Write a 1500-2000-word essay about the story of a single song.
Write about the following song:
– “Paper Planes” by M.I.A.
I suggest you research your chosen song by doing the following five steps:
1. Listen to the song carefully. Listen again. On the third listen, take notes on what you hear.
2. Search for journalistic articles about the song in google. Consider looking at the sites for publications such as Rolling Stone, Billboard, the New York Times, Washington Post, the Guardian, the New Yorker, Atlantic, and NPR. There is quite a bit of journalistic writing about all four of these songs.
3. Search for older journalistic articles by searching the historic newspaper archives available through the library.
4. Read the articles you have found through your research. Take note of significant moments in the song’s history, as well as relevant songs, styles, music-cultures, and specific musicians that were sampled or were inspirations for the song.
5. Now research those additional relevant songs, styles, music-cultures, and musicians through the Music and Performing Arts Library website. Your research at this stage should include reading about and listening to relevant songs, styles, and so on. I expect you to check out Oxford Music Online for information on musical genres, instruments, and music-cultures.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Story of “Paper Planes” by M.I.A.
Introduction
Music has the power to transcend boundaries, evoke emotions, and serve as a reflection of the times. One such song that embodies these qualities is “Paper Planes” by M.I.A. Released in 2007, this groundbreaking track captured the attention of listeners worldwide with its infectious melody, thought-provoking lyrics, and unique blend of musical styles. In this essay, we will delve into the story behind “Paper Planes,” exploring its cultural and musical encounters, the politics of representation, the demands of the music industry, the significance of genre, and the local cultural histories that influenced its creation.
The Song’s Sound
Before we embark on the journey of understanding the deeper layers of “Paper Planes,” let us first appreciate its sonic qualities. The song opens with a catchy and memorable melody, driven by a combination of haunting synthesizers and a distinctive drum beat. M.I.A.’s vocals are delivered with an air of confidence and rebelliousness, perfectly complementing the rebellious nature of the lyrics. The tempo is moderate, allowing listeners to easily groove along with the rhythm. The use of various percussion instruments adds depth to the song’s sound, while occasional gunshots and cash register sounds serve as powerful metaphors for the themes explored in the lyrics.
Cultural and Musical Encounters
“Paper Planes” is a prime example of cultural and musical encounters, showcasing M.I.A.’s ability to blend diverse influences into a cohesive whole. Born Mathangi Arulpragasam in London, M.I.A. drew inspiration from her Sri Lankan Tamil heritage, as well as her experiences growing up in multicultural environments. The song incorporates elements of hip-hop, reggae, and electronic music, fusing them together with M.I.A.’s unique vocal style.
One notable aspect of “Paper Planes” is its use of samples. The song heavily samples “Straight to Hell” by The Clash, a punk rock band known for their politically charged music. By incorporating this iconic guitar riff into her own composition, M.I.A. pays homage to her musical predecessors while adding a contemporary twist. This act of sampling also speaks to the larger conversation around cultural appropriation and hybridity in the music industry.
The Politics of Representation
“Paper Planes” delves into the politics of representation, addressing social issues such as immigration, poverty, and racial profiling. Through her lyrics, M.I.A. challenges stereotypes and gives voice to marginalized communities. Lines like “All I wanna do is (BANG BANG BANG BANG!)” and “Pirate skulls and bones” serve as powerful metaphors for the struggles faced by immigrants and refugees.
Furthermore, the music video for “Paper Planes” further emphasizes these themes. Directed by M.I.A. herself, the video depicts scenes of immigrants working in fast-food restaurants and convenience stores, juxtaposed with imagery of violence and wealth. This juxtaposition highlights the stark disparities in society and forces viewers to confront their own biases and preconceptions.
The Demands of the Music Industry
Behind every successful song lies the complex machinery of the music industry. “Paper Planes” faced its fair share of challenges in navigating this landscape. Initially released as part of M.I.A.’s second studio album “Kala,” the song received critical acclaim but struggled to gain mainstream attention. However, it gained significant traction after being featured in the trailer for the film “Pineapple Express,” exposing it to a wider audience.
The success of “Paper Planes” also raised questions about the commercial viability of politically charged music. Despite its subversive themes and unapologetic lyrics, the song managed to break through barriers and achieve mainstream success. This accomplishment serves as a testament to M.I.A.’s artistic integrity and her refusal to compromise her vision for commercial gain.
The Significance of Genre
Genre is an essential aspect of music that helps define its sound and appeal to specific audiences. However, “Paper Planes” defies easy categorization, transcending traditional boundaries and appealing to listeners from diverse backgrounds. The song weaves together elements of hip-hop, reggae, punk rock, and electronic music, creating a genre-bending masterpiece that defies classification.
This genre-blurring quality is reflective of M.I.A.’s own identity as an artist. Her multicultural background and refusal to conform to societal norms are mirrored in her music, challenging listeners to question their own preconceived notions about genre and cultural identity.
Local Cultural Histories
To fully understand the context behind “Paper Planes,” it is crucial to explore the local cultural histories that influenced its creation. M.I.A.’s Sri Lankan Tamil heritage played a significant role in shaping her artistic perspective. The experiences of war and displacement that her family endured inspired her activism and informed her music.
Additionally, M.I.A.’s upbringing in London exposed her to a vibrant multicultural music scene. The city’s rich musical history, particularly in genres like punk rock and reggae, left an indelible mark on her sound. By blending these local cultural histories with global influences, M.I.A. created a musical style that resonated with audiences across continents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Paper Planes” by M.I.A. is not merely a song but a powerful statement that encapsulates cultural encounters, challenges stereotypes, and defies genre conventions. Its infectious melody and thought-provoking lyrics have made it an anthem for marginalized communities worldwide. By examining its sonic qualities, cultural influences, political undertones, and commercial journey, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities inherent in the creation of this iconic track. “Paper Planes” serves as a reminder that music has the power to transcend boundaries, bridge cultures, and ignite social change.
