“Concrete jungle where dreams are made of”. Not taking into account the poetics of the song, is this sentence grammatically correct? Shouldn’t we say “concrete jungle where dreams are made”?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The phrase “Concrete jungle where dreams are made of” is not grammatically correct. The correct formulation should be “Concrete jungle where dreams are made.” The confusion arises from the prepositional phrase “made of,” which implies a composition or material substance rather than a state of being or existence.
Explanation
- Understanding Prepositions: In English, the preposition “of” typically indicates that something is composed of certain materials or elements. For example, one might say, “This sculpture is made of marble.” In this context, “made of” would suggest that the dreams are composed of something tangible, which does not apply in this metaphorical usage.
- State of Being vs. Composition: The phrase “dreams are made” conveys the idea that dreams exist or are created within the “concrete jungle.” It implies a process or a setting where dreams can flourish or be realized. Conversely, “made of” would mislead the reader into thinking of dreams as physical entities composed of something, which undermines the intended metaphorical meaning.
- Common Usage in Language: In everyday language, we often encounter phrases that, while poetically powerful, may not adhere strictly to grammatical rules. This reflects the flexibility and creativity inherent in artistic expression. However, when analyzing a phrase for grammatical accuracy, it’s essential to adhere to standard conventions.
- Song Context: The phrase in question originates from Alicia Keys’ song “Empire State of Mind.” The poetic license used in song lyrics often permits deviations from grammatical norms for stylistic reasons. Yet, in a formal context or when striving for grammatical precision, “made” alone is the correct choice.
In summary, while “Concrete jungle where dreams are made of” has a certain lyrical quality, it does not adhere to proper grammatical structure, and the correct phrasing should be “Concrete jungle where dreams are made.”