If you wish to read an idiot writing about using idioms as a basis for songs for 400 words or so, then look no further than this column, the first in the fourth year of Amplified Observations.
The effectiveness of using idioms in songwriting as a lyrical anchor of sorts comes down to how genuine and insightful the song feels. And there’s a thousand instances from which to choose.
If an idiom is merely employed in the place of some sort of deeper truth, it feels cliché. But if a musician crafts song around a common phrase in way that elaborates its meaning to cultural relevance or a newfound perspective, it offers continued interpretation.
One example that comes to mind comes from Kendrick Lamar’s album To Pimp A Butterfly. Late in the album, the song “You Don’t Have To Lie (Momma Said)” expands on the classic adage “the loudest in the room is the weakest in the room.” It gives the idiom a more contemporary setting and foreshadows songs on his latest album, like “HUMBLE,” although the latter’s tone translates as more aggressive. I suppose he’s fed up with insincerity, which makes it feel even more genuine.
Other artists before Lamar explored this type of vocal meditation such as Bob Dylan with “Like A Rolling Stone” which goes off “a rolling stone gathers no moss” and Great White’s “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.” Johnny Cash wrote one of the funniest idiom-inspired songs called “You Can’t Have Your Kate and Edith, too.”
But an idiom doesn’t always guarantee a song’s cultural preservation. Some songwriters without the self-awareness of Kendrick Lamar use idioms as a crutch rather than a commentary. Take, for example, the song “Storm in a Teacup” from the second disc of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Stadium Arcadium.
Although instrumentally a successful funk song, Anthony Kiedis’ lyrics provide little more than a description of a love interest as an embodiment of the title, but the nonsensical lyrics hardly expand past a visceral stream. “Storm in a Teacup” probably never reached single status because of this lack of depth or an original interpretation. Despite existing on an amazingly strong guitar album, the idiom overshadows the aspirations of Frusciante, Flea and Smith.
Idioms exist because they hint at some supposed unscientific law of the universe. They are no substitute for creativity, however, since everyone speaks them. A songwriter must add it on their own.
A genuine amount of attention to a song’s meaning can make the difference between a fan-favorite and filler.
Luke Furman is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. What are your favorite idioms in songs? Let Luke know by tweeting him @LukeFurmanLog or emailing him at lf491413@ohio.edu.
