Personal Reflection Playlist

Changing and Growing Up

Taurus Tremani Bartlett. “Finer things.” Die A Legend. dj l beats and dj ayo. August, 2018.

https://genius.com/Polo-g-finer-things-lyrics

In this song he talks a lot about his rough gang and violence associated with life growing up, he encourages getting out of it and not to do what everyone else is, but to pave your own path. He talks about how he made it out and he's gonna use all of his gains and wealth to help where he came from and help kids who were just like him. This song's thematic topic to me is growth, he grew from the gangs and violence to a multi millionaire helping and inspiring millions,“From all this pain, all this pain, all this pain/ turned that pain into passion and made it happen. “ (Polo g 40-41) when he said this it made me think of myself in terms of school. My freshman and sophomore year I did nothing, sat there and kept failing harder and harder more and more. At the end of the year when I sat in the stands feeling like a bum watching everyone pass and succeed and I was there after failing horribly. I'm tired of it. I don't want to be that kid anymore, so this year I'm taking what I've learned the last couple of years and changing it. I want to be successful and I will and I want to stay on top of it this year, and my ultimate goal is honor roll. This is why the growth theme in this song stuck out to me.

Zach Bryan. “burn, burn, burn.” American Heartbreak, Zach Bryan and Eddie Spear, September 

2022. https://genius.com/Zach-bryan-burn-burn-burn-lyrics

This is one of my favorite songs, the lyrics have so much meaning behind them and I will give some examples. The main thematic topic that pops out to me would be happiness. He talks a lot about what true happiness is compared to what people to believe to be happiness, for example “ we get dressed up to go downtown,/ in some ego filled late night crowd,/ seems to be where I feel the most alone/ I'd like to get lost on some old back road,/ find a shade tree in a honey hole,/ and talk to my grandpa again.” (Zach Bryan 4-8) I love this line personally because I relate so much.  I could never live in a city or an insanely populous area. It's not for me, a simple life out west in the mountains in a log cabin with my forever and after and my beautiful family. It sounds much more suitable than a 1,000 square foot apartment surrounded by the same thing around me, it scares me in fact. Another set of lyrics that hit me are as follows. “ I know I'm bound to die one day, so when I reach those golden gates one day, I pray to say I did the best I can.” (Zach Bryan 31-33) When my time comes I want to look back not saying I wish, or I’d hope to do this. I want to look back on my life and make my young self proud and be happy and live the life I've always wanted. Not the life I always wished for. One last thing about this song is that the lyrics are very awesome and I highly recommend you, Mrs. Chick, click the link and read it as the poem. It is, not a song, it is lovely. ( the song is lovely as well)

Benjamin Hagerty (Macklemore). “good old days.” Gemini, Budo, September 2018.

https://genius.com/Macklemore-good-old-days-lyrics

I love this song so much because even being this young I still relate to it so much. It's about reminiscing on the past. I remember being a little me thinking how awesome it would be to be in highschool with my license being older with my friends thinking it would be awesome. “ I couldn't wait to get older, couldn't wait to be some/ Now that I'm here, wishing I was still young.” (Macklemore 17-18)  I realize now that I should have enjoyed those times a lot more than I did instead of waiting to be older.  Now that I am the older I wished to be, I would do everything to go back and enjoy the times where I didn't have to worry about having a job, difficult school, and the constant worry of my future. But I know my journey is just beginning, I am still only a junior and try to enjoy every moment I can because I know people would give a lot to come back to where I am now like myself wants to go back. We all grow and we can't stop or slow time so we have to make the best of every moment we can and we have to grow as a person and accept that.

Zach Bryan. “Oklahoma Smokeshow.” Summertime Blues, Zach Bryan and Eddie Spear, July 

2022. https://genius.com/Zach-bryan-oklahoma-smoke-show-lyrics

One line in this song sticks out to me like a sore thumb and it's “ where small vices kill your big dreams' ' (Zach Bryan line 17) this sticks out to me because it is very relevant to today's world specifically in high school. People care about other people's opinions way way too much. This world has 8 billion people, 196 million square miles, 7 continents, and 196 countries. Be yourself. What that one or two people in high school tell you does not matter, there is a whole world and endless opportunities to get out and explore, the world is not just where you are now. They do not control you or your future, that is you and they have no part in your life because it is yours. Especially in high school you are so unlikely to see a large majority of the people you go to school with when out of high school. Don't let other people define you, no matter how many times they try to bring you down and tell you this and that, is motivation to prove them wrong and wrong. Whilst being humble and understanding they dont matter because you are you.

Coldplay. “Fix You.” X and R, Coldplay and Danton Supple, June 2005.

https://genius.com/Coldplay-fix-you-lyrics  

The line that sticks out to me is the first line, “when you try your best, and you don't succeed” (Coldplay 1) it describes this school year pretty well. It feels that no matter how much you do, how much you have done, it's not enough. There's always more and more and better and better you could do. Although it is tough it teaches perseverance, and to not stop and keep going no matter how much there is in front of you. Because the journey to success is the best part, and the journey is not easy if you want the best outcome. Simple and easy things come easy but are the least rewarding. It's what's the most rewarding that is the toughest journey with the best success and rewarding. 

