Music and Society

Music serves such a strong purpose in our lives. Whether it is to exercise, focus, learning a new instrument, dancing, cleaning, help us let out some of our emotions such as being excited, happy, sad, frustrated, overwhelmed, or even just wanting to blare some music and enjoy a long car ride. Today I want to talk about music and the help it can be for people with stress and anxiety. The calming effects it can have during people’s times of utter chaos in their heads that they can’t control without some kind of distraction, or calming mechanism to help center them and bring them back to a reality that unfortunately they escape from during these times. As someone who deals heavily with anxiety I can tell you one of the many coping mechanisms I have is music. Specifically soul helps me in my times of high anxiety. Loud, fast tempo, and sometimes even obnoxious music helps me in my time of stress.. Some of the ways music helps with anxiety are so amazing and drastic it is really hard to believe sometimes. Things such as: headaches, indigestion, trouble sleeping, pain relief, concentration, and so much more. That is why I believe we need music but also how music serves society, it is one sure way of being able to put your focus on something powerful and meaningful to calm your anxieties and stressors down. Music has been used for centuries to help people and is often recommended by therapists, doctors, and medical professionals alike to help people that are finding their own coping mechanisms vs. medications in some cases.

One of the classic genres I listen too during my times of high anxiety is R&B. The soulful and passionate voices behind most of the artists is enough to help anybody calm down. KCI & Jojo is a band from when I was growing up and is always my go too during my times of high anxiety. There voices and specifically this following song has always been able to center me and calm me down.

Released January 6, 1998 by MCA Records by band singers and also producers and songwriters of this song, Cedric (K-CI) Hailey and Joel (Jojo) Hailey in the US.

All My Life Lyrics and Melody:

Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
Ooh
I’m so gladI will never find another lover sweeter than you
Sweeter than you
And I will never find another lover more precious than you
More precious than you
Girl you are close to me you’re like my mother
Close to me you’re like my father
Close to me you’re like my sister
Close to me you’re like my brother (brother)
You are the only one my everything and for you this song I sing

And all my life I’ve prayed for someone like you
And I thank God that I, that I finally found you
All my life I’ve prayed for someone like you
And I hope that you feel the same way too
Yes, I pray that you do love me too

I said you’re all that I’m thinking of, babySaid, I promise to never fall in love with a stranger
You’re all I’m thinking of, I praise the Lord above
For sending me your love, I cherish every hug
I really love you

And all (so much) my life (baby, baby) I’ve prayed for someone like you
And I thank God (that I found you) that I finally found you
All my life (oh, girl) I’ve prayed for someone like you
And I hope that you feel the same way too
Yes, I pray that you do, love me

You’re all that I ever known
When you smile, on my face, all I see is a glow
You turned my life around, you picked me up when I was down
You’re all that I ever known
When you smile your face glows
You picked me up when I was down, said
You’re all that I ever known
When you smile on your face all I see is a glow
You picked me up when I was down
And I hope that you feel the same way too
Yes I pray that you do love me too

All my life, I’ve prayed for someone like you
And I thank God that I, that I finally found you
All my life I’ve prayed for someone like you
Yes, I pray that you do love me too
All my life I’ve prayed for someone like you
And I thank God that I, that I finally found you
All my life I’ve prayed for someone like you
Yes, I pray that you do love me too

And all my life, I’ve prayed for someone like you
And I thank God that I, that I finally found you
All my life I’ve prayed for someone like you”

I have always loved this song. It is romantic, passionate, and just a really strong and beautiful song. I think it holds so much meaning to me and helps me out of my downward spirals of anxiety because my husband sings this song to me and dedicated it to me during our Wedding. He has always been the one person to make me be able to calm down instantly and many times it’s turning on some of these songs for me and just being there. This song is about the love he has for his wife and how much he has prayed for someone just like her to be brought to him and now that he finally has found her she has helped turn his life around and he never wants to lose the love they have. This song is 128 beats per minute and is in time signature 4/4 and while it may be more of an fast tempo song it is still very soulful and passionate which is why I continue to go to it. The lyrics that make this song so great is just another reason it is a favorite of mine and the main reason I think it is able to calm me down. The meaning of this song to me and the voices behind it that complete it is something I can always go too to remind me to breathe and appreciate the little things such as a romantic song that makes my husband think of me.

