17 Matching Annotations
  1. Feb 2023
    1. I am tired of this devilI am tired of this stuffI am tired of this businessOh, when the going gets roughI ain't scared of your brotherI ain't scared of no sheetsI ain't scare of nobody

      There is Assonance in the seventh stanza with the repetition of words from the vowel sound, "i" again, which is creating an internal rhyme in the song. Michael Jackson does not want anyone to be flooded in the waves of intolerance, his frustration is seen in the repetitive phrase, "I am tired" and "I ain't." He is exasperated and attempts numerous times to emphasise the need to be treated.

      The lines are also a statement of defiance and determination. Jackson is saying that he is tired of being held back by societal prejudices and hate, and that he is not afraid of anyone or anything that tries to stand in his way. The mention of "the devil" and "sheets" likely refers to hate and bigotry, and the lyrics express Jackson's resolve to fight against these forces. He is saying that he won't be intimidated by anyone who tries to stand in the way of equality and justice. The message is one of courage and determination, and a call to stand up against hate and discrimination. could be seen as an example of repetition and parallel structure. The repetition of the phrase "I ain't scared of" creates a rhythmic and memorable effect and emphasizes the speaker's determination and courage. The use of parallel structure, with the repeated subject "I ain't scared of," gives the lines a cohesive and organized feel.

    2. But if you're thinking about my babyIt don't matter if you're Black or White

      In the song "Black or White" by Michael Jackson, the lyrics "But if you're thinking about my baby / It don't matter if you're black or white" are a reference to the idea that love and relationships are not determined by race or skin color. Jackson is saying that it doesn't matter what someone looks like, but rather what is in their heart and their actions. He is promoting the idea that love transcends race and cultural differences, and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or appearance. The message is one of unity and equality, and a call to break down the barriers that divide people based on race and other factors.

      The line also contains the literary device of repetition. This device is achieved through the repetition of the phrase "It don't matter if you're Black or White," which helps to emphasize the message of the song that race should not be a factor in determining who someone loves or befriends. The repetition also creates a strong, memorable chorus that sticks in the mind of the listener and reinforces the message of the song.

    3. Black Or White

      The title "Black or White" in Michael Jackson's song "Black or White" is an example of oxymoron. An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two seemingly contradictory terms appear together. In this case, the title "Black or White" refers to two opposite and distinct races, creating a contrast and a suggestion of division. However, the song as a whole is about unity, equality, and breaking down the barriers of race, making the oxymoron in the title fitting and meaningful.

    4. It's black, it's whiteIt's tough for you to get by(Yeah, yeah, yeah)It's black, it's whiteIt's black, it's whiteIt's tough for you to get by(Yeah, yeah, yeah)It's black, it's white,

      The song ends with the lyrics, "black or white" being repeated, relating to the title several times to give a sense of unity, cohesion to the song and emphasis to the theme.

      They also are a commentary on the challenges and difficulties faced by people of different races in a world that often divides and separates people based on their skin color. Jackson is saying that despite the color of one's skin, it can be difficult for people to succeed and thrive in life. In terms of literary devices, the repeated phrase "It's black, it's white" can be seen as an example of anaphora, a repeated phrase or clause at the beginning of successive sentences or lines. This repetition emphasizes the central theme of the song, which is the tension and struggle between black and white people in society. Additionally, the phrase "It's tough for you to get by" could be seen as an example of a metaphor, as it compares the difficulties of life to a physical struggle to get by.

    5. I said if you're thinking of being my brotherIt don't matter if you're Black or White

      Michael Jackson is striking a forceful note that he does not pick his friends based on their skin colour as it doesn’t matter. Therefore continuing on the theme of racial equality.

      It is also a call for unity and friendship across racial lines. Jackson is saying that he is open to friendship with anyone, regardless of their skin color. He emphasizes that what matters to him is not the person's race, but their thoughts, feelings, and actions. The message is one of unity and a rejection of discrimination based on skin color. By focusing on friendship and personal connection, rather than race, Jackson is promoting the idea that people can come together and build relationships that are not limited by racial boundaries. The message is one of hope and a vision of a world where people can come together in love and unity, regardless of their racial background.

    6. But if you're thinking about my babyIt don't matter if you're Black or WhiteI said if you're thinking of being my babyIt don't matter if you're Black or White

      The repetition of "it don’t matter if you’re Black or White” tells us that Michael Jackson is trying to reiterate the fact that there should be racial equality in the world to make it a better place and it does not matter if one is different. This is an intentional technique that he uses throughout the song to provide clarity, emphasise and highlights the deeper meaning of the text.