Akon. “Lonely.” trouble. Akon and Disco D, June 2004. https://genius.com/Akon-lonely-lyrics  

A$ap Ferg. “Dreams, Fairy Tales, and Fantasies.” floor seats, Salaam Remi and Brent Fiaz,

 August 2019. https://genius.com/A-ap-ferg-dreams-fairytales-fantasies-lyrics  

The Lumineers. “Cleopatra.” Cleopatra, Simone Felice, March 2016. 

https://genius.com/The-lumineers-cleopatra-lyrics  

Steve Lacy. “Bad Habit.” Gemini Rights, Steve Lacy, June 2022.

  https://genius.com/Steve-lacy-bad-habit-lyrics  

The Lumineers. “Ho Hey.” The Lumineers, Ryan Hadlock, April 2012.

  https://genius.com/The-lumineers-ho-hey-lyrics

Goals for junior year 

Blackeyed Peas. “I Got A Feeling.” The E.N.D., “square prod,” 2009.

Marshmello & Bastille. “happier.”  happier , 2018.

Kelly Clarkson “Since You Been Gone.” “Breakaway” , “ Dr. Dukes “ 2004.

Justin Timberlake “mirrors” “The 20/20 Experience”, “larrabee” 2013.

BTS “Dynamite” Single”, “Dogg Bounce” 2020

Chris Brown. “Look at Me Now.” F.A.M.E., The Record Plant, 2011. 

https://genius.com/Chris-brown-look-at-me-now-lyrics  

This song is about the success of you now and comparing yourself to your past and how far you've come. This song means something to me and makes me think about my school year because of the positive attitude it has. The quote that means the most to me in this song is “you ain't never gonna stop me” (Chris Brown 48)  because it makes me think about how far I can go for school . This song shows me that I can do anything to improve myself and prove to me and my family that nobody can stop me from doing what I need to do to accomplish my goals.

Zac Effron. Vanessa Hudgens. “Gotta Go My Own Way.” Walt Disney Records, 2007.

https://genius.com/High-school-musical-cast-gotta-go-my-own-way-lyrics  

This song is about leaving the bad people and negative in the past even if it hurts or you'll miss them. This song sticks out to me because of the deep meaning behind it . It can be hard to leave those people you called your friends or others behind but sometimes they're not good for you. Already this year I've let go of some people I didn't want to so I could improve myself and focus on me and my schooling and sports .  “but I gotta do what's best for me” ( Zac Effron. Vanessa Hudgens 9 )  shows how you should always put yourself first.

Will.i.am. “Scream and Shout.”  #Willpower, The Record Plant , 2012.

https://genius.com/William-scream-and-shout-hit-boy-remix-lyrics  

The meaning of the song scream and shout is having a good time. “I wanna scream and shout and let it all out!”(Will.i.am. 33)   shows that you can have a good time with anything you do. You can always turn your happiness into excitement and scream and shout to show your true happiness. Sometimes it's okay to go out of your comfort zone to show your happiness. This song relates to me because it makes me feel like me and that i can be myself and it shows me its okay to be more out there.

Imagine Dragons. “On Top Of The World.”  Continued Silence Ep And Night Visions  

Westlake Recording Studios, 2013.

https://genius.com/Imagine-dragons-on-top-of-the-world-lyrics  

This song shows that with school,friends,family,sports,etc. You can always find happiness in everything you do to make the best of it. “I've traveled all this way for something” (Imagine Dragons 28) . I look at that quote and think about school and my future. It helps me realize that I've come this far and I can push through and do it if I try.

Maroon 5. “Memories.” Jordi, 2019.

https://genius.com/Maroon-5-memories-lyrics  

“Everybody hurts sometimes” (Maroon 5.  21)  shows that everyone goes through things either at home ,school and more . It's okay to go through these things because everyone has stress and feelings . It's a sweet song to just remind you that you're not alone. This song also relates to me because everyone goes through things and it shows ,me i'm not alone.

Luke Combs. “Beautiful Crazy.” This One’s For You Too, Universal Music Publishing Group, 2018.

https://genius.com/Luke-combs-beautiful-crazy-lyrics  

Luke Combs is a country singer and songwriter. This song is about this girl and all the things he likes about her. It is a slow country love song. He starts off by stating all the things he likes about this girl and how beautiful she is in her own way and he says, “Beautiful, crazy, she can't help but amaze me / The way that she dances, ain't afraid to take chances” (Luke Combs 6-7) He is saying that even though she is crazy and has her flaws he thinks its all beautiful. He also tells us about the love that he has personally for this girl. He shows his love for the girl by saying, “Yeah, she's crazy but her crazy's beautiful to me” (Luke Combs 8-9). Everything about her is perfect to him. I hope to find someone like this in my life and have a connection as he does with this girl. 

