The paper will compare and contrast ‘When I am Gone’ by Eminem with ‘I Am Here’ by Beyonce based on their meaning. The two artists composed the songs in different times each with a purpose of creating significance in regards to respect to life. A comparison is intended to make the audience understand how artists can use their work to convey a similar message in different ways. Again, the skill of contrast is expected to make the readers derive similarity between two various artistic works. The paper will seek to highlight the factors that are similar and different between the two songs maintaining the meaning of the songs that every moment an individual spends in life is significant.
‘When I Am Gone’ by Eminem
Eminem describes the meaning of life through the song by expressing that some situations in life do not go according to what a person may think and wish. The song focuses on Eminem cry for his daughter. The song is based on his real life. He expresses his fear that because of him, a danger may befall his daughter and that he would be impossible to protect her. Eminem wishes to spend his life with the daughter but because of the pressure from the things he must attend to; he is helpless(Eminem 1). The artist understands that life is short and that he has to set priorities to attend to things that matter in his life. The song creates a meaning that, an individual has to know how to spend time in his life so that they do not regret later.
Moreover, Eminem wants the audience to understand that it is essential to do what one wants to do; contrary to that a time will come when life will be moving so fast and will have nothing to stop it. It is discouraging when you love somebody but you cannot do anything to help her, or you lack time to spend with them(Eminem 1). The worst of the phenomenon is when the person does not know if you care about them because you never spend time with them. The artist concludes that life is strange and many people do not understand the meaning of life. The people, however, are in control of life. Eminem asserts that the life's purpose is derived from doing what one wants to do and not from utilizing every opportunity the life presents(Eminem 1). Therefore, the song emphasizes the aspect of drawing the meaning of life by doing what one feels like doing and spending time with those we love.
‘I was Here’ by Beyonce
The artist intends to communicate the meaning of life based on doing what an individual can do best. Beyonce emphasizes that a person has to believe in their abilities and work towards achieving the best from what life can offer. The artist views life as a playground that one has to ensure they leave a permanent mark on it(Beyonce 1). The song stirs the audience think about the value of life and how they should create an impact. People have to know their purpose in this world and try to live to accomplish the dreams they have. Beyonce intended to encourage people to discover the humanity in them and live to create an impact on the society they live. Furthermore, the song emphasizes that in life a person will be remembered for the positive effects they had on others. The meaning of life is derived from things that one does to make the world a better place to live in(Beyonce 1). People must struggle to leave a legacy in the world that they do not regret to have lived in the world.
Comparison
The two songs are made to convey a message about the meaning of life. They both emphasize that people have to exercise humanitarian traits to live a meaningful life. The concept of life is understood when individuals struggle to attach significance to the life they live by doing things that impact the society and the world. A person has to spend life with those they love, do what they would want to do, and touch lives of those who near them. It is evident that the two songs are made to make the audience understand the purpose of living is to create significance in the life of others.
Contrast
‘When I am Gone’ by Eminem is directed towards explaining the significance of life based on doing what an individual want to do. As long as a person feels satisfied doing a particular thing, then Eminem justifies the action because it is intended to make them feel happy being with the people they love. On the contrary, ‘I am Here’ by Beyonce emphasizes that people should do what they can best do to create an impact in the life of others and to leave a legacy in the world. Beyonce believes that life is meaningful when we impact on others. Therefore, I would favor ‘I am Here’ by Beyonce because it creates the understanding of life’s meaning by not only satisfying oneself but by doing the best one can do to touch the lives of other people in the world.
Conclusion
Music can be created to convey the same message but in different styles. For instance, the two songs by Eminem and Beyonce are addressing a common subject of understanding the meaning of life. However, each artist uses different language and forum to pass their message. Despite the similarities and differences witnessed, the two songs achieve the purpose of making the audience reflect on the meaning of life.
Works Cited
Beyonce. "I Was Here." n.d. .
Eminem. "When I'm Gone." 2018. .
