Context: The song “One Day”, by Matisyahu, is a catchy and upbeat song with meaningful lyrics. The song conveys a message of peace and acceptance. Matisyahu adds his own perspective on the conflict around the world and cries for global peace. The song evidently affects the masses, because “One Day” has amassed over thirty-three million views on YouTube and has become popular on many music billboards. With the use of persuasive elements, literary devices and credibility as an artist, Matisyahu creates a masterpiece that reveals a powerful message. The Artist: Matisyahu is a reggae singer/rapper who creates reggae and pop music. He was born as Matthew Paul Miller on June Thirtieth, Nineteen Seventy-Nine. He is Jewish and he is specifically Hasidic (Orthodox Judaism). Matisyahu was born …show more content…
To effectively project his message of positivity, Matisyahu uses persuasive techniques as well as literary devices. Firstly he uses Pathos when he says: “When they feed on the souls of the innocent” (Matisyahu). In this line Matisyahu is referring to the innocent victims of conflict, who are killed by cross-fire. This line appeals to listeners emotionally because innocence is unquestionably a pure feature, which is held by many children. By stating that innocent people are killed it is a implying that purity is being destroyed and that is something that many people despise and feel sympathy for. Matisyahu builds his credibility by presenting elements of Ethos in his lyrics. He says in his lyrics: “Sometimes in my tears I drown” (Matisyahu) and also “All my life I’ve been waiting for/ I’ve been praying for” (Matisyahu). These lyrics convey that he really cares for the problem he is singing about. He says that he cries over all the negativity in the world. By showing his vulnerability, he makes it easier for listeners to open up to him and his values. It also makes it easier for listeners to believe his message, because it is