Zach Bryan. “Burn, Burn, Burn.” Burn, Burn, Burn, Warner Records Press, 2022. 

https://genius.com/Zach-bryan-burn-burn-burn-lyrics  

Zach Bryan also mostly writes slow country songs. It talks about all of his feelings and the hard times he is going through. Zach Bryan is feeling lonely, sad, and depressed. Zach Bryan shows his loneliness by saying, “My exes hate me and my friends all miss me / I wanna drown in rotgut whiskey” (Zach Bryan 19-20). His exes all hate him and he has not seen his friends in some time. He is very heartbroken and that is affecting his life and making him do things he would not normally do like,  “Head to Paris on a late-night flight / Find a bar and get in a fight” (Zach Bryan 22-23). Saying that he would go to a place with so much peace and love and then start a fight shows just how deeply he is heartbroken.

Zach Bryan. “From Austin.” American Heartbreak, Warner Records Press, 2022. 

https://genius.com/Zach-bryan-from-austin-lyrics  

This song is about Zach Bryan and how he has to do something to better himself. He is leaving someone and somewhere that he loves very much behind. Zach Bryan shows sacrifice in this song because he says, “I'm finally leaving Austin and I wish it was with you” (Zach Bryan 2). He is leaving Austin but he is leaving without her because he is doing what is better for him. In order for Zach to settle down and really love a girl he needs to face his challenges instead of just forgetting about them and he knows that now and says, “‘Bout time that I face / The hard times I’ve let go / If love was just an ocean / I would drown before I float” (Zach Bryan 13-16). All he is trying to do is better himself. 

Luke Combs. “Even Though I’m Leaving.” What You See Is What You Get, Sony Music Entertainment, 2019. 

https://genius.com/Luke-combs-even-though-im-leaving-lyrics  

This song talks about his father and how they are apart. He talks about the connection he has with his father in spirit. He loves his family, especially his father but it is hard without having his support. Then his father reassures Luke Combs by saying,  “Just 'cause I'm leavin' / It don't mean that I won't be right by your side” (Luke Combs 32-33). He also talks about how he is scared or fearful of his father leaving. His dad means so much to him and he does not know how to live happily and successfully without him. Luke Combs expresses this to his dad by saying, “Daddy, I’m afraid, won’t you stay a little while? / I never thought I’d see the day I had to say goodbye” (Luke Combs 27-28). His father clearly played a big role in his life and his dad will always be a part of him.

Taylor Swift. “You Belong With Me.” Fearless, New World Music, 2008. 

https://genius.com/Taylor-swift-you-belong-with-me-lyrics  

This song is about Taylor Swift trying to get a boy to be with her. Taylor shows loyalty to this boy because she would do anything for him. Taylor has,  “Been here all along, so why can't you see? / You belong with me / Standing by and waiting at your back door / All this time, how could you not know, baby?” (Taylor Swift 27-30). Taylor is also jealous of the other girl. The other girl wears, “... short skirts, I wear T-shirts / She's Cheer Captain and I'm on the bleachers” (Taylor Swift 7-8). The other girl dresses nicer and is a superstar cheerleader, but Taylor does not dress up as nicely.

Stuck in the community year

KRS-One. “Sounds of da Police.” Return of the Boom Bap, 1993.

https://genius.com/Krs-one-sound-of-da-police-lyrics

This song is from KRS-One. The true meaning of this song is about how people are out there being unfair to black people and how racism is important and needs to be justified. The song shows how unequal black people are treated to white people. In my eyes, the meaning of the song for me this year is how I’m in criminal justice. My line would be, “Sounds of da Police” (KRS-One 1) because it reminds me of the sirens of a cop car, which is what I’d like to drive someday. I keep thinking that as I learn about police, I get more interested in being a police officer, or detective. Criminal justice is helping me learn more about how criminal justice is, works, and about the consequences it comes with working with law enforcement. Criminal justice prepares me and gives me a law enforcement credit for law enforcement school when I go. It’s preparing me for the future ahead, and I get to learn early about police codes, and such. 

Harry Styles. “As It Was.” Harry’s house, Tyler Johnson & Kid Harpoon, 2022.

https://genius.com/Harry-styles-as-it-was-lyrics

This pretty song is a way of expressing Harry on how it’ll never be the same as it was then as it is now, about everything changing. The lyric’s talk about how it was then and now it won’t be the same in the current time. For my meaning, it’s the same reason as it is. This year won’t be the same as it has been or was because we’re older now, and not the young creative pure selfs we are now. “You know it’s not the same as it was.” (Harry Styles 8) the line of the song proves my meaning that things are different now and won’t be the same as they were. We don’t celebrate holidays the same knowing that the pretend stuff isn’t true, we don’t play around anymore, we’re just older now. 