      It also a declaration of love and acceptance regardless of race. Jackson is saying that he is open to love and a romantic relationship with anyone, regardless of their skin color. He emphasizes that what matters to him is not the person's race, but their thoughts, feelings, and actions. The message is one of unity and a rejection of discrimination based on skin color. By focusing on love and personal connection, rather than race, Jackson is promoting the idea that people can come together and build relationships that are not limited by racial boundaries.

    7. Don't tell me you agree with meWhen I saw you kicking dirt in my eye

      The phrase, ”Don’t say that you agree with me” implies that one can only agree with what is popular and Michael Jackson reproaches the critics who are telling him to not act like they’re on his side when in fact they’ll just use any chance they get to back-stab him. His strong emotions of irritation is displayed in this lyrics.

      It’s a challenge to someone who claims to support Jackson's message of equality and unity, but who has acted in a contradictory way. The phrase "kicking dirt in my eye" is a metaphor for someone treating another person with disrespect or cruelty. Jackson is calling out this person and saying that they can't pretend to agree with his message when they have acted in a manner that is inconsistent with it. The message is one of accountability and a demand for consistency between what people say and what they do. Jackson is asking for people to be true to their beliefs and to not just give lip service to his message of unity and equality, but to actually live it out in their daily lives.

    8. I've seen the bright get dullerI'm not going to spend my life being a colour

      This phrases in the lyrics identifies that colour or race plays a part in separating people in the world, but the singer would prefer the world to be different. He wants to be looked at not by his skin, but by who he is inside and wishes that people would not judge each other for their skin colour and would like to live in a world of equality.

      It also refers to the idea of racial identity and how it can limit or define a person. Jackson is saying that he has observed people being reduced to just a color, rather than being recognized for who they are as individuals. He is rejecting this notion and declaring that he is not going to allow himself to be defined by his skin color. Instead, he wants to be seen and judged based on his character, actions, and accomplishments, rather than just the color of his skin. The message is one of self-empowerment and a call for people to recognize the individuality and worth of all people, regardless of their race.

    9. It's a turf war on a global scaleI'd rather hear both sides of the tale

      In the eight stanza, the phrase, "It's a turf war on a global scale / I'd rather hear both sides of the tale" refer to the idea of territoriality and conflict between different groups. Jackson is saying that there are territorial conflicts happening all over the world, and that these conflicts can cause harm to human relationships and the fabric of society. However, instead of taking sides or becoming involved in these conflicts, Jackson would prefer to hear both sides of the story and understand the perspectives of each group involved. The message is one of openness and a desire for peaceful resolution and understanding. By listening to both sides, Jackson believes it's possible to find a way to resolve conflicts and bring people together, rather than perpetuating division and animosity.

    10. Protection for gangs, clubs, and nationsCausing grief in human relationsIt's a turf war on a global scale

      In the song "Black or White" by Michael Jackson, the lyrics "Protection for gangs, clubs, and nations / Causing grief in human relations / It's a turf war on a global scale" refer to the idea of territoriality and the conflicts that can arise between different groups as a result. Jackson is saying that groups, whether they be street gangs, clubs, or even nations, often feel the need to protect their territory and establish their dominance over others. This can lead to conflict and strife, and can cause harm to human relationships and the fabric of society. The phrase "turf war on a global scale" highlights the idea that these conflicts are not just limited to one particular place or group, but are a widespread issue that affects people all over the world. The message is one of caution and a call to recognize the harm that these territorial conflicts can cause, and to work towards finding a way to resolve them peacefully.

    11. I ain't scared of no sheets

      In the song "Black or White" by Michael Jackson, the phrase "I ain't scared of no sheets" is a reference to the Ku Klux Klan. The Ku Klux Klan is a white supremacist organization that was originally formed in the late 1800s, and is known for its use of white hoods and robes, often referred to as "sheets." By saying "I ain't scared of no sheets," Jackson is expressing his defiance of hate and bigotry, and his refusal to be intimidated by the Ku Klux Klan or similar organizations. The message is one of courage and determination, and a call to stand up against hate and discrimination. Colloquial language is used to give a casual and informal tone. The phrase "I ain't scared" is a common way of saying "I'm not afraid," and the addition of "no sheets" is a colloquial way of emphasizing the speaker's fearlessness.

