1. Metaphors: Owl City frequently uses metaphors to create vivid imagery and convey complex emotions. For instance, in "Fireflies," the line, "You and I are like fireflies and we'll stay alive (stay alive), glowing together in the night," compares the bond between two individuals to the enduring light of fireflies.
2. Similes: Similes are another literary device employed by Owl City, helping to draw parallels between different elements. An example can be found in "When Can I See You Again," where the singer expresses, "I'll miss you 'til the day I die, even longer, I'm not kidding, like a fish needs its bicycle," emphasizing the depth of their longing through an unexpected comparison.
3. Personification: Owl City often personifies inanimate objects, giving them human qualities and characteristics. In "Vanilla Twilight," the night is portrayed as a personified entity: "Vanilla twilight under moon glow, and all I feel is you, so close but still so far away," depicting the intimate connection between the individual and the night.
4. Hyperbole: Owl City sometimes uses hyperbole, exaggerating emotions or situations for dramatic effect. In "Deer in the Headlights," the singer exaggerates their infatuation: "I'm a hot air balloon that could go to space, with the air, like I don't care, baby by the way, but I can tell you my love for you will never die," highlighting their intense feelings through an excessive comparison.
5. Alliteration: Owl City strategically employs alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, to create a euphonious effect and enhance the musicality of their lyrics. For example, in "Vanilla Twilight," the line, "Feeling the cold, it cuts right through my soul," effectively uses the repetition of the consonant "c" to emphasize the intensity of the feeling being described.
6. Symbolism: Owl City's songs often contain symbolic imagery, adding depth and layers of meaning to their narratives. In "The Bird and the Worm," the bird and the worm represent the tension between opposing forces, reflecting larger themes of duality and balance.
These literary devices contribute to the overall artistic expression and emotional resonance of Owl City's music, inviting listeners to engage with the imagery and connect on a deeper level with the narratives presented in their songs.