The lyrics of a song are a literary genre. Although it may not seem like it, although you think that literary means writing well or in some sophisticated way, the reality is that it is not like that. Song lyrics are literature. Whether it is good or bad is another different discussion.
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Literary resources
Literary devices, also called figures of speech and in other ways, are then an important part in the texts of the songs. They allow us to express ourselves in many different ways, stylize our speech or emphasize the content of what we want to sing, among other things. Maybe it sounds like something very old to you, something out of fashion or that is no longer used. Well, if that's what you think, I'm sorry to tell you that it's not like that at all. These figures, these resources, these verbal effects, in short, are heard everywhere. They are infiltrated into the same language we use every day and we use them constantly without even realizing it. When we say, for example: “the movie wasn't bad” instead of: “it's a good movie” or “I liked the movie.” That “it wasn't bad” is a literary device. And so many more.
What is a literary figure?
Good. So how can we define the expression “literary figure”? In order not to get too confused, we will say that they are all those verbal expressions that are not used in their simple or conventional form and alter something in their sound, in their order, in their meaning without altering the original meaning of what is intended to be said. That is, when you express yourself using an embellishment, an emphasis, a comparison or almost any form that is not plain and direct, you are probably using some type of figure or literary device. We use literary figures for various reasons but, basically, these types of decorations or deviations from the use of standard language serve to emphasize what we want to say or explain, to demand extra attention, to perhaps be somewhat more convincing or to more faithfully transmit an intense feeling, a story or an idea.
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Types of literary figures
There are many literary figures. To narrow down the field of what we are dealing with a little, we will use a general classification that encompasses all literary figures into two large groups. Those that change their dictionThose that alter their meaning If when speaking or writing, we modify something that alters the diction or pronunciation normal or linguistically correct of one or more words of a phrase or expression, we will be using some form of rhetoric, verbal stylization of this type. We can transform words, repeat them, eliminate them or change their place. These kinds of alterations will affect how we say what we mean. Something will change in direct or literal speech and the alternative way we choose to express ourselves will give one character or another to our speech, perhaps causing a certain surprise, an extra amount of attention in the reader or listener.
Guitar and reader If words modify their usual meaning to express something in an indirect way, exaggerating the usual way, we are probably also using one of the many literary figures that exist. When we lengthen a sentence unnecessarily, when we accumulate similar words or expressions, when we play word games or describe real events in imaginary scenarios, we are using this possibility that language gives us. By manipulating ideas and meanings we can deploy these types of rhetorical figures that provoke special reactions, so to speak, in the brains of the recipients of the speech or the lyrics of the songs.
Examples of figures of speech
Let's see some specific samples of some of these figures. In Bob Dylan's song “Like a rolling stone”, the same title is a similea comparison that is established between something real, the situation of the protagonist of the lyrics, and something figurative, the rolling stone. Residente, in his song «René«, uses the anaphorathe repetition of a certain element of the text. Thus, the rhythmic repetition of certain words: “There is almost no one left here, sometimes I don't want to be here anymore, I feel alone here.” In “Through the mouth lives the fish”, by Fito and Fitipaldis, the metaphor that relates the analogy or similarity between two ideas: 'You are air and I am paper'; 'If I stay in the dark, the light of madness comes and illuminates me.' Or in “A Prayer for a Sleeping Child,” by Luis Alberto Spinetta, we find literary resources such as synecdochethat from one element a whole is covered (name the part for the whole). For example, “Where the world is a chocolate bar.” And many, many more. [ anáfora 
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Figures and tropes
Technically, when we use any of these literary tricks and the original sense or meaning of what we are saying changes, we will not be using literary figures but rather something similar that has traditionally been called tropes. A trope means that, once the phrase or expression in question has been pronounced or read, what is implied is different from what has been said. This may sound strange or contradictory, not only is it possible, but it is very common. If we think about irony or metaphor, they can easily lead you to a situation of this type. If I say or write, depending on the context: “Yes, you are very smart.” I could very well be saying “you're not very smart.” The meaning of the phrase has changed completely and therefore, if we want to be faithful to academic definitions, we will say that in this case a trope has been used.
Podcast episode dedicated to Literary Resources
Conclusion
In one way or another, language and, especially, the use we make of it is very alive, constantly changing, expanding. Songs, in particular, are an ideal terrain for use, to the extent that each writer of song lyrics needs for each topic.
Piano and book Many times, simple and clear words and expressions are enough for us, for whatever reason. If we talk about emotions and feelings, we will constantly feel that we are not faithfully illustrating what happens in our heart, how the blood burns through our veins, for example. If you notice, right now I have used a literary figure: “the blood burns.” It's inevitable and it's wonderful. The possibilities are enormous and we can always be looking for a new way to express issues that affect us all, in a unique or more personal way. Composing songs is often the perfect activity to experiment, to even be excessive with language. We are facing an artistic object, practically everything is allowed. Surrounded by music, the lyrics of a song can be a festival of literary effects and not seem exaggerated. Depending on our intentions, our purpose and maybe the musical genre, we can do whatever we need, whatever comes to mind or throat, whatever we feel like. Try these resources in your songs. Express yourself however you want in them. It is a place of freedom like few others. Forward. #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_form { } #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_column_with_background { padding: 10px; } #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_form_column:not(:first-child) { margin-left: 20px; } #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_paragraph { line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; } #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_segment_label, #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_text_label, #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_textarea_label, #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_select_label, #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_radio_label, #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_checkbox_label, #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_list_label, #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_date_label { display: block; font-weight: normal; } #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_text, #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_textarea, #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_select, #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_date_month, #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_date_day, #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_date_year, #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_date { display: block; } #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_text, #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_textarea { width: 200px; } #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_checkbox { } #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_submit { } #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_divider { } #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_message { } #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_form_loading { width: 30px; text-align: center; line-height: normal; } #mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_form_loading > span { width: 5px; height: 5px; background-color: #5b5b5b; }#mailpoet_form_3{border: 1px solid #fcb900;border-radius: 40px;text-align: center;}#mailpoet_form_3 form.mailpoet_form {padding: 20px;}#mailpoet_form_3{width: 70%;}#mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_message {margin : 0; padding: 0 20px;}#mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_paragraph.last {margin-bottom: 0} @media (max-width: 500px) {#mailpoet_form_3 {background-image: none;}} @media (min-width: 500px) { #mailpoet_form_3 .last .mailpoet_paragraph:last-child {margin-bottom: 0}} @media (max-width: 500px) {#mailpoet_form_3 .mailpoet_form_column:last-child .mailpoet_paragraph:last-child {margin-bottom: 0}} Please leave this field emptyDo you write songs or would you like to?
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