All-4-One “I Swear”

“I Swear” was released on April 12, 1994 by the band All-4-One. Songwriters Gary Baker and Fred Meyers and produced by David Foster in the US.

“I Swear” Lyrics and Melody:

I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
And I swear like the shadow that’s by your side

I see the questions in your eyes
I know what’s weighing on your mind
You can be sure I know my heart’Cause I’ll stand beside you through the years
You’ll only cry those happy tears
And though I make mistakes
I’ll never break your heart

And I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
I’ll be there
I swear like a shadow that’s by your side
I’ll be there

For better or worse, till death do us part
I’ll love you with every beat of my heart
And I swear

I’ll give you every thing I can
I’ll build your dreams with these two hands
We’ll hang some memories on the walls

And when just the two of us are there
You won’t have to ask if I still care
‘Cause as the time turns the page, my love won’t age at all

And I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky (I’ll be there)
I swear (and I swear) like the shadow that’s by your side
I’ll be there (I’ll be there)For better or worse, till death do us part
I’ll love you with every beat of my heart
And I swear

I swear (I swear) by the moon and stars in the sky
I’ll be there
I swear like the shadow that’s by your side
I’ll be there

For better or worse, till death do us part
I’ll love you with every (single) beat of my heart
I swear, I swear, oh, I, swear”

This band’s soulful voices are my FAVORITE! I adore the passion you can hear in all of their parts in this song. The lyrics to this song are about how he is never going to break this woman’s heart and how he always be there until do us part and how much he loves her. While the lyrics are amazing on their own, it is just the voices that gets me attached to this song and calms me. This song is 83 beats per minute so it is a slow tempo which fits their different tones perfectly and gives you more of an opportunity to hear each of their dynamic vocals.

Personal Journey:

This class “Explorations in Music” has given me such a new appreciation for music. I never really took the time to dig into what makes a great song until now and what actually goes into the process of making music. While I have a large genre of favorites and love all different kinds of music, this class has opened up my taste even more so now. While also giving me the ability to appreciate and understand the process while also giving me a really great blog to utilize in my school career and beyond.

References:

Jenni Rook, March 12, 2015: https://www.anxiety.org/music-therapy-stress-reducing-playlist

Rick Nauert, June 3, 2019: https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/12/23/music-soothes-anxiety-reduces-pain/32952.html

Steve Huey, unknown date: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/k-ci-jojo-mn0000312126/biography

Music and the Fictive Dream 2: “The Greatest Showman-Rewrite the Stars”

“The Greatest Showman” was released in the United States on December 20, 2017, directed by Michael Gracey.

Growing up in the early 1800s, P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) displays a natural talent for publicity and promotion, selling lottery tickets by age 12. After trying his hands at various jobs, P.T. turns to show business to indulge his limitless imagination, rising from nothing to create the Barnum & Bailey circus. Featuring catchy musical numbers, exotic performers and daring acrobatic feats, Barnum’s mesmerizing spectacle soon takes the world by storm to become the greatest show on Earth. I don’t know if you have seen this movie but it is a must see in my opinion. I was OBSESSED when it came out. One of Hugh Jackman’s greatest performance’s. I had a hard time picking between a few of the pieces that I love in this movie but ultimately it had to come down to my favorite song which is “Rewrite the Stars.” Which is one of the few top highlights in the movie and has so much love and passion that is truly binge worthy.

“Rewrite the Stars” is a song performed by Zac Efron and Zendaya for the film “The Greatest Showman” (2017). It was released on November 17, 2017 by Atlantic Records as a promotional single from “The Greatest Showman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack,” In Australia. The song was written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and produced by, Greg Wells, Joseph Trapanese, Justin Paul, Alex Lacamoire.