Panic! at the Disco. “Roaring 20s.” Jake Sinclair, 2018

https://genius.com/Panic-at-the-disco-roaring-20s-lyrics  

Boardway!! Ah! This chaotic song talks about how his experience being on Broadway is stressful and how he wants to go home. He’s done with Broadway, and called it the roaring 20s. The song is also supposed to sound like the music that played in 1920s speakeasies. The meaning of the song is different for me because I think of school. The song reminds me of how stressful school is and I just want to go home, “Roll me like a blunt ‘cause I wanna go home” (Jake Sinclair 13). The line shows how he wants to go home because he’s stressed out and tired of Broadway which has the same meaning for me, just a school instead of broadway. The school building is chaotic, messy, and overwhelming so this song fits the school year perfectly for everyone. Most people don’t want to be at school and think it’s stressful as the school years go on and more learning happens. 

Tears for Fears. “Everybody Wants To Rule The World.” Chris Hughes, 1985

https://genius.com/Tears-for-fears-everybody-wants-to-rule-the-world-lyrics  

In this everyone wants to take over the song, it talks about how everyone wants to rule the world and nothing lasts forever. The meaning of it would be how people have wars to “rule” the world, “Nothing ever lasts forever. Everybody wants to rule the world.” (Chris Hughes 13\4). 

In my opinion, the song to me means how everybody wants something more and can get greedy as they go on. People want more and more and slowly realize nothing lasts forever. The meaning to me represents peoples ignorance and I think this is a good example of some, half, or most people in the country. People will just take, and take. 

XXLO “yes & no.” Lee Newell, 2019

https://genius.com/Xyl-yes-and-no-lyrics  

A perfect indecisive song for an indecisive person. The song talks about how she can’t make up her mind. The meaning of this song is how she can’t device between stuff and then change her mind constantly. The meaning of this song gives a great example of the school year because people can’t make up their minds. It’s hard for people to make up their minds and make choices because it's hard. People in school tend to not think right and regret some things they say or choices they make. Rethinking things is also a good example because being indecisive can also mean you are taking precautions on responsibilities and seeing the two different sides on what if this happens or what if that happens, “‘Cause i’m like yes and no. Wait, I don’t know” (Lee Newell 9/10). That line shows the artist being indecisive and can’t make up her mind if she wants to answer with a “yes” or with a “no”. And some people relate to this because they also can’t decide between “yes” or “no”. 

Beach house. “Space song.” Beach house & Chris Coady, 2015

https://genius.com/Beach-house-space-song-lyrics   

Robbie Williams. “Candy.” Jacknife Lee, 2012

https://genius.com/Robbie-williams-candy-lyrics  

Conan Gray. “People Watching.” Dan Nigro, 2021

https://genius.com/Conan-gray-people-watching-lyrics  

The Neighborhood. “Sweater Weather.” Emilie Haynie, 2012

https://genius.com/The-neighbourhood-sweater-weather-lyrics  

Bo Burnham. “Bezos I.” Bo Burnham, 2021

https://genius.com/Bo-burnham-bezos-i-lyrics  

Prison Sentence Prediction

Slipknot. “Before I Forget.” The Subliminal Verses, Rick Ruben, 2004.

 The song “Before I Forget” is about people trying to put you down and you have to stay positive before you forget. “Before I Forget” shows that I forget a lot of things and it's going to happen this school year (Slipknot 1). The thematic topic is forgetting . . 

Disturbed. “Down with the Sickness.” the sickness, Johnny K, 1999. 

The song “Down with the Sickness” is about accepting your negative side, “get up c’mon get down with the sickness” (Disturbed 12) the song related to my school year because at the beginning of the year everyone got sick hense “down with the sickness.”

Green Day. “Still Breathing.”  Revolution Radio,  P.R brown, 2017.

I Prevail. “Breaking Down.” Trauma, Tyler Smyth. 2019 

The song breaking down is about depression and obviously breaking down “ I think I'm Breaking down”(I Prevail16) relates to my school year because everytime I boot up membean I break down and get frustrated. 

Green Day. “Brain Stew.” Jaded, Rob Cavollo. 1995.

Bachman-Turner. “Taking Care of Business.”, Bachman-turner Overdrive II, Bachman, 1973.

The song “Takin Care of Business” is about him as a songwriter waking up everyday and doing the things that he needs to do in order to do what he wants to do. “taking care of business every day” shows how it's going to relate to my school year because I’m going to have to take care of my business in order to pass.

The Beatles. “Let it Be.” Let it Be, Mal Evans, 1970. 

Linkin Park. “In The End.”Hybrid Theory,  Don Gilmore, 2001.

The song “In the End” by Linkin Park is about the song writer, Chester’s, lost time with a woman because the relationship didn't work out. “I tried so hard and got so far, in the end it doesn't even matter” relates to my school year because when I try to do membean it doesn't matter cause I have to redo dubious minutes.

Queen. “Under Pressure.”Under Pressure, Queen, 1981.

Fight the Flight. “June.” Fight the Flight, 2001.

Techniques of school

Srf Bgood. “Stargazer.” Stargazer, Spotify, 2022.

Srf Bgood. “Notes.” Notes, Spotify, 2022. 

Srf Bgood. “Major League.” Throwback year, Spotify, 2022.