    12. And I told about equality and it's trueEither you're wrong or you're right

      In the song "Black or White" by Michael Jackson, the lyrics "And I told about equality and it's true Either you're wrong or you're right" refer to the idea that there is no middle ground when it comes to issues of equality and social justice. Jackson is saying that you either believe in equal treatment for all people, regardless of race, religion, or any other factor, or you are wrong. There is no room for nuance or compromise when it comes to fighting for equal rights. This message reflects Jackson's commitment to using his platform to promote equality and social justice. The use of the phrase "either you're wrong or you're right" emphasizes the dichotomy between right and wrong and suggests that there is no gray area when it comes to equality.

    13. I had to tell 'em I ain't second to none

      The phrase, "I had to tell 'em I ain't second to none" is imagery visually suggesting to his audience he is black as he sings on stage and struggles to be treated as an equal in a global community. The words. "I had..... I ain't" shows an occurrence of the same letter, or sound, which is an alliteration, reflecting his struggles to be treated as an equal.

      It is also a statement of confidence and self-assuredness. Jackson is saying that he is not inferior to anyone, and that he is just as good as anyone else. The phrase "second to none" means to be the best or to be incomparable, so Jackson is asserting his belief in his own worth and abilities. The lyrics reflect his determination to stand up for himself and his beliefs, and to not be swayed by others or the opinions of others. It is a message of self-empowerment, and an encouragement to believe in oneself and one's own worth. It also contains the literary device of assertiveness. This device is achieved through the use of strong, confident language that conveys the speaker's determination and self-assurance. The use of assertiveness in this line emphasizes the speaker's determination to stand up for themselves and their beliefs, despite any opposition or challenges they may face.

    14. we're one and the same

      In the song "Black or White" by Michael Jackson, the phrase "we're one and the same" is a message of unity and equality. Jackson is emphasizing the idea that despite differences in race, culture, or any other factor, all human beings are essentially the same and deserving of equal treatment. He is promoting the idea that people should come together and see each other as equals, regardless of their background or appearance. The message of "we're one and the same" is about breaking down barriers and promoting a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and where differences are celebrated, rather than used to divide. In the line "we're one and the same", the literary device used is repetition. The line is repeated several times throughout the song to emphasize the message of unity and equality that the song is promoting. The repetition reinforces the idea that, regardless of race or other differences, all people are fundamentally the same and should be treated as such. Additionally, the line "we're one and the same" is a simple and direct way of conveying this message, making it memorable and easily understandable to listeners

    15. Now, I believe in miraclesAnd a miracle has happened tonight

      In the second stanza of the song "Black or White" by Michael Jackson, the lyrics "Now, I believe in miracles / And a miracle has happened tonight" refer to a sense of hope and optimism. The line suggests that something unexpected and positive has occurred, and that it is a cause for celebration. In the context of the song, the "miracle" could refer to a change in attitudes or the arrival of a new era where people of all races come together and live in harmony. Jackson is expressing his belief in the power of positive change, and that even in difficult or challenging times, there is always the possibility for progress and growth. The "miracle" is a symbol of hope and the potential for a better future, where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of their background and the line "Now, I believe in miracles / And a miracle has happened tonight" contains the literary device of parallelism. This device is achieved through the repetition of the phrase "I believe in miracles," followed by two similar clauses. This structure helps to emphasize the idea that something miraculous has occurred and reinforces the sense of excitement and wonder that the speaker is expressing. Additionally, the use of the word "miracle" adds a sense of hopefulness and positivity to the line, which is in keeping with the overall message of the song about unity and equality.

    16. I took my baby on a Saturday bangBoy, is that girl with you?

      The lyrics "I took my baby on a Saturday bang / Boy, is that girl with you?" refer to a man who takes his girlfriend or wife out on a Saturday night, and encounters someone who questions if the woman is with him. The "Saturday bang" likely refers to a fun and lively time, as Saturday is often seen as the beginning of the weekend. The man in the song is standing up for his relationship, and making it clear that the woman he is with is his partner. The lyrics are about defending one's own relationships and personal choices, and not allowing others to question or interfere.

    17. See, it's not about races, just places, facesWhere your blood comes from is where your space is

      In the song "Black or White" by Michael Jackson, the lyrics "See, it's not about races, just places, faces / Where your blood comes from is where your space" refer to the idea that it's not important where someone comes from, or what they look like, but rather what they stand for. Jackson is saying that the notion of race is superficial, and that what truly matters is the content of one's character and the values that they hold. He is promoting the idea of a world where people are judged based on who they are as individuals, rather than on the color of their skin or their ancestry. The message is one of unity and equality, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of where they come from.