Critical Acclaim by Avenged Sevenfold

(Quiet, might piss somebody off)
Like me motherf***er you’ve been at it for too long
While you feed off all those insecurities
You stand in front of me and bite the hand that feeds

Self-righteousness is wearing thin
(Lies inside your head, your best friend)
I’ll bleed but not for fellow man
(Broken glass, your fake reflection)

Telling them it’s all for something real
Don’t respect the words you’re speaking
Gone too far, acclaim

So, how does it feel to know that
Someone’s kid in the heart of America has blood on their hands
Fighting to defend your rights so you can maintain the lifestyle
That insults his family’s existence?

Well, where I'm from we have a special salute
We wave high in the air towards all those pompous asses
Who spend their days pointing fingers
(f*** you)

(Quiet, might piss somebody off)
Like the heartbeat of this country when antagonized too long
I’ll be damned if you count me in as part of your
Generous hypocrisy, collected in a maze

Tabloid gossip we want less real
(There’s no need for us to bury you)
Selfish agenda once again
(Right this way, you dug your own grave)

Telling them it’s all for something real
Don’t respect the words you’re speaking
Gone too far, acclaim

All the way from the east to the west
We got this high society looking down on their very foundation
Constantly reminding us that our actions
Are the cause of all their problems

Pointing their fingers in every direction
Blaming their own nation for who wins elections
They never contributed a f***ing thing
To the country they love to criticize

Excuse the obscene, ignore the untrue
Depictions we see, try and get through
And many mistakes can hurt
I’m not the last but I sure ain’t the first
(Quiet, might piss somebody off)

Self righteousness is wearing thin
(Lies inside your head, your best friend)
I’ll bleed but not for fellow man
(Broken glass, your fake reflection)

Telling them it’s all for something real
Don’t respect the words you're speaking
Gone too far, acclaim

Little Green by Joni Mitchell

'Little Green' by Joni Mitchell
Aside from the lullaby-like melody in ‘Little Green’, Mitchell displays her idea that “there’ll be sorrow”, but with good memories, in life, through illuminating subtle characterization, seasonal symbolism, and a depressing atmosphere.

            Mitchell characterizes the characters in ‘Little Green’ in a less obvious way than most artists would do. She begins with Little Green, a character who is characterized of the “Northern lights” of Canada, serving to mean that there will always be beauty in the child. Mitchell further amplifies the characterization of Little Green by symbolically comparing her “the color of when spring is born” suggesting her innocence and the good that comes out in spring. Though there are bad times in life, there will always be “a little green” to represent the good times. Mitchell furthers her idea through the use of another equally important tool: symbolism.

            Mitchell brings about her idea through symbolism when she symbolizes Little Green “Like the nights” when the Northern lights perform, serving to show the good times of life. She also characterized symbolically as though “everything’s warmer” when she’s around. Little Green is further symbolized as the color of spring of which “winters cannot fade her”. Mitchell symbolizes Little Green as a positive piece of life like spring is when it comes around, even though life may be harsh. However, Mitchell couldn’t completely embrace her idea without the atmosphere she places upon the song.

            A depressing atmosphere lurks over the song, which sets the scenario of the piece. Mitchell explains how Little Green’s father was “a non-conformer” and left her alone with her mother. That alone serves to set a darker atmosphere, but moreover towards sadness. The atmosphere also plays a subtle role in defining the least favorite times of Little Green's life, while she is symbolically compared to the warmth and radiance that spring illuminates. The depressing atmosphere is like a different side to the girl. Mitchell represents the good times, but she also covers the bad times through her use of atmosphere in 'Little Green'.

            Mitchell's distribution of the tools characterization, symbolism, and atmosphere guide the reader to the deeper meaning of her song. There will always be good times, but there will be sorrow as well.

My Theme and Genre of Choice

My theme is war/ government because it is a part of the basis of what I listen to in my music. The genre I chose was metal because that's where A7X falls under, one of my favorite bands who talks about war. My decision of these two was based upon the fact that I love metal, and Avenged Sevenfold is my favorite band out there. One song of theirs that caught my attention was M.I.A. It talks about going over to fight, and the killing of others. "Fight for your life" is one of the lines that sticks out about war, because that is how war is looked upon. This song also came out right around when war broke out in Iraq. Critical Acclaim also caught my attention because it talks about how the government is nothing but full of people who don't do anything for this country, while sending our troops out for nothing but death.