Lyrics and Melody to “Rewrite the Stars”

“You know I want you
It’s not a secret I try to hide
I know you want me
So don’t keep saying our hands are tied

You claim it’s not in the cards
Fate is pulling you miles away
And out of reach from me
But you’re here in my heart
So who can stop me if I decide
That you’re my destiny?

What if we rewrite the stars?
Say you were made to be mine
Nothing could keep us apart
You’d be the one I was meant to find
It’s up to you, and it’s up to me
No one can say what we get to be
So why don’t we rewrite the stars?

Maybe the world could be ours
Tonight

You think it’s easy
You think I don’t want to run to you
But there are mountains
And there are doors that we can’t walk through
I know you’re wondering why
Because we’re able to be
Just you and me
Within these walls
But when we go outside
You’re going to wake up and see that it was hopeless after all

No one can rewrite the stars
How can you say you’ll be mine?
Everything keeps us apart
And I’m not the one you were meant to find
It’s not up to you
It’s not up to me
When everyone tells us what we can be
How can we rewrite the stars?
Say that the world can be ours
Tonight

All I want is to fly with you
All I want is to fall with you
So just give me all of you

It feels impossible (it’s not impossible)
Is it impossible?Say that it’s possible

How do we rewrite the stars?
Say you were made to be mine?
Nothing can keep us apart
‘Cause you are the one I was meant to find
It’s up to you
And it’s up to me
No one can say what we get to be
And why don’t we rewrite the stars?
Changing the world to be ours

You know I want you
It’s not a secret I try to hide
But I can’t have you
We’re bound to break and my hands are tied.”

The lyrics to this song are so powerful. Zac and Zendaya are in my opinion the perfect vocals for it as well. I don’t think you can get the full effect of the song just by reading the lyrics, it is the most powerful when you listen to the piece and really know the story behind the song and movie. Phillip and Anne (Zac Efron and Zendaya) fall in love in this movie where Anne is known as an “Outcast” that somebody like Phillip the right hand man to P.T Barnum, (rich, well known, and “preppy”), should not be seen with because of her “outcast” status and the bad reputation it could put on his family. This song is a tale of their love and how they wish they could “rewrite” the rules so they could be together without climbing all of the “mountains” that keep getting in their way and keeping their “hands tied.” The melody accompanies the lyrics so amazingly well, it is a simple melody played over many octaves, and fits both of their vocal ranges in the best harmony. With 125 beats per minute It is an upbeat and powerful song with a lot of passion and even more meaning.

Social Commentary:

Tara Demoss stated, “I’m a grown woman — but this song makes you feel like you are 17 again and that you can fly (like Zendaya). You walk out the theater on a cloud feeling victorious. It makes you believe everything could be possible: love, dreams, jobs, businesses, success. Maybe I should look into buying a trapeze.”

References:

The New York Times, by Stephanie Goodman on February 14th 2018,

Fandom, unknown date: https://thegreatestshowman.fandom.com/wiki/Rewrite_the_Stars

White Wood, January 1, 2018: https://dusttalks.wordpress.com/2018/01/01/lyrics-analysis-rewrite-the-stars/

Music and the Fictive Dream: “Beauty and the Beast Tale as Old as Time”

I was excited for this assignment and to produce my favorite works from my favorite Disney movie “Beauty and the Beast.” As you may remember from my first blog post I mentioned my 3 boys I share with my husband and having another one on the way. We are welcoming our first GIRL to our wild bunch so my excitement to share some of my all time favorite movies and soundtracks with someone who may just appreciate them as much as I do is threw the roof, In this post I am presenting the song “Beauty and the Beast Tale as Old as Time.” This song is of course my favorite because of the long time coming happy ending at the end the film. If you haven’t seen ” Beauty and the Beast,” it is an animated film recreated by Disney after first being written by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve in France in 1740. Disney’s recreation that was released on November 22nd, 1991 produced by Don Hahn and released by Walt Disney Studios was a prince who is magically transformed into a monster and his servants into household objects as punishment for his arrogance, and Belle, a young woman whom he imprisons in his castle. To break the curse, Beast must learn to love Belle and earn her love in return before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose or else the Beast will remain a monster forever.