Srf Bgood. “Don't Wait.” Throwback Year, Spotify, 2022.

Srf Bgood. “All That.” Throwback Year, Spotify, 2022. 

Bobby Mcferrin.” Don’t worry, be happy.” simple pleasure, Spotify, 1988. 

In this song Bobby struggled with stuff in his life and he kept telling himself to “don’t worry, be happy.”(Title) He knew if he was going to be sad it wasn’t going to get him anywhere. This year I know when I get stressed out that I can get through it even though I may need help and struggle. This is how I am going to have Happiness through my school year and to grow as a human being in or out of school. I knew that being stressed and or sad is not a good mindset to be in. It puts you in a hole that you don't wanna be in. 

Neil Diamond.” Sweet Caroline,” Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show, Spotify, 1969

This song is a joyful song to listen to when doing school work. It's catchy and has a good flow. This song is an uplifting song that gives you a feeling to make you know you are not alone. There are people to help you get through the rough times in life. “Reaching out, touchin me, touchin you,”(Neil Diamond 7) This message is saying you can reach out and someone is in need of help as much as you.  

Grover Washington.” Jr. Just the Two of us.” Winelight, 1980

This song is about people having only each other to work with. Even Though they know by just having the two of them they can still make it work even though it may be hard. I think the only way I can get through this year is myself and friends. This Quote “just the two of us/ we can make it if we try”.(Grover Washington  6,7) Prove that jobs that are meant for more than two people doesn't mean it's not possible. If you imagine and work toward your dream it only takes one.

Matthew Wilder.” Break My Stride.” I don’t speak the language.”1983

This song is about someone breaking up with Matthew Wilder and she is moving on while Wilder not even rethinking it as well. So Wilder think now that nobody is going to break his stride and he's going to keep moving in the song he says ¨I got to keep on moving¨(Matthew Wilder 10). This school year I am going to keep moving know matter how hard it gets. The motivation and perceiver through my homework and not get caught up.

Pat Collier.” Walking on sunshine.” Walking on sunshine.” 1985

This song is about Pat being happy when he walks out his front door and sees a comet and then says he wants to walk on the sun, ¨I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that's really real¨(Pat Collier 30). When I get my work done I feel happy and proud that I don't have to do anything and I feel free. This is what is going to get me through my year.

Rod Wave. “Me vs. The World.” Beautiful Mind, Alamo Records, 2022.

 I chose this song because, before this school year started I lost some good friends who I thought were good for me but they ended up breaking my trust . The thematic topic in my opinion is that the song is about betrayal and with that is because in the song he’s talking about his friends using him for his money that he’s made after the fame and how they switched on him from being close friends to only caring about the materialistic things that he has instead of the friendship that they had and I relate to this song because “Get up on me, do me bad and break down my dynasty/Ni**as tryna get close just to stab me in my back” (Rod Wave 8-9) . After I started to do things with my life and not being a degenerate meaning I wasnt doing good for myself or others but once I focused up on myself and making money and getting my life together by getting drivers ed done and working when they were sitting home smoking and not doing anything and in their exact words they would rather see me doing what they are instead of working all the time and focusing on myself and to that i say people would rather see you on your back than on your feet.

Juice Wrld. “Hurt Me.” Goodbye and Good Ridance, Grade A Productions, 2018.

In the year of 2022 my Ex girlfriend was making accusations and ruined my start of my sophomore year i lost a lot of friends due to that situation and I was betrayed by her by my “friends” but now I’m starting to do my own thing making my money working on myself and due to that everyones coming back because i'm winning hence my revenge, “Ex-girlfriend keeps calling my phone/But the bitch can't hurt me, so I'm not worried/All alone, did it on my own/So I show no mercy, I show no mercy” (Juice Wrld 3-6) This song is about how he went through a heartbreak and he's starting to get over the heartache and make personal progress without this girl in his life and in a roundabout way he’s saying i dont need you here to be great and I relate to this song because thats what im learning is that i dont need a relationship to be happy and to make good progress for myself mentally and physically. 

HappyBirthdayCalvin “No Friends” Happy Birthday Calvin, Ar The Studio, 2019.

I know that I have friends. It's just the fact that I lost so many people in the year of 2022. I will count my wins and my losses. In the year of 2022 I was in a relationship and it was good for a little while but it went down hill and because she cheated on me with another guy who in everyway was doing better financley and physically and mentally and to that i said well if he’s so much better than me im going to prove you wrong, “I ain't got no friends, I got brothers, I ain't leavin'/Focus on the cream, if it ain't cash, it ain't competing/I like nice cars, yeah I like my tires screeching/My shorty an angel, but she in love with a demon/I ain't got no heart, I think I lost it for no reason” (HappyBirthdayCalvin 9-13)  This song is about how before he started to make music everyone would talk down on him and how that when he was in the slums nobody wanted to be around him unless he was winning so when he started to make money and make it somewhere in life the people he would hangout with and his ex girlfriend came back around because he started to make it somewhere and they didnt want to work for it themselves so they tried to mooch off of him with his money and fame.

