What is a Metaphor?

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. They add more meaning and give a more visual description and help paint an image in ones brain.

A metaphor is not something that makes you think but something that makes you feel

Examples in Songs

Firework - Katy Perry

The metaphor is about everyones uniqueness and that we should embrace our differences. We should let them show, like fireworks!

Waterfalls - TCL

The use of the waterfall is to represents beautiful things but are also dangerous and that in situations thats not always what you should try and find.

Titanium - David Guetta ft. Sia

The metaphor is being made of titanium. In this sense, the metaphor conveys the inner strength in every being. Nothing can bring us down. Except ourselves.

Other Songs

Every Rose Has It's Thorn - POISON

Things may look beautiful but they are very dangerous in real life and have secret thorns. Also the most beautiful things my be uglier up close and you ca not tell unless you get up close.

All About that Bass - Meghan Trainor

All about that bass is not talking literally about music notes but the size of women. Saying that is okay for people to be on the larger side. She uses the idea of music notes to represent different body types and tells everyone to accept themselves for who they are.

Make a Man Out of You - Mulan

Some of the metaphors embedded in this song include: "Tranquil as a forest", meaning still, silent and calm as your typical forest. "We must be swift as a coursing river", means that they have to be swift (fast, cunning), as a running river.

Bible Metaphors

Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.

It is saying that we, humans, are God’s creation. It says that we are his work and that he is our father/creator.

Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

It talks about God being our leader, and we his sheep. It also says that we shall not want anything more than what he offers and that we will not desert the Lord.

Common Metaphors

As Wise as an Owl

This is a metaphor for someone who is very smart as owls are known for their brains.

A Heart Of Stone

A person has a heart of stone when they cannot show sympathy or either they are very cold towards you. Often used when someone is very rude or mean.

Poem