The song looks at the idea of the wealthy white person having the control and deeming other cultures as being beneath them saying that they are the ones who "'Cause all the crime". The lyrics describe the wealthy White Americans of having "Blackest anger/Whitest fear" and that "M----------n' politician[s]" are only "Doin' nothin' but something/For his own ambition".

At the end of every verse, the refrain of "My name is peace/This is my hour/Can I get/Just a little bit of power" communicates the idea that if peace was - to quote John Lennon - "Given a Chance", there wouldn't be a distinct level of injustice between cultures.

The chorus "The power of equality/Is not yet what it ought to be (ought to be)/It fills me up like a hollow tree (hollow tree)/The power of equality" implies that through the power of equality, we are able to become a union of people that does not have injustice, giving us the power to create a society that we want to be a part of.

The song Strange Fruit exposes the power of the prejudice that was occuring in society. The lyrics make direct reference to the racism that was present in United States of America and the horrific act of the Lynching of African Americans. I believe the song establishes the concept of Power and Authority. Power and Authority is held by the White American people. The African American people are beneath the white people in society. Holiday refers to the African Americans as "strange fruit" in the sense that it is the impression that white society has given them and they are simply a peculiar kind of people hanging lynched in a tree. Holiday gives the depiction of a horrific and very inbalanced society where the African Americans are below the white americans.

Holiday connects with the audience through strong language and vivid lyrics. "Strange Fruit" i believe is the most powerful phrase she uses within the song, she is giving the idea of how the african americans are being treated in society as people who are odd and are not wanted. The african americans were treated as pariahs in this society for a very long time and Holiday communicates it very well. "Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze", this phrase exposes and gives a daunting visual of the suffering of the african americans.

"The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth,
Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh,
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh" 

Holiday gives the idea, through this lyric, that african americans are consantly being looked down upon by the white people. The white authority are capable of Lynching the african americans and this gives white americans the ability to exert power and dominance over the african americans. The artist (Holiday) sings the song in a very somber form, the way she sings is as if she is attempting to plea with the listener for the injustice to stop. 

The song demonstrates the complete injustice that was present through this long period of racism and segregation. The song explores the theme of Power and Authority and exposes the abhorrent act of lynching.

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"Keep you doped with religion and sex and TV
And you think you're so clever and classless and free
But you're still f**king peasants as far as I can see"

Lennon's use of the F word was effective in shocking the mainstream audience into sitting up and understanding that the middle class were being forced into dulling themselves down and never reaching their potential because "They hate you if you're clever and they despise a fool." However this wasn't necessarily a good thing with radio station WGBT receiving a complaint lodged against them for playing Working Class Hero. Manager Ken Sleeman hit back stating that the people of Washington are "sophisticated enough to accept the occasional four-letter word in context, and not become sexually aroused, offended, or upset." This publicity was effective as it exposed this song to the masses, however, as much of what Lennon was saying can still be translated to modern day society, how much of an impact this song made is still unclear.

The quote "did you make mankind after we made you?" implies that this God is merely a figment of the imagination which humans created. This also presses the question 'who made who first?'. It is very much the chicken and the egg conundrum."Your name is on a lot of quotes in this book, and us crazy humans wrote it, you should take a look" suggests that the bible was created by mentally unstable individuals and questions the sanity of the followers of the text by labeling mankind as 'crazy'. The last part of that specific quote 'you should take a look' implies that 'God' has no knowledge of the bible what so ever based on the fact there is no evidence he has ever acted upon any of the prophesies in the bible. 

"You're always letting us humans down,The wars you bring, the babes you drown,Those lost at sea and never found" is the evidence given by the song writer of gods tyranny. Ironically the writer lays huge emphasis on the fact that he does not believe in god, but then he goes and gives examples of all the bad things that this faux God has done, implying the God's existence. Interestingly the song is set out very much like a prayer, repeating 'I don't believe in you' after every verse. 

The idea of an ultimate power of God provides a leviathan for many humans to follow. Mankind needs a common power in order for civilized existence maintain itself without anarchy. This song challenges the choice of power chosen by humans.

In the chorus it's sung "I'm all lost in the supermarket..." This is suggesting that the protagonist of the song finds that the simple task of going out to the supermarket has become completely alien to him and a task in which he finds he can "no longer [do] happily". He is both overwhelmed and confused by all these things he has been told he needs and believes he must have in order to find happiness in himself.

In the chorus it also says "I came in here for that special offer..." This suggests that the protagonist feels like he has been specially chosen to have the opportunity to utilise this "special offer" which turns out to be "guaranteed personality", further emphasising the idea that our commercial society not only has power over how we think, but also how we view ourselves. It suggests that we feel a need to have certain assets in order for oneself to feel comfortable with the person they are, creating a false sense of identity that can never truly be fulfilled, leading to more and more purchasing of 'needed' products.