$not - “Revenge” Beautiful Havoc, 300 Entertainment, 2020.

I relate to this song because it talks about the struggles with social anxiety and how people can switch up at any point and then leave because you dont beneifit them in anyway because you dont have money or your not up to their standards in the social spectrum meaning in their eyes your not as good as them, “Sometimes, I can really be fucked up (Yuh)/Ain't nothin' much to say but, "Hey, goodbye" (Haha)/Everybody wanna tell the truth but lie (Wassup?) ($not 1-4)  this song is about how people have left him because of his mental problems and his struggles i relate to this song because I struggle with socializing with new people and in places that are new i get anxious i dont talk i shut down and i wish i didnt do this but its something i cant control and that's the part i hate but this song talks about these things and how people come and go as they please and that's just the way life goes. 

Juice Wrld “I’m Still” Goodbye and Good Ridance, Grade A Production, 2018

“I'm holding my breath and watching my step/I'm listing regrets and you made that list/You're my depression/Your first impression was in deception, you were lyin'/Bitch, I'm still flexin' with my heart broken/Got my heart open, I'm not high yet/Bitch, I'm still moving, I'm in slow motion” (Juice Wrld 1-7)  This song is about how he made it over a bump in the road and how hes starting to better himself and move on. I relate to this song because i had to go through the same thing my ex cheated on me numerous times stayed in the relationship and got destroyed in the process but now ive moved on and im starting to finally better myself and do good for me and the  people that are close to me 

$not “Whipski (Feat.Lil Skies & Internet Money), 300 entertainment, 2021.

Lil Skies “Lust” Life of a Dark Rose, 2018.

Juice Wrld “Black & White” Goodbye and Good Ridance, Grade A Produtions, 2018.

DC The Don “Live From The Gutta!” My Own Worst Enemy, Rostrum Records, 2022.

DC The Don “PSA” My Own Worst Enemy, Rostrum Records, 2022.

Zach Bryan. “Leaving.” Elisabeth, Belting Bronco Records, May 8, 2020.

The thematic topic I got from this song is Heartbreak, and Depression. In this song, Zach Bryan tells a story about a man who is getting his heart broken, and his emotions are taking over and he doesn't know how to control it. The story eventually turns into the man expressing regret, and how he’d do anything to keep her around. At one point in the song, Zach Bryan sings about depression, and it shows how people struggling with depression can't exactly express how they feel.

“And I wish I could explain how the toxins In my brain get me so damn down Sometimes I can't speak.” (Verse 1, Line 12 -Bryan) This song also shows how when depressed, it changes what kind of person you are to other people, and can cause different attitudes towards people. “And you'll try to understand why I can't be a better man, but it's hard when I'm yelling at you In the street.” (Verse 1, Line 13/14 -Bryan) Zach Bryan is a storyteller, and often sings about people he knows or stories he's heard. In this song, the man he sings about goes through so many emotions he has no clue how to act, and feels nothing but rage and anger. “If I was not my mommas boy, I'd leave you crying in my car, punch a hole in your damn dashboard and forget the girl you are.” (Verse 1, Line 3/4 -Bryan) This shows how if it weren't for him truly knowing better, he’d lose his mind.

Tyler Childers. “All Your’n.” Country Squire, Hickman Holler Records, August 2, 2019.

In the song All Your’n, Tyler Childers relays a message of two different things. One being his overwhelming love for his wife, but another being addiction, and how he can't break free. In one way, the song was written for his wife, Sonora May. Many of Tyler’s other songs are written about his wife, Such as Lady May, Shake the Frost, and Feathered Indians. This song has two different meanings, not just his love for his wife, Senora. If you were to watch the music video to this song, you would understand where the addiction part comes from. In the video, Tyler wakes up in the woods surrounded by empty beer bottles, and immediately smokes weed. As the video goes on, Tyler starts hallucinating, and seeing things that aren't there. The lyrics in the song show the acceptance to the addiction, and how he starts to embrace it. “So I'll love you 'til my lungs give out, I ain't lyin', I'm all your'n and you're all mine.” (Chorus, Line 9/10 -Childers) The second meaning, the love for his wife, is also shown in the lyrics. Tyler sees his wife as his savior, and he believes she was sent from god. Tyler knew how his life was going to turn out, being a singer, songwriter, and a performer.  “Long before we ever met, I made up my direction, Long before I knew the half of half I'm sure of now. Though I'd say it ain't the way that you'd have gone about it, you follow me and lead me on and never let me down.” (Verse 1, Lines 5/8 -Childers) Tyler expresses how he doesnt think his wife wanted to be in the spotlight, but he appreciates her adapting to the new lifestyle and staying with him.

Tyler Childers. “Shake the Frost.” Live on Red Barn Radio l & ll, Hickman Holler Records, June 29, 2018.

