Changing Self, Context in Song Lyrics

Text title: "Change You Or Change Me"

Source/ Date:

Medium: Rap song

Composer: Fabolous

Purpose: The main purpose of the text is indeed to entertain the listener in any way possible whether it be enjoying fab's witty punch lines or being able to relate to the issues present. Another purpose suggested is to relate with the composer (Fabolous) and gain knowledge of the occurrences experienced by the composer e/g racism or incidents in the area . Fabolous says "I want to bring you in, and let you see my world looking through my eyes."

Intended Audience: Many features in the text suggest that the intended audience are; Other African Americans as he uses the term nigger which is generally used when talking to other African Americans. General rap followers and fans that appeal to fab's music and Other similar Socio economic groups are intended to listen as they may appeal and find similarities in the issues and feelings raised such as predjudice. Fab states in an interview with MTV that "On this album, I'm relating to the listeners by sharing experiences with people who come from the places where I'm from".

Relevance to changing self: In the first verse of " Change me or change you" the rapper feels that he doesn't stand out and he conforms to his social status by stating "I ain't never slide down a bad pole" he feels no reason to change "I never snitch, and go hide in a rat hole". There is a hint of change happening around him "same girls that didn't seem like they'd love you, Is begin

for you autographs ands screaming to hug you". It is apparent that his social structure may have changed.

In verse 2 fab questions change and again suggests that there has been change. An outward change. The environment and circumstances have changed but inside (soul), self is still the same. Changes are taking place but he is not letting it have an affect on him. When fab says "to remind me where I'm from I look at my own tooth" I feel he is referring to his family roots and history which he is aware of.

Verse, the final verse sees a change in attitude. Fab becomes more aggressive towards the feeling of changing self he says "It's getting me sick, someone prescribe me some medicine" ,fab wants to revert to the past, he wants to reverse the change that is surrounding him.

The final chorus, full of coarse language suggests the message of "take me for what I am as he states " I am still the same nigger man".

Techniques used to represent ideas: Language- language is used to represent the idea of aggression as fabulous uses profanities particularly towards the end of the text.

Rhetorical questions are used to question the listener further involving them e/g "why would I change?".

Similes are used to give the listener a greater understanding or image of a point e/g "When I get green like the incredible hulk?" which represents jealousy and power.

The technique of a monologue is used. It tells us more about Fubolous. It makes fabulous seem more like an authority figure with his opinion more prominent

Other features include medaphores, use of rhyme, repetition, even flow of rhythm further to further represent the ideas.

"Change You Or Change Me" by Fabolous is a controversial monologue rap that puts the reader in the rappers shoes. It explores the issues of change around us and its impacts. The text encourages us