Song analysis 1, "If I die young"

            In the song “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry, The Band Perry uses distinctive symbolism, magnificent imagery, and symbolic simile to prove that you appreciate much more after somebody dies, compared to when they were living. The Band Perry has many hidden meaning behind the song, in which people can comprehend in different ways. There are many literary devices found in this song that bring out what the true meaning really is. Without these devices the song would not make since, and not be as popular as it is on the billboard list. Many like this song just because of the way it sounds, however others listen to the words and think to themselves what the true meaning really is.

     The song uses distinctive symbolism in many cases throughout the song. The band Perry states that ““If I die young, bury me in satin, Lay me down on a bed of roses”, roses are considers a symbol of death. However it represents dying peacefully, and actually wanting to die. Also “Sink me in the river at dawn” symbolizes the washing away of sadness, however it could also be interpreted in other ways. When The Band Perry says “Lord make me a rainbow, I’ll shine down on my mother”, is referring to Greek mythology because it is said that there is a rainbow bridge that is between the afterlife, and earth. She also states that “And I’ll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom”, white dresses are a symbol of purity.  So, clearly she wants to escape reality, and live in the afterlife.

    Symbolic imagery is also used frequently throughout the song. Throughout the song the lyrics are constantly putting images in my head. Sometimes I feel as if I am there with this girl because the lyrics of the song are so descriptive. The Band Perry incorporated many images that have been associated with burial customs since ancient times. She explains to “Sink me in the river at dawn, which was said to be done in ancient times.  She explains that she is “as green as the ring on my little cold finger’, which puts a very distinctive picture in my head.

Lastly, magnificent similes are used throughout the song which compare things using phrases such as “like” and “as”. She compares the color of her ring, to the color of her skin, “I’m as green as the ring on my little cold finger”. She also compares life to death in many points throughout the song. She explains the significance of life and death, and the strong impact they have on people’s lives.

The Song “If I Die Young” The Band Perry uses many literary devices that help understand the true moral of the song. This song is basically stating that when you’re alive you don’t appreciate life, and when you die people realize that they should have listened to what you had to say while you were alive. In other words, you don’t know what you got till it’s gone, so you should savor, and appreciate every minute of your life. The Band Perry also explains death as not something to be afraid of because it happens to everyone, but to treat it as peaceful as possible because you are going to a better place.



If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a, bed of roses
Sink me in the river, at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

Uh oh, uh oh

Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors, oh and
Life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
Ain't even grey, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I've had just enough time

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I've had just enough time

And I'll be wearing white, when I come into your kingdom
I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger,
I've never known the lovin' of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand,
There's a boy here in town who says he'll love me forever,
Who would have thought forever could be severed by

The sharp knife of a short life, well,
I've had just enough time

So put on your best boys and I'll wear my pearls
What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell them for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I'm a goner
And maybe then you'll hear the words I been singin'
Funny when you're dead how people start listenin'

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

Uh oh (uh, oh)
The ballad of a dove (uh, oh)
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket
Save them for a time when you're really gonna need them, oh

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I've had just enough time

So put on your best boys and I'll wear my pearls