Born… | 5ive Songs

On the 5th edition of 5ive Songs, we select five songs that are associated in some form or fashion with the word, ‘born.’

On 5ive Songs, we (I) keep things short and sweet – no extra calories or needless fluff.  There’s a topic, five songs, and a short blurb that doesn’t exceed a paragraph.  Yes, it’s a playlist, but it’s a miniature playlist that shouldn’t take much time to consume.  On this edition of 5IVE SONGS, we select five songs that are associated in some form or fashion with the word, ‘born.’

1. Luke Bryan, “Born Here Live Here Die Here”

Born Here Live Here Die Here • Capitol Nashville • 2020

“Born Here Live Here Die Here” from Born Here Live Here Die Here, the seventh studio album by Luke Bryan, is the type of record that he tends to eat up. “Born Here Live Here Die Here” is reminiscent in tone. Bryan brings those reminiscent lyrics to life beautifully as he expresses pride for his hometown.  It’s nothing new in country music – hometowns are a common topic – but hey, Luke sells it compellingly. One of the biggest selling points is the chorus, which sums up the sentiment. Besides reminiscent lyrics, Luke Bryan delivers well-rounded vocals.  Sure, the twang is heavy, but it’s characteristic of both the genre and singer.  The production suits Bryan too. All in all, he delivers a country hit that plays to his strengths, even if it doesn’t move the needle.

2. Lady Gaga, “Born This Way”

Born This Way • Interscope • 2011

“I’m beautiful in my way / Cause God makes no mistakes / I’m on the right track, baby / I was born this way…” Lady Gaga spoke to all of the most unique individuals of the world on “Born This Way,” the title track from her epic 2011 album. Gaga says it best at the top of the record: “It doesn’t matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M / Just put your paws up / ‘Cause you were born this way.” Ultimately, it’s an anthem that celebrates every person being special, regardless of sexual preference or otherwise. This is one hell of a fierce, surefire bop, even years after it was unveiled to the world.

“…Don’t hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you’re set
I’m on the rick track baby
I was born this way.”

3. J. Cole, “Born Sinner”

Ft. James Fauntleroy

Born Sinner • Roc Nation • 2013

“Should this be my last breath I’m blessed cause it was purposeful / Never got to church to worship lord, but please be merciful.” The ‘semi-repentant’ “Born Sinner” concludes the standard edition of Born Sinner, the sophomore album by J. Cole. Cole uses “Born Sinner” as a commentary on life.  Additionally, he speaks on the life trajectory of black men: “Teachers treated n***as as if they totally worthless / And violent, and hopeless.” Also, he openly admits his sins and doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not: “Born sinner, was never born to be perfect / Sucker for women licking they lips and holding these purses.”  There’s plenty to take in and unpack on “Born Sinner,” including the chorus, soulfully sung by James Fauntleroy and later, a choir.

4. Slipknot, “Birth of the Cruel”

We Are Not Your Kind • Roadrunner • 2019 

Grammy-winning Nü metal collective Slipknot released their sixth studio album, We Are Not Your Kind, in 2019, following a five-year hiatus. One of the best songs from the album was the third track, “Birth of the Cruel.” Within the context of We Are Not Your Kind, “Birth of the Cruel” remains dark and is firmly planted in a minor key. Notably, there is tunefulness to be found early-on during the first verse, before the pitch transforms to shouted, aggressive vocals. Fists ascend into the air on moments like, “I’m all fucked up and I make it look good / Adrenaline sight tonight.” Of course, the chorus features a menacing backdrop (jagged guitars) and biting lyrics.

“Sick, sickened, I’m sickening, I’m stricken by the fist
Blessed are the fires that have burned me
Listen to this, the lesson is, never underestimate the agony
Death of the fool, birth of the cruel.”

5. Meek Mill, “Oodles O’ Noodles Babies”

Championships • Atlantic • 2018

“This shit right here for my Oodles o’ Noodles babies / His ma’ smoked the crack while she was pregnant so he can’t even help that he crazy / He goin’ to jail, it’s inevitable, for real.” Grammy-nominated rapper Meek Mill commences “Oodles O’ Noodles Babies” (Championships, 2018) off with the aforementioned honest, personal, spoken word intro. This intro foreshadows the ‘real talk’ that Meek Mill offers throughout.  His flow is agile on both verses, particularly the fiery first verse where he focuses on the lack of belief and lack of hope bestowed upon him, as well as his lot in life. Between the two verses, there’s an interlude written similarly to the introduction as opposed to a chorus. Besides the personal nature of the lyrics, the soulful production work is worth mentioning, helping to fuel Meek’s honesty and openness. It’s rewarding to hear him drop bars about his life and emotions and what he was BORN into.

Born… | 5ive Songs [Photo Credits: Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Interscope, The Musical Hype, Pixabay, Roadrunner, Roc Nation]