The supermarket is also used as a metaphor for the all-embracing control that the consumer oriented society we live in has over an individual. What the song is saying is that we are all "lost in the supermarket" regardless of whether or not we think we are or aren't. By purchasing an everyday item at the supermarket you are, however unaware you may be, falling under this control and being completely oblivious to it all.

The first and arguably most dominant technique in ‘Bullet and a Target’ is the allusions made to contemporary global affairs. These allusions can ‘shake up’ the audience by evoking their personal emotional response to said affair, almost like inciting a revolution. “In a world where they’re gunning civilians” primarily alludes to the relatively recent fighting in Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan where civilian casualties were quite high. Generally, people have a negative view of the war in these areas, thus Bliss n
Eso are utilizing the emotional response of the audience to put them in the appropriate frame of mind for the rest of the song. “Where conspiracies just drop on us like plummeting buildings” is a clear and effective allusion to 9/11 and the conspiracies surrounding it. Bliss n Eso are suggesting that these conspiracies are commonplace in our world and we are heavily controlled by our government without noticing it. “Set the goal and unite, get cocked and take aim” is an allusion to ‘the people’ being a firearm; a bullet in the chamber waiting to be aimed and fired. This also alludes to the various contemporary revolutions in the world where a dictator has been forcibly displaced by an armed uprising. Bliss ‘n’ Eso are suggesting we unite and ‘fire’ ourselves at authority. Ironically, ‘set the goal’ sounds as though there is no real purpose for the revolution, but instead just to find an excuse and displace authority. Furthermore, the title of the song is an allusion to ‘a rock and a hard place’ which is where the government will find themselves when the people awaken.

Another technique commonly used throughout this song is alliteration.This technique is particularly effective at drawing attention/highlighting the meaning of a phrase. “See we sail the seas with a sun stained atlas to escape the day to day mental mundane madness.” The alliteration found here could be
subtly suggesting that each day in our current lives, we maintain a relentless and repetitive cycle of mundane work and ‘madness’. To escape this cycle, we must travel the world and bare first-hand witness to global happenings thus putting our own lives in perspective. Other phrases which have consecutively
rhyming words (not alliteration) such as ‘lust for bucks outweigh one baby girl’s health’ are also effective at pulling attention to a specific set of words. In the aforementioned phrase it’s ‘lust for bucks’, which can further paint the government – or another authority – as an enemy via the emotional response explored in the previous paragraph.

A third technique used in ‘Bullet and a Target’ is the strong modality present. Strong modality ‘reassures’ the audience that the song is presenting a correct viewpoint and strongly recommends we should subscribe to their way of thought. Ironically, this is like a dictatorship where the artists hold power and authority. “This is definite, like the sun will rise” suggests that there is no doubt in the artist’s mind that revolution is imminent and will continue to displace corrupt powers-that-be, just like the sun rises every morning. Also, the sun rises all over the world, perhaps alluding to revolution which can be seen all over the globe at some point in history.

In conclusion, Bliss ‘n’ Eso have written ‘Bullet and a Target’ to express their political thoughts on the world we live in. They achieve this through the use of allusion, alliteration and strong modality. The
allusions link political views to real-world events, alliterations highlight certain phrases which may evoke a strong personal response, and strong modality which heavily suggests the audience should share the same perspectives as the artists.

Power and Control is an electro rock/synthpop song written and performed by Welsh singer Marina and the Diamonds. The song explores the story of the characters determination to prove that she will be stronger than her lover.

Power and Control is a darker and more sinister song compared to the other tracks on her album, Electra Heart. The lyrics of Power and Control show Marina's desire to make her lover "fall" and be the dominant one in the relationship. This is further proven by the chorus lyrics, "But love will always be a game, we give and take a little more, eternal game of tug of war."

Marina is also critical of her partner's motives throughout the song, "think you're gonna break my heart" and then insulting his inflated ego, 

"Think you're funny, think you're smart, yeah you may be good looking but you're not a piece of art."

The lyrics of Power and Control make the relationship of the two people seem less like lovers, and more like competitors or rivals, struggling to defeat one another.

The video clip for the song also supports the feeling of rivalty. The lighting and feel of the clip is very dark, cruel and clinical. There are very few shots of both Marina and her lover together, however when they are together, they never appear to be completely trusting with eachother, there is clearly a struggle for dominance.

