Name: Eli Shiloach

Title: Echoes of Resilience – Unveiling the Impact of “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King

Link to song: [Stand by Me – Ben E. King](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwZNL7QVJjE)

“Stand by Me” by Ben E. King became a powerful anthem and a harmonic thread that ran through the chapters of my life’s soundtrack. Every note and word of the song enthralled me with its ageless charm and heartfelt resonance.

I was facing transitional uncertainty and poised on the edge of change when this musical gem entered my life. During a time of weakness, King’s soothing voice and the song “Stand by me” served as a consoling hug. My search for stability in the middle of life’s ups and downs was reflected in the lyrics, which painted an image of unwavering connection.

When I think back on the relationship now, it’s clear that “Stand by Me” developed into a source of support and resiliency in vulnerable times. The song’s universal message of support and loyalty struck a deep chord with me and provided me with a musical compass just when I needed it. Every word and every note conveyed the strength of fortitude, giving me confidence that no matter what obstacles I faced, I would always have support from someone. The lyrical voyage echoed my own, reflecting the fortitude needed to ride life’s turbulent waves.

Imagery . It has helped me greatly throughout this because an element such as itself , it really shows and makes the reader feel like he/she is there watching the whole thing happen . I actually searched it up and it had said that the use of imagery is 68% more likely to engage a reader than any other element . Now why is this , because the way us humans work is simple , we like to feel as if it’s us and that is the epitome of what imagery is and does . It allows us to feel like we’re part of the story putting us in the shoes of the writer . That is truly my favorite part of all this which is using element such as imagery to engage a reader

I used Hong’s writing as a model for my first draft because her writing style spoke out to me. She was consistant in her writing and set the tone. She allowed her writing to flow smoothly using craft moves such as scenery, dialogue, rhetorical questions. Her characterization really helped the audience understand their role in the story and it made a huge impact. I included as much dialogue into my writing as much as possible while also showing what was happening instead of telling using scenery. I think this made a difference and improve my writing.

So the song I wanna Talk about is “Alone” by Burna Boy. This song starts all calm and mellow, and then it drops its beat with its message. There are parts in the song where Burna boy is throwing around made up words or talking a different language, but even with that the song’s is a catchy vibe that can either chill you down or hype you up with his type of own afro beats. And let’s not forget Burna Boy’s smooth voice – it just adds to that overall chill and calm vibe he gives off with the song making people really like it.

So, the first time I came across this song was in the movie theater while watching “Black Panther 2” with my friends. It felt made me fell majestic because i could conneted with the words of the song and the vibe was just “dont worry your not the only one alone”. It felt like I already knew the artist. As soon as I got back home that day, I went on a hunt for the song. I went through every “Black Panther” soundtrack playlist ready to find this song and make sure it sounds exactly the same it did in my head. And when i found it who it was i was shocked, it was Burna Boy behind it all. I was shocked because I was already a fan of his other songs like “Last Last,” “Be Honest,” “its Plenty” and “Ye.” He’s a talented artist who knows how to hit the right notes with his community through his music.

There’s a part in the song that goes, “Don’t leave me alone,” which I used to sing out loud when I was feeling down. Whenever my self-esteem was low, I would listen to this song to help lift my spirits. While it’s not the only song I turn to in those moments, it’s my favorite because it’s been there for me through thick and thin.

The song ‘Le Festin,’ which means ‘The Feast’ in English, is the song that I have played the most since I arrived in New York so far. It’s the soundtrack of the famous Pixar movie “Ratatouille,” an animation about a rat named Remy who aspires to become a gourmet chef in a French restaurant. I played this song a lot, not only because I had to cook so much by myself here, but also because it gives a comforting message to people who may not feel so confident about themselves yet but are still striving to be better. And though I don’t understand French, I really like the poetic and romantic lyrics of this song too.

To talk more about how I like this song, this is the typical scenario when I usually play this song. I return home from school around 6 pm, feeling so hungry and exhausted. After getting off the 6 train and walking for about five minutes on my way home, I feel so recharging noticing the refreshing autumn scent in the breeze. Upon arriving home, I open the refrigerator and think of the menu I can make with the ingredients I have. And when I start the cooking by melting some butter in the pan, a delightful and warm smell fills the kitchen, making me feel so comfortable as if I’m home. Then this is at this very moment I start playing this song.