This song, written by Tyler Childers, was written about his wife Senora May. This song talks a lot about heartbreak, but is mainly about emotions, and Tyler’s struggle to control them. When writing the song, Tyler used many different things to show how he was feeling throughout the song. He also used many different analogies while writing this song, such as “You remind me of a sunday, back home in ol’ kentucky.”(Verse 1, Line 1 -Childers)  and “I love you like the mountains like the way the morning opens.” (Verse 1, Line 2 -Childers) He compares Senora to a sunday, and how a calm sunday feels to him. And describing how the sunrise meets the mountains to create a beautiful landscape. Childers expresses the trouble he had been going through, and is saying he can't lose Senora in any way, as she is the only one to keep him “sane” so to speak. The “frost” Tyler mentions in the title and throughout the song is used to represent the emotions and the struggles he brings into the relationship, whereas Senora will be the one to “Shake the Frost”.

Zach Bryan. “Burn, Burn, Burn.” Burn, Burn, Burn. Belting Bronco Records, September 8, 2022.

In the song Burn, Burn, Burn. Zach talks about how he enjoys the simplicity of his life, and how being on tour has been draining to him. He expresses what he wants in life, and how he’d rather be living out in the middle of nowhere with a dog and a wife than get into the world's drama. He also talks about how he feels out of place in the big city, and how he doesnt get the point in modern day usual. “We get dressed up just to go downtown, in some ego filled, late night crowd, this seems to be where i feel most alone.” (Verse 1, Line 4/5 -Bryan) Zach Bryan had grown up living a simple life, being born in Hawaii while his father served in the military, and then just a few years later settling in Oklahoma, the place he takes pride in calling home. Zach expresses many different messages throughout the song, talking about god, reminiscing about his days as a young kid, and talks about when he gets to heaven, he plans to “Send a prayer down to the broken hearted, Let em’ know it all turns out just fine.” (Verse 5, Line 5/6 -Bryan) After touring, Zach plans on slowing down, and living the simple life just as he did before the fame, while still writing music about the things he knows and loves.

Zach Bryan. “Heading South.” Heading South - Single, Belting Bronco Records, September 30, 2019.

This song was the one that put Zach Bryan on the map, and many people know the name just because of this song. This project tells the story of a boy who had big dreams, and how the world and everyone around him did nothing but try to stop it. “He was a boy who was a dreamer, And he flew so high and proud. In a world full of people out to cut his young ass down, No one ever understood a single word he said, And they cast him to the wolves when he wasn't well and fed.” (Verse 1, Line 1/4 -Bryan)  Zach talks about the boy and how the boy escapes to the south, where he will be better understood. He brings up how the only thing the world cares about is money, and that they don't care about the boy's dreams. “And he surely came to learn, people come to watch you fall. He’s out to make a name and a fool out of em’ all. And they’ll never understand the boy and his kind, ‘cause all they comprehend is a fucking dollar sign.” (Bridge, Line 1/4 -Bryan) The boy ends up making a name for himself, and is finally able to show the people who doubted him (Including his father) that he made it. 

Eminem. “‘Till I collapse.” The Eminem Show, Aftermath, 2001. 

https://genius.com/Eminem-till-i-collapse-lyrics

Eminem is going through a time in his life where he is getting a lot of hate from fans and people around him. But he wants to send a message to people that he will never give up no matter what people do or say to him. The beginning of the chorus in this song reminds me of what it’s like being on the football field. There’s so many times where you're on the field and sometimes you have to think to yourself “'Till the roof comes off, 'till the lights go out/ 'Till my legs give out, can't shut my mouth”(Eminem 23/24). While you're out on the field there are going to be people that are out for blood and want to kill you. You need to be in a perseverance mindset to be able to get through your bumps and bruises, and move onto that next play of the game. Sometimes I need to have that motivational voice in the back of my head telling me to not give up. No matter what circumstance or predicament I am in. 

Passenger “Let Her Go” All the little lights, Embassy of Music, 2012. 

https://genius.com/Passenger-let-her-go-lyrics  

Each and every school year that goes by feels fast and faster than the one before it. Now I’m a junior sometimes wishing that I was still back in middle school with no responsibilities. I guess what I’m trying to say is that you “Only miss the sun when it starts to snow”(Passenger 2). The narrator didn’t really realize how much he should have appreciated his girlfriend until she wasn;t there anymore. In the same way, I never really understood how much I should have appreciated being in 3rd grade. Until now I’m in 11th grade thinking back on the past. The Narrator seems to regret not cherishing the time he had with his girlfriend before it was too late. And now that it’s over he feels so lonely without having her in his world.  

Lil Uzi Vert “That Way” Eternal Atake, Generation Now, 2020. 

https://genius.com/Lil-uzi-vert-that-way-lyrics  

Lil Uzi Vert was at a very high point in his life when he made this song. He’s made so much money and fame from his music career that he can basically do whatever he wants. I hope that one day “If I wake up, don't make no money, that's a sad day”(Lil Uzi Vert 1). Being able to wake up every morning with that positive mindset would be one of my goals this year. I finally was able to get a new job this year. Now that I’m making more money I would like to make a lot more than I did last year and be able to upgrade to nicer things. I don’t wanna say a Mercenary mindset but some sort of financial forward mindset I would like to pursue this year. Now that I have my license and an upgraded cell phone. I have bills that I’ve never had to pay before. Having to pay bills and managing my money I feel like adds to my maturity level and gets me ready for life after high school. 

