Grammy Awards including Best Male R;B Vocal Performance four times. Also, he won four Grammy Awards in 2004 including â€Å"Song of the Year† for the track Dance with My Father (Vandross. com). In the 1980’s Luther Vandross opened up to the world after being a part of several duets and groups one titled â€Å"Luther†. In 1984, Vandross signed to Epic Records were he left a legacy. Though Dance with My Father was written to entertain listeners across the globe; many listeners raised their standard for the type of relationship one engages in. This song was written in a Rhythm and Blues tune, but was crossed over to other genres of music including Pop and Rock in the United Kingdom (UK). His last public appearance before his death was in 2004 for the Grammys and Oprah Winfrey show. His final words to his fans were â€Å"Whenever I say goodbye it’s never for long because I believe in the power of love (vibe). This song has continuously had an effect on people across the world because of Luther Vandross’s ability to use persona identity, figurative language, and theme. The song â€Å"Dance with My Father† was produced by Luther Vandross and Richard Marx on the album titled â€Å"Dance with My Father† in 2003. During this time it had reached number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was Vandross’s last top 40 track. This song consists of six stanzas or versus and one main chorus. Throughout the song the person speaking is Luther Vandross addressing his father and mother as an adult. He used the image of him being an innocent child when he had no responsibilities and family was the most valuable asset of life. As a family they engaged in activities which resembled the love they have for one another. In the song he states that his father would â€Å"Spin me around till I fell asleep†. This line shows his father as a compassionate man who enjoyed making his son smile. Experiencing parental love gave Luther Vandross the ability to pass this love along to his children, but to also have peace and happiness. The theme for this song is love and appreciation for family. Luther Vandross gave the image of a strong African American family who were average individuals but loved beyond their struggles. The faith of higher power is believed to be the foundation on how his family prevailed through their trials and tribulations. At the end of the song he gives his mom the upmost respect by asking God for the impossible of bringing back his father. â€Å"I pray for her even more than me I know I’m praying for much too much, But could you send back the only man she loved. But Lord, she’s dyin’ to dance with my father again†. Though this family had disagreements, Luther Vandross, knew the love his parents had for one another was the greatest gift from God. To coincide with this song Vandross did a duet with RB artist Beyonce for a similar emotional song entitled â€Å"Daddy†. Each song on the album produced by Vandross gives resemblance of an innocent child’s emotion towards his or her father. The song â€Å"Dance with my Father† still affects many listeners even if one has not lost their father. The song helps a child appreciate the past memories of simple interactions more. Though some listeners cannot fully relate to this song it gives a sense of hope for having family especially for African American for a loving father and husband. The figurative language used is in this song is in the form of imagery. Vandross gives a visual of his father carrying him to his bed after a disagreement with this mother. Throughout the song there were not different types of figurative language expressed. He gave several examples of his father being a gentle and caring man who only wanted the best for his family. In the middle of the song Vandross reveals that his father â€Å"†¦ left a dollar under my sheet†, to show that though it was not much money his father went out every night and worked hard to make that dollar. Also, he uses metaphorical words to show how his mother emotionally felt about his father stating that she would cry often â€Å"I’d hear her, mama cryin’ for him†. Lastly, he uses rhyming words throughout the song to express his self and gratification for the love given by his parents. Inclusively, this song has had an impact on thousands near and far. Luther Vandross has touched over 250,000 fans across the world. This song has not only contributed to the love and appreciation for a family, but has given an image of a worthy man to be claimed as a father. At the end of the song Vandross shows his final appreciation for his father. â€Å"If I could steal one final glance One final step, one final dance with him† than life would be perfect as it was when he was a child with innocents. For many listeners this song could be played on repeat, so the flawless love once felt by Luther Vandross would never end as the song would never end. DANCE WITH MY FATHER Lyrics LUTHER VANDROSS. Song Lyrics. Web. 06 Dec. 2011. ; elyrics. net/read/l/luther-vandross-lyrics/dance-with-my-father-lyrics. html;. The Official Luther Vandross Site. Web. 01 Nov. 2011. ; luthervandross. com/;. Top 100 Music Hits, Top 100 Music Charts, Top 100 Songs The Hot 100 | Billboard. com. Music News, Reviews, Articles, Information, News Online ; Free Music | B illboard. com. Web. 06 Nov. 2011. ; billboard. com/charts/hot-100;. VIBE. Web. 06 Nov. 2011. ; vibe. com/;.