“Beauty and the Beast Tale as Old as Time” was written by lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken for the Disney animated feature film Beauty and the Beast (1991) in the United States. The film’s theme song, the Broadway-inspired ballad was first recorded by British-American actress Angela Lansbury in her role as the voice of the character Mrs. Potts and released October 29, 1991.

Lyrics and Melody to Beauty and the Beast Tale as Old as Time:

“Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly

Just a little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared

Beauty and the beast

Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before and ever just as sure as the sun will rise

Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise

Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong

Certain as the sun
Certain as the sun
Rising in the east
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the beast

Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the beast

Beauty and the beast”

The lyrics to this song clearly follow the story line. Two people, who were barely even friends, have slowly fell in love. Like most love stories you hear about. That’s where I believe the part of the title and lyrics, “Tale as Old as Time,” comes from. It is a common tale we all know and love but yet is still very unexpected from a Beauty and the Beast. The accompanying melody to this song is also one that clearly fits the scene in the movie, the story line and the lyrics. I also believe Angela Lansbury’s voice is what makes this song unique, passionate, and symbolic. The melody is sweet, symbolic, and passionate and consists of 84 beats per minute and makes it almost like a lullaby in my opinion.

Social Commentary:

While researching this piece I came across an article that believed the song, “Beauty and the Beast Tale as Old as Time,” narrative as vehicle for social resistance. This article goes into detail about how the movie and song itself presents a not so great example for young women and not only revise advice to women about “beastly” men, but it appears to resist other social elements, whether they be the expansion of the British Empire and the presence of the “other,” the trend towards realism in Post-WWII French film, hyper-masculine men of 1980s entertainment, or myriad ideologies and beliefs that still persist today. Essentially, Beaumont’s revisions of the tale served as a catalyst for those who later revise the tale to employ it as a vehicle of resistance against contemporary people or events that they personally find “beastly.”

References:

Fandom: Unknown date, https://culture.fandom.com/wiki/Beauty_and_the_Beast_(Disney_song)

Monica Williams, May 2015: https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1964&context=etdarchive

Andrew Lapin, March 16th, 2017: https://www.npr.org/2017/03/16/519638130/tale-as-old-as-time-and-it-shows-beauty-and-the-beast

Role of the Performer: Patsy Cline

If you have been following my blog you may recall my “About Me” when I went back to the music I grew up on and Patsy Cline was one of many! I was very excited to make a blog about one of my favorite country artists I grew up with and some of the work she has done that I love. Some artists produce and record their music. Patsy was not one of them. She preferred to have someone else write the music and she performed it. It worked incredibly well for her and she has amazing vocals to show that.

The very first song I heard of Patsy’s was “Walkin’ after midnight.” My mom was in love with all things Patsy Cline so we always had her on our cassette tape in the car on all of our car rides. I can tell you now that back then it drove me crazy. Looking back, it is one of my favorite memories. I love Patsy now. Here is the very first song I heard of hers.

Written by Alan Block and Donn Hecht first performed by Patsy in January 1957 and officially released on February 11th 1957 in the US.

Her brief career produced the #1 jukebox hit of all time, “Crazy” (written by Willie Nelson) which I will show later, and her unique, crying style and vocal impeccability have established her reputation as the quintessential torch singer. While videos were not a luxury during Patsy’s career, we do get a good look at one of her past performances during the video attached of “Walkin after midnight,” that does show her unique style and vocals which is my favorite part about Patsy is her unique voice and although she had a short career and unfortunately passed away in a plane crash at the young age of 30, she is still wildly known for taking the composing’s of other great artists and directors and making them her own with her unique stylings.

