That there, in the picture, is the Beatles album Revolver, and as it’s on vinyl, it’s revolving*.
Looking at that today got me thinking: is there a term for that? For a word or name that describes what the thing actually does? The album is called Revolver, and in its original format, it revolves*. A digger digs, and a dancer dances. Is there a word for this phenomenon?
The song “Live and Let Die” came on the radio this morning, and it made me think: is this phrase now better-known than the original phrase (live and let live) that it references?
I’m not sure what made me think of the word groovy this morning. Lord knows it’s not a word you hear often these days. But as I thought about it, I considered how it’s odd how we can refer to the rhythm of a song, as well as channel cut into a surface, as a groove. Sure, sometimes two different words can arrive at the same spelling and sound from different sources, but I assumed that groove in a musical sense was too modern not to be related to the already-existing groove.
A lot of pop songs tend to wash over us and we don’t really pay attention to the lyrics: I mean, they’re usually not important with pop music anyway, are they!?
It’s interesting to really listen to some songs though, as there’s some strange stuff hidden in there. For example:
If it still seems harmless, let’s have a look at the lyrics: Continue reading
My love don’t cost a thing.
She don’t love you (like I love you).
If you don’t understand him, an’ he don’t die young, He’ll prob’ly just ride away.
She don’t know.
He don’t deserve you anymore.
She don’t let nobody.
She don’t like the lights.
Your inner (or, indeed, outer) grammar pedant may have cringed at the recurring word in the lyrics and song titles above: don’t.
Doesn’t! that shrill little voice inside shouts, doesn’t!!
English-Language Thoughts 