"I wanna sing, I wanna shout"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaAVByGaON0

Nowadays, a lot of us seem to be supposedly defined by what society makes of us. The rules are basically set for every human being that comes into the world; what they should say, what they should look like, how they should behave, and who we are. These societal ideals can either make you or break you; tear you apart or move you forward, it’s all up to you. Emeli Sandés “Read All About It” aims towards breaking through those societal norms and boundaries that constrict those from being who they really are.

The didactic narration carried out by Sandé throughout the song suggests that the readers are suppose to learn a specific heartfelt message or lesson about what it means to be an individual constricted by society. Recurring themes that drive the song forward  are those of internal conflict between man and everyday societal norms along with breaking boundaries. Sandé sings to the audience, “You’ve got the words to change a nation, but you’re biting your tongue”, suggesting that Sandé views an individual from an outside perspective and is internally speaking to them, encouraging them to speak their thoughts. Following this, a hyperbole is used to dramatize the effects of an  idealistic society, supposedly the antagonist leaving some with “ a lifetime stuck in silence, afraid you’ll say something wrong.” Finishing up the first verse, Sandé asks an open question to the audience, asking them “If no one ever hears it how we gonna learn your song?” . This use of an allegory further emphasizes the main symbolic narrative of the song; speaking up for yourself and not being afraid of societal judgement. In a sense, Emeli Sandé leads the reader to believe that everyone has a song of their own that needs to be shared with others.

The use of several metaphors are used to create an significant image of the haunting lyrics. When Sandé sings, “You’ve got a heart as loud as lions” she quickly responds with a question, “So why let your voice be tamed?”. This use of an antithesis manages to further enhance the meaning of this metaphor as these two contrasting ideas of boldness and timidness are deliberately used, creating effective imagery. Emeli Sandé chants, “Come on Come On” consecutively throughout the song, as a means of encouraging people to stand up and be who they truly are, thus supporting themes of power and confidence.

The overall tone of the song is set during the chorus as Emeli Sandé delivers short but simply statements. Sandé sings, “I wanna sing, I wanna shout, I wanna scream till the words dry out” as a means of empowering the audience, hence presenting a compassionate tone accompanying the lyrics through the use of anaphora. She states, “So put it in all the papers, I’m not afraid, they can read all about it.” suggesting that once one’s story is “sold to the public, you are delivering confidence and standing strong against oppression. The lyrics in the chorus deliver a compassionate, yet strong tone as Sandé defines what it means to be yourself through her sensational and emotional lyrics.

Literary devices that contribute to the success of Emeli Sandé’s work is her repeated use of allegory, used to convey messages of freedom and strength. The entire song itself surrounds itself around this idea of freedom of criticism and getting one’s voice out there (i.e.: “making sure that we’re remembered, yeah cause we all matter too.”).

While Emeli Sandé presents an individual’s struggle to breakthrough social norms, the problems are thoroughly recognized throughout the song leading up to the rising action when she sings, “Yeah, we’re all wonderful wonderful people. So when did we all get so fearful?”. At this point in the plot of the song itself, Emeli Sandé presents a solution/resolution and the true morals of the song. In addition to this, Sandé’s powerful words (i.e. : “So take a chance, come help me sing this”) encourage people to join together and sing their hearts out.

In conclusion, Emeli Sandé’s “Read all about it” defines what it means to be human and presents one’s worst fear, vulnerability to change and perfection. Many of the literary devices used enhance her powerful lyrics, thus supporting hidden moral lessons delivered within the track itself. Sandé’s words are enjoyable, painful, and heartbreakingly true.