I like this song because I can relate so well to Remy, the main character of this movie. Like Remy, I also left my home and had a bit of a hard time adjusting to a new place. It doesn’t always go well, but I strive to do my best and maintain a positive attitude. I also cook often too! As an exchange student trying to fit into this city and missing my family so much, I’ve also started to love this place and the new lifestyle it offers. I think how I can relate myself to the movie and this song so much makes it incredibly touching and comforting to me.

“ EVERYBODY HAS” is a Song written by Chung Ha a South Korean solo music artist whose songs range from not only Korean and English but also Spanish. I first discovered Chung Ha in my freshman year of High School as her newest hit “ Gotta Go” was released around that time and since then I have followed along with her music because it is so fun and energetic. Since Covid-19 had hit shortly after that I still continued to follow along with her music as she released content that was a little bit different. She released songs that were more relatable to everyday life which although I may not have understood fully at the time I definitely understand now. 

I first started loving the song “EVERYBODY HAS” because it made me feel at peace. The beat is very chill and it just reminds me of a walk through a park, something we wouldn’t do much of during quarantine. The song literally starts off with the sound of a dog barking and then piano keys. It’s so calming I actually recently added it back into my fall playlist because it still brings me so much comfort. I sometimes forget the meaning of the song just because it is not originally in english but every time I read the translation I am reminded why it is so comforting to listen to this song. In this song she talks about the expectations people have of her and regardless of her never ending hard work she still feels so much pressure and it makes her so tired, and even though she’s told to rest she almost can’t hear what she’s told or chooses not to. The lyrics are overall sad but the fact that all she’s doing is saying what she feels is what makes it so beautiful. I can relate to the lyrics and the fact that when I’m feeling pressure I can play this song and feel less alone in my own feelings makes the song that much better. I listen to the song now not only for the vibes but for the fact that I am reminded that my stresses are normal and every one has them.

“Good Days” by SZA was released two years ago. Her music has been described as alternative R&B, however it sounds calming and peaceful to me. She mostly expresses growth and finding her inner peace. Her tone throughout the song was positive and the music just sounds surreal. Her vocals were soothing all around. This song has so much meaning overall and she exhibits her strive to escape negativity and her personal obstacles she endures.

When this song came out, it was during quarantine. It was the most dreadful and draining period of my life, I felt sucked out of reality. Most of the time I was tired and unmotivated, and the times I weren’t, it was because of this song. At the time, I would click the repeat button at least 3 times from how much it helped me feel at peace even though deep down I knew I wasn’t. It made me realize that there’s more to life if I embraced change and my personal issues. I felt like it was an essential for me to listen to the song at least 2 times a day to keep me sane.

2 years later, I never would have realized how much Good Days impacted my life for the better. It allowed me to accept change and face the obstacles that were dragging me down day by day. It drove me to discover my inner peace and growth which was so important to me. I went from being drained and unmotivated to being able living life to the fullest. There is more to life than to have a pessimistic mindset. SZA helped me acknowledge and embrace the “good days” in life.

The song is called “Billete Grande” by Fuerza Regida a mexican/american group. this song is what is consider narco corrido/ or just corridos, songs like this can portray Narcos(Drug traffickers) but some don’t and instead talk about things like working hard to achieve the things they always wish/dream for and make it in life where they dont ever have to be in the bottom again like being poor or not having enough money/food. this song has both a mixture of talking about some name narcos but also talks about coming from the bottom and wishing to be at the top but having obstacles in their way but never giving up, to reach their goals, but even when trying to get to the top you will have people that will hate and be jealous of you but you should’nt give in to those negative people. these types of songs gets me amped up while doing work because i also hope to have things i desire and wish for and making my family proud in the future and be able to get them things and take them places. The use of figurative language is being used in this song and the tone is strong.

When I would feel unmotivated to do things like my homework and the essay i had finished doing for this class, i would play these types of songs to give me motivation and start doing my work and finish it. i would feel tired, lazy and doubtful of things and feeling like not doing nothing at all but after finding at least some type of motivation to let me keep going then i would just continue whatever i have to do. this song in particular has a sort of significance or connection to myself because certain parts of the songs I agree with and like the sentences, for example the artist talks about how even when you’re trying to learn to get to the top theres not gonna be people willing to help and would’nt like to see you on top but instead leave you in the bottom, i agree with this because in life theres gonna be people in our way that are just not any good for us and instead of helping you they are just gonna be taking from you.