Polo G “Be Something” The Goat, Columbia, 2020. 

https://genius.com/Polo-g-be-something-lyrics   

Everybody wants to “Be Something” when you grow up. Nobody wants to live a boring life without accomplishing anything. Polo G talks about the struggle he went through before he became the famous rapper he is today. Polo G grew up in a very low income neighborhood where he didn’t have much growing up. “That broken shit made me sick, big appetite with a weak stomach”(Polo G). I’m lucky enough in my life to not have to worry about living in poverty. But wanting to eventually become something is still something I see in my future. I’m willing to put in the hard work to achieve my dreams after high school. I’m the first to say that I absolutely hate high school. But I’m willing to complete all of my work and move onto college if that’s what it takes to advance in life.

Post Malone “Circles” Hollywood’s Bleeding, Republic, 2019. 

https://genius.com/Post-malone-circles-lyrics   

Sometimes having a relationship with someone or something can end up with you running in “circles”. It’s inferred that Post Malone once loved somebody in his life and they ended up going into a cycle of loving each other and not living with each other. He feels that he doesn’t have the strength to end the relationship. So he almost wishes that she would just run away. I have had the same type of relationship with friends in the past. It’s a horrible feeling when you know one of your friends is bad for you but you don’t wanna let them go. People that I once used to be best friends with but they turned into bad people that just wanna use people for their benefit. These situations did bring grief for a certain period. But that loneliness led to me finding better people and friends.  

Kevo Muney “Leave Some Day” Leave Some Day, GME LLC, 2021. 

Luh Kel “BRB” Mixed Emotions, Cinematic Music Group, 2019.  

Morgan Wallen “Chasin’ You” If I Know Me, Big Loud, 2019. 

Lil Baby “The Bigger Picture” My Turn, Quality Control, 2020. 

Drake, Lil Baby “Wants and Needs” Scary Hours 2, Republic, 2021.

Cohen Landry

Ms.Chick

English 3

6 September 2022

Songs That Represent Me

Zach Bryan. “Burn, Burn, Burn”. Warner Records, 2022.

https://genius.com/Zach-bryan-burn-burn-burn-lyrics

 I think this year is going to be full of good friends. “A few good friends I can count on one of my hands” (30). This song from Zach Bryan talks about friendship and how many friends you truly need in order to call yourself happy. Sometimes the least amount of friends you have the realest they can be. 

Zach Bryan. “Come as You Are”. Warner Records, 2022.

https://genius.com/Zach-bryan-come-as-you-are-lyrics   

The song “Come as You Are” reminds me of my friends and our relationship. The song is about his best friends that are just like him. “I've got some good friends with some loose ends/That remind me of myself”(1&2), these lines from the song connect to me because my friends and I are comfortable enough around each other to not worry about what we think of each other.  They are also all just like me and we just enjoy doing the simple things together.  

Morgan wallen. “Still goin down”. Warner Records, 2021.

https://genius.com/Morgan-wallen-still-goin-down-lyrics  

This song by Morgan Wallen shows some more things we all enjoy doing with one another because spending time with my best friends is important to me. While just cruising through town or hanging around a big fire like this line from his song states, “Still circle up big trucks around a fire” (14). 

Riley Green. “If It Wasn’t For Trucks” BMLG records, 2020. 

https://genius.com/Riley-green-if-it-wasnt-for-trucks-lyrics  

 “We were puttin' miles on main” (7). This song is a good example of our summer and how we had lots of nights just cruising around. Especially when we would cruise the strip at oob in a straight piped tacoma on wides. We all just were having fun being around one another while messing around in the tacoma.

Zach Bryan. “Revival”. Warner Records, 2020.

https://genius.com/Zach-bryan-revival-lyrics  

This song means a lot to me and my buddies because one of our most memorable times was at a Zach Bryan concert. When he finished off his concert he ended with this song, I almost felt like it would never end. We screamed every lyric to that song. That experience we had together that night was definitely unforgettable, and we honestly were lost in the music.

Overall I just hope this year is surrounded by good friends making memories we’ll never forget. 

Zach Bryan. “God Speed”. Warner Records, 2019.

https://genius.com/Zach-bryan-god-speed-lyrics

Tyler Childers. “Tattoos”. Hickman Holler records, 2017.

https://genius.com/Tyler-childers-tattoos-lyrics

Zach Bryan. “Leaving”. Warner Records, 2020.

https://genius.com/Zach-bryan-leaving-lyrics

Zach Bryan. “Loom”. Warner Records, 2020.

https://genius.com/Zach-bryan-loom-lyrics

Morgan Wallen. “Don’t Think Jesus”. Big loud records, 2022 

https://genius.com/Morgan-wallen-dont-think-jesus-lyrics