"APT" by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars: Learning Literary Devices Through Music
As a literature student in high school, you may find yourself analyzing classic novels and poems, exploring the depths of language and meaning. However, contemporary songs can also provide valuable insights into literary techniques.
One great example is the lively song "APT" by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, which showcases a variety of linguistic devices that highlight themes of youth, desire, and social interaction.
In this blog, we will examine how you can break down the lyrics of "APT" to identify 10 devices like metaphor, imagery, and repetition. By analyzing this modern piece, you can improve your analytical skills and deepen your understanding of how language works in both music and literature.
Join us as we explore the dynamic world of "APT" and discover how these devices can enrich your literary studies!
1. Metaphor
The “apartment” itself serves as a metaphor for intimacy and connection, representing a space where relationships can develop and flourish.
2. Symbolism
“Red hearts” symbolize love and attraction. This imagery conveys deep emotional connections and the desire for romance.
3. Assonance
The repetition of the “uh” sounds in “come give me somethin’ I can feel” emphasises the intensity of desire and the ache of wanting more from a relationship.
4. Imagery
Listing “drink, dance, smoke, freak, party all night” signifies a departure from the mundane aspects of daily life. Engaging in these fun and carefree actions allows individuals to step away from responsibilities and obligations, creating a space where they can truly unwind and be themselves.
5. Anaphora
The repetition of phrases at the beginning of lines, such as “Don’t you want me” and “Don’t you need me,” encapsulates the essence of longing throughout the song, reflecting a desire not just for physical closeness but for emotional intimacy, reinforcing the idea that true connection goes beyond mere attraction.
6. Colloquial Expressions
Informal phrases like “What’s up?” resonate with everyday interactions among friends, grounding the song in relatable social dynamics.
7. Contrasts
The juxtaposition of “Sleep tomorrow, but tonight, go crazy” captures the essence of living in the moment, encouraging listeners to prioritize enjoyment over routine. This contrast highlights the desire to escape everyday life, aligning with the song’s overall themes.
8. Sibilance
The soft, “s” sounds in the phrase “kissy face” evoke a sense of affection and playfulness, aligning with the sweetness often associated with romantic and flirtatious interactions. This connection reinforces the overall themes of desire and intimacy in the song, highlighting the tender aspects of the speaker's feelings.
9. Parallel structures
The repetition of “Don’t you want me like I want you, baby?” and “Don’t you need me like I need you now?” emphasizes the importance of mutual desire and reciprocity in relationships, highlighting the speaker's longing for a connection that is equally felt, which is central to the song's emotional depth.
10. Imperatives
The commands “sleep,” “go,” and “turn” convey urgency by encouraging immediate action and participation, emphasizing the thrill of seizing the moment and escaping routine to fully embrace the vibrant experiences of nightlife.
Apt Lyrics
INTRO
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
VERSE 1
Kissy face, kissy face
Sent to your phone, but
I’m tryna kiss your lips for real (Uh-huh, uh-huh)
Red hearts, red hearts
That's what I'm on, yeah
Come give me somethin’ I can feel, oh-oh, oh
CHORUS
Don't you want me like I want you, baby?
Don't you need me like I need you now?
Sleep tomorrow, but tonight, go crazy
All you gotta do is just meet me at the
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
BRIDGE
It's whatever (Whatever), it's whatever (Whatever)
It's whatever (Whatever) you like (Woo)
Turn this apartment into a club (Uh-huh, uh-huh)
I'm talkin' drink, dance, smoke, freak, party all night (Come on)
Cheers, cheers, girl, what’s up? Oh-oh, oh
CHORUS
Don’t you want me like I want you, baby?
Don't you need me like I need you now?
Sleep tomorrow, but tonight, go crazy
All you gotta do is just meet me at the
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
INTERLUDE
Hey, so now you know the game
Are you ready?
’Cause I'm comin' to get ya, get ya, get ya
Hold on, hold on
I'm on my way
Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah
I’m on my way
Hold on, hold on
I'm on my way
Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah
I'm on my way
CHORUS
Don't you want me like I want you, baby?
Don't you need me like I need you now?
Sleep tomorrow, but tonight, go crazy
All you gotta do is just meet me at the
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Just meet me at the (Uh-huh, uh-huh)
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Just meet me at the (Uh-huh, uh-huh)
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Just meet me at the (Uh-huh, uh-huh)
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Apartment, apartment
Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh
