How To Analyze Beck Lyrics

& Other Poetry

You may have your own way of doing it, but this is here for those who would like to analyze Beck's lyrics but have no idea where to start.
This is also just a guideline - it may not work for everyone, though I hope this gives you some ideas.

STEP 1: Find as accurate a version of the lyrics as you can (even Beck.com sometimes has question marks. Mutations and Midnite Vultures are great because the lyrics are all written out. This page is excellent.). Read the lyrics and list words you don't know, or could have another meaning you are unaware of.

STEP 2: Take out one of those BIG dictionaries ('cause they work really well) and find definitions for the words on your list.

STEP 3: Start to analyze each line; think about what the meaning may be and write down any terms, phases, and associations that pop into your head. See if lines have a common theme (ones that don't are almost impossible to analyze!).

STEP 4: From your analyzations write an overall summary paragraph, if possible. Some Beck lyrics don't go together line by line and others ("Loser" for example) just have examples of the same situation over and over. Use your judgement.

STEP 5: Edit and make sure you didn't leave any vital information out.

STEP 6: Send me what you've come up with! I'm curious, and I can't possibly do all the work here!

This is your opinion; your analyzation. Keep in mind others may come up with a totally different stuff. It's all correct.

© April 2000 station1@hotmail.com