This clip certainly conveys power and authority, the the sense that Pink, posing as an average american, is approaching the president- the leader of the country. This shows the audience that she is asserting her power or authority by questioning the presidents actions and the neglegence within the government. She begins this by saying "come take" and "lets pretend", she isnt asking him if he would like to, she is demanding almost, that they have this discussion. She is obviously, indirectly speaking to the president or even society but uses her lyrics to adhere to those who can relate. 

The constant use of the word 'proud' alludes to the power in position that the president acquires. The question is almost taunting and seems to be retorical. She asks "are you proud?" as if to say, do you realise how much is wrong in society? Later in the song, Pink asks repeatedly if the president was "a lonely boy". This suggests that she is trying to appeal to him in some way so that he comes to a realisation. 

The notion of being inferior in a family as a child and then entering adulthood with authority and command  suggests that this could possibly be a repercussion of the past and an example of overcompensating for a lack f self-esteem, in a sense, Pink adresses this by asking the president if he is trying to make up for his lack of leadership as a child. Even though the song is about the presidents, for want of a better word, 'abuse' of power, it poses the question; who is demonstrating power and authority, the president because of his postion or Pink by asserting herself?

At loss as to which song I know with themes of both power and authority I just settled on one that focussed on power and hoped that authority could be wormed in through some obscure perspective.

"Get Some" is an indie pop song by the Swedish singer Lykke Li that was released in 2010. It illustrates the power that a prostitute has over their client. Although the purpose of the song is to entertain a general audience, it is also instrumental in showing how a prostitute uses reward to manipulate their relationship with their client.

The repetition of commands that cut off the client's freedom such as "Don't pull your pants, before I go down/Don't turn away, this is my time" cut off the 'client's' freedom depict how the prostitute is heavily utilising their control and gives the audience the impression of their absolute power. The lack of suggestions of opposition reinforces this. In turn, a method in which the balance in their relationship is manipulated is revealed.

The prostitute persona illustrated in the song makes constant reference to themselves, stating “I'm your prostitute” and “Got you around my finger”. The recurrent loop back to themselves strongly ascertains to the audience the most important person. Establishing a hierarchy is a way in which the prostitute takes authority in the situation and thus controls the relationship.

I thought it was also interesting to mention that the video clip for the song contains only Lykke Li and no other person. While usually this gives the impression that a character is speaking to themselves and is deluding themselves or alone, instead it introduces her/the prostitute persona as having complete authority and power over the empty area that must be submitted to when entering it.

"Politicians hide themselves away
They only started the war
Why should they go out to fight?
They leave that role to the poor "

"Generals gathered in their masses
Just like witches at black masses".

"Death and hatred to mankind
Poisoning their brainwashed minds
Oh lord yeah!"

"Generals gathered in their masses
Just like witches at black masses
Evil minds that plot destruction
Sorcerers of death's construction
In the fields the bodies burning
As the war machine keeps turning
Death and hatred to mankind
Poisoning their brainwashed minds
Oh lord yeah!"

"Now in darkness world stops turning
Ashes where the bodies burning
No more war pigs have the power
Hand of God has struck the hour
Day of judgement, God is calling
On their knees the war pig's crawling
Begging mercy for their sins
Satan laughing spreads his wings
Oh lord yeah!"

The piece uses large amounts of mockery, calling the rich ‘fat ones’ and ‘the swells that run this show.’ It places the audience in a position to see the viewpoints of the beggars. The mockery however, isn’t only aimed at the aristocrats, but each other. An old beggar finds her ‘pitch’ has been occupied by a younger prostitute and the two immediately start fighting, the beggar claiming the prostitute gives her customers the pox. This mockery has kept its original purpose of giving the audience a taste of the beggars life, but it does not show oppression, but a lack of unity which grows towards the climax of the film as some align with the revolution and others run and hide.

Another technique used is intimidation. Although not originally the intent of Victor Hugo, the musical has used large groups of beggars, almost more than believable, to swarm the Aristocrats, using high modality in the main line ‘Look down’ as they do not request, but demand the attention of the wealthy. Marius, Enjolras and Gavroche sit at the forefront of the assault, Gavroche climbing a carriage to direct a single man directly while his consorts call for followers as their idol, Lamarque fades from health.

This piece is an excellent example of, power and authority because while some aristocrats turn their noses to begs for ‘Something for a crust of bread/ In Holy Jesus’ name’ yet still Lamarque, obviously a man of great influence, is shown to be sympathetic even in his fragile state. (2012 film footage obviously not available)

The song Hurricane written by Bob Dylan shows a side of power and authority in which we know to well, that of corruption. Written in 1975, the ballad is based on the alleged unfair trial of Middle weight contender Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter due to racial predudice. The case illustrated in the ballad is also a clear example of the lengths people will go to in order to suppress power. This period of the of the fifties and sixties was a revolutionary period as it was a time of reformation in the USA, with the Civil Rights Movement from 1954 to 1968. This therefor creates two themes the abuse of power/corruption of authority and the effort to prevent power to a certain group.

