Kanye West Figurative Language Lyrics

By: Nate Cahnman

Allusion
Song: Hey, Mama Lyric: Forrest Gump mama said Life is like a box of chocolates Allusion makes reference to another famous work of art Kanye is making a reference to the famous movie Forrest Gump.

Song: Hey, Mama Lyric: Can the choir please give me a verse of You Are So Beautiful to Me Allusion makes reference to a famous work of art Kanye makes reference to the well-known song You Are So Beautiful To Me

Symbol
Song: Homecoming Lyric: I met this girl when I was three years old, and what I loved most she had so much soul A symbol is one figure that represents something else. In this song, Kanye is using the symbol of a girl to represent Chicago, his beloved hometown. He also uses the word soul as a symbol to represent the love and emotion that Chicago has. Song: Hey, Mama Lyric: Just look at what heaven do, just send us an angel and I thank you A symbol is one figure that represents something else. Kanye uses the symbol of an angel to represent his mother. He thinks she is tranquil and loving.

Metaphor
Song: Through the Wire Lyric: I make music that is fire A comparison between two things that says it literally is the other thing. Kanye is making a comparison that says his music is fire because he believes his music is powerful

Alliteration
Song: All Falls Down Lyric: That major that she majored in dont make no money An alliteration is the repetition of the beginning sounds in words. Kanye used alliteration with the words major, majored, make, and money Song: Hey, Mama Lyric: Youre unbreakable, unmistakable, highly capable lady thats makin loot. Alliteration is the repetition of beginning sounds in words. Kanye used the words, unbreakable, and unmistakable to create alliteration. (This is also an example of assonance because he uses the vowel sound A with the words unbreakable, unmistakable, capable, lady, and makin)

Simile
Song: Heartless Lyric: How could you be so cold as the winter wind. A simile compares two things using like or as. Kanye compares an evil girl to the coldness of the winter wind because he believes the girl is heartless.

Personification
Song: Power Lyric: Goodnight, cruel world, Ill see you in the morning Personification is when an inanimate object is given human characteristics/actions. Kanye personifies the world by giving it the human quality of cruelty.

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