The Meaning of (the Vocabulary of) Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is a living legend, making her indelible mark on music history with a multi-octave voice and a record-breaking string of hits that spans four decades. However, it’s also worth noting that this diva is an accomplished songwriter, writing or co-writing the vast majority of her catalog. Like the signature high notes of her vocals, Mimi’s lyrics also have a distinctive quality, namely her penchant for using words you don’t often hear in mainstream music and just might need a dictionary for. So let’s take a moment to fete the Emancipated Chanteuse and her extensive vocabulary.
· The Word: NONCHALANT
· The Song: “Breakdown” from the album Butterfly
· The Definition: {adjective} coolly unconcerned, indifferent, or unexcited; casual:
· The Lyric: Well I guess I’m trying to be/ Nonchalant about it/And I’m going to extremes/ To prove I’m fine without you
· The Word: DELECTABLE
· The Song: “Bliss” from the album Rainbow
· The Definition: {adjective} delicious; highly pleasing; enjoyable:
· The Lyric: So gimme some pure delectable love/ Like I’m gonna give to you
· The Word: EMBLAZONED
· The Song: “My All” from the album Butterfly
· The Definition: {verb} inscribed prominently on a surface:
· The Lyric: I can see you clearly vividly emblazoned in my mind
· The Word: DESPONDENCY
· The Song: “Petals” from the album Rainbow
· The Definition: {noun} a state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage:
· The Lyric: A boy and girl befriended me/ We’re bonded through despondency
· The Word: LANGUISHING
· The Song: “Languishing” from the album Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel
· The Definition: {adjective} failing to make progress or be successful:
· The Lyric: I was wondering/ Would you reach for me/ If you saw that I was languishing
· The Word: EFFERVESCENT
· The Song: “Twister” from the album Glitter
· The Definition: {adjective} vivacious and enthusiastic:
· The Lyric: Childlike and effervescent/ With a well of pain the depth of/ I could not imagine if I tried
· The Word: RHAPSODIZE
· The Song: “Melt Away” from the album Daydream
· The Definition: {verb} speak or write about someone or something with great enthusiasm and delight:
· The Lyric: Thoughts run wild as I sit and rhapsodize/ Pretty pictures of what I’d do if you were mine
What are your favorite Mariah word choices? Sound off in the comments!