The song "Rhetorical Figure" by John Grant explores the fascination and attraction towards rhetorical figures, which are linguistic devices used to enhance the effectiveness and impact of speech or writing. The lyrics suggest that the use of these figures is something that appeals to the speaker and is a turn-on for them. The song begins with the mention of alliteration and assonance, two common rhetorical figures used for emphasis and musicality. The speaker acknowledges that while some people may enjoy these figures, they personally find assonance more captivating. The lyrics then mention how the speaker declines going on vacation and instead conjugates verbs. This could be a metaphorical way of saying that they prefer the intellectual stimulation of language and rhetoric over leisure and relaxation. The chorus emphasizes the importance of having a rhetorical figure if someone wants to engage with the speaker romantically or intimately. It suggests that the use of these figures is a requirement for their attraction. Throughout the song, various rhetorical figures are mentioned, such as epizeuxis (the repetition of a word or phrase for emphasis), analogy, paraprosdokians (a figure of speech that creates surprise or shock by ending a phrase or sentence in an unexpected way), aposiopesis (a technique of suddenly breaking off a sentence or thought), and antirrhesis (a figure of speech where one's opponent's argument is dismissed as unworthy of a reply). The lyrics also mention the speaker's preference for onomatopoeias, words that imitate a sound, over chasing after money (Sacagaweas) and material possessions. This could be interpreted as a desire for more authentic and expressive forms of communication, found in the use of words that echo the sounds they represent. Overall, "Rhetorical Figure" celebrates the beauty and appeal of rhetorical devices in language, suggesting that their usage can be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally attractive.
