Comparing Lyrics: Elvis And Cold Play

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Lyrics continue to be a way for musicians to create an imaginary canvas for their audience by painting a portrait in time. The most effective lyrics are those that establish an emotional connection with their listeners. In today’s contemporary music industry, popular artists such as Coldplay parallel with memorable artists of yester years. There are lyric similarities with songs written by legendary artist Elvis Presley. Coldplay’s hit song titled “Fix You” can be compared to “Are You Lonesome Tonight” by Elvis Presley. Both song lyrics convey sadness, despair, and an everlasting desire to hold on to a past lover even though the reality of their breakup is tearing them up inside. “Are You Lonesome Tonight” and “Fix You” both portray the loss a lover. Elvis’ lyrics compare his life to a reenactment or parts of a play. He questions himself to determine if her love was truly a reality or a fake performance. He illustrates his desires to go back to her even if it was all just a lie. In verse five, Elvis’ lyrics state “Honey, you lied when you said you loved me, And I had no cause to doubt you, But I’d rather go on hearing your lies, Than I go on living without you.” In Coldplay’s opening paragraph, the lyrics state, “When you try your best but you don’t succeed, “When you get what you want but you not what you need, When you feel so tired but you can’t sleep, Stuck in reverse.” Both artists explain how they are trying to make sense of their past, and how difficult it is to get out of the heartbreak rut. They both establish an emotional connection with their listeners who may have been through similar predicaments. Rehashing the emotional torment by trying to figure out where everything went wrong is utterly appealing to listeners who have experienced heartbreak scenarios in their lives. Listeners can relate to dissecting every living moment in order
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