The main theme in relation to power and authority in this piece is on the corruption of a society and therefor the corruption of its authority. In the song Dylan brings this down to racial prejudice at the time of African Americans, and how they were treated before the law. The song being a ballad shows each component of the story, allowing us to see these acts of racism in each verse. The first is shown is verse two, which is Carters first interaction with the case;

Meanwhile far away in another part of town Rubin Carter and a couple of friends are driving around Number one contender for the middleweight crown Had no idea what kinda shit was about to go down When a cop pulled him over to the side of the road Just like the time before and the time before that In Patterson that's just the way things go If you're black you might as well not shown up on the street 'Less you wanna draw the heat.

In the fourth we see the man being pull over, with Dylan making clear it was a regular occurrence . This puts a clear question into ones mind why was this man being constantly pulled over and of such high interest to police. In the next triplet however Dylan explains it clearly, describing the prejudiced of the town in particular. It also tells us he is black, which is the crucial element that pieces together the entire verse to anyone which has an understanding of America during the era. If you don't understand what the environment of the 50's, 60's was for African Americans, he literally states that if you are black you shouldn't bother going out, as the police are looking for a reason to cause trouble for you. This this one verse Dylan has laid out the mood for the song; giving us who our main character is, and the racial prejudice held by the area.

Four months later the ghettos are in flame Rubin's in South America fighting for his name While Arthur Dexter Bradley's still in the robbery game And the cops are putting the screws to him looking for somebody to blame "Remember that murder that happened in a bar ?" "Remember you said you saw the getaway car?" "You think you'd like to play ball with the law ?" "Think it might-a been that fighter you saw running that night ?" "Don't forget that you are white". 

The next verse focuses on the authority's power to attempt to corrupt justice, and society. This is shown in Dexter-Bradleys interrogation, where the policemen hint obviously towards the blaming Carter for the triple murder. He ends it with reinforcing Exter -Bradley's racial position. I believe that he is saying that due to this the jury will take his words over those of Carter.

Arthur Dexter Bradley said "I'm really not sure" Cops said "A boy like you could use a break We got you for the motel job and we're talking to your friend Bello Now you don't wanta have to go back to jail be a nice fellow You'll be doing society a favor That sonofabitch is brave and getting braver We want to put his ass in stir We want to pin this triple murder on him He ain't no Gentleman Jim".

­­We now start to see Bradly himself not wanting to get any blood on his hands playing dumb, and sticking to his story. We then see the officer take a very different avenue, degrading himself to black mailing with a jail sentence. The next two lines, I believe are in reference to the Civil Rights Movement and how as an African American sporting figure, he is a model for the people "That son of a bitch is brave and getting braver". He gives them a sense of hope, leading the way in a field that was previously dominated by white contenders. He thought by putting him away he will take away from the moral of the people, thus "doing the (white) society a favor". He then without holding back "We want to pin this triple murder on him" destroying any sense of doubt the audience has of the policeman's opinion. The final line "He ain't no Gentleman Jim". This is an insult to his character and more than likely his racial status. Gentleman Jim was a white boxer in the 1800's who was renown for his good manners. Be stating this he is referring to him as someone who is ill mannered, or as far as a savage. This was a common belief the upper white class held of the African American Population. 

All of Rubin's cards were marked in advance The trial was a pig-circus he never had a chance The judge made Rubin's witnesses drunkards from the slums To the white folks who watched he was a revolutionary bum And to the black folks he was just a crazy nigger No one doubted that he pulled the trigger And though they could not produce the gun The DA said he was the one who did the deed And the all-white jury agreed. This entire verse talks of the corruption in the court room, starting off with saying “All of Rubin's cards were marked in advance” implying that each member of the jury had already walked in with their decisions made on whether he was guilty or not. The judge also called upon several witnesses whose validity is questionable as they were believed to have been under the influence of alcohol as Dylan expresses “The judge made Rubin's witnesses drunkards from the slums”. The third last line shows the blatant disregard the jury and court had for the lack of hard evidence that was the gun. Just to re-establish the racial issue he notes that the jury was all white. Linking the ruling directly to racial prejudice. This verse shows the abuse of the courts power and the corruption of its authority. From each of these verses we can see the abuse of power, the corruption of authority and the lengths they went to in order to prevent suppress power to the demographic. That's the story of the Hurricane But it won't be over till they clear his name And give him back the time he's done Put him in a prison cell but one time he could-a been The champion of the world.
Couldn't get you tube link because he sued them for copy right. Enjoy dodgy generic YouTube version :)