Lyrics “Walkin’ after midnight”

I go out walkin’ after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just like we used to do, I’m always walkin’
After midnight, searchin’ for you (wa-wa-walking, wa-wa-walking)I walk for miles along the highway
Well, that’s just my way
Of sayin’ I love you, I’m always walkin’
After midnight, searchin’ for you (wa-wa-walking, wa-wa-walking)I stop to see a weepin’ willow
Cryin’ on his pillow
Maybe he’s cryin’ for me
And as the skies turn gloomy
Night winds whisper to me
I’m lonesome as I can beI go out walkin’ after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just hopin’ you may be somewhere a-walkin’
After midnight, searchin’ for me (Wa-wa-walking, wa-wa-walking)I stop to see a weepin’ willow
Cryin’ on his pillow
Maybe he’s cryin’ for me
And as the skies turn gloomy
Night winds whisper to me
I’m lonesome as I can be go out walkin’ after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just hopin’ you may be somewhere a-walkin’
After midnight, searchin’ for me (wa-wa-walking, wa-ooh-ah)

This song “Walkin’ after midnight,” is a very romantic and sweet song in my opinion. It is about her missing that special someone and searching for them everywhere she goes and hoping they are missing her just as much. I believe this song is one of those songs that people who grew up with Patsy during her music career continue to go back to listen too because of the way her voice suits the lyrics of this song. Her raspy yet sweet sound she puts on all of her music is easily recognizable in all of her songs and these lyrics fit it incredibly well.

Melody “Walkin’ after midnight”

The melody of this song is simple. The rhythm remains the same throughout the piece. But the one part I love about this song in particular is during the part “I stop to see a weepin’ willow, cryin’ on his pillow, maybe he’s cryin’ for me, and as the skies turn gloomy night winds whisper to me.” You can hear the range in Patsy’s voice and the different pitch she puts into the song. That is the main reason I chose this song of hers because of that more prominent pitch change and the range difference she shows.

“Crazy” Originally performed by Willie Nelson in early 1961. Nelson and Oliver English first wrote and produced this song before Patsy recorded it in late 1961.

“Crazy” lyrics and background:
This song is one that probably everyone has heard at one time or another and more times than not it was more than likely Patsy’s version. Did you know that Cline was not the one who originally released this song? Nope. It was Willie Nelson who first produced and performed this song but it didn’t hit charts until after Cline’s version hit the radio. Here are the lyrics:

Crazy
“I’m crazy for feeling so lonely
I’m crazy
Crazy for feeling so blue I knew
You’d love me as long as you wanted
And then some day
You’d leave me for somebody new worry
Why do I let myself worry?
Wondering
What in the world did I do?Oh, crazy
For thinking that my love could hold you
I’m crazy for trying
And crazy for crying
And I’m crazy for loving you crazy
For thinking that my love could hold you
I’m crazy for trying
And crazy for crying
And I’m crazy for loving you”

Another breakup song. But this one being more about her missing that someone special that left her for someone new and her being crazy for being so lonely and blue about it, (who hasn’t been there right?) Anyone at one point in time can somewhat relate to these lyrics. We have all pined over somebody that wasn’t worth pining over right? I think that is why it was such a chart topper after Cline released it and still is. It is relatable and it is one of those songs that I know I can personally listen too and have a good cry. It can definitely get your emotions going.

“Crazy” Timbre:

Patsy’s version of the song “Crazy” was produced by Owen Bradley with Walter Haynes on steel guitar; Harold Bradley on six-string electric bass; Bob Moore on acoustic bass; Buddy Harmon, drums; and Floyd Cramer on piano and organ. All these instruments were a part of making this song a hit along with Patsy’s vocals. I think my favorite part aside from the vocals of Cline are the guitars. I believe without the background of them it would not be the hit it is. It adds so much to the quality of the sound and the accentuates the vocals of Cline without drowning out her voice. Thank you for reading!

Resources:

Article by Douglas Gomery published in 2003, https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/documents/CRAZY%20-revised.pdf

Biopgraphy.com, April 2nd, 2014, https://www.biography.com/musician/patsy-cline

UDiscover team, September 1st, 2019, https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/50-facts-about-patsy-cline/

Take a Musical Trip to Hawaii

Hawaiian Music History:

Hawaiian vocal music has two types, the mele oli and the mele hula. The mele oli are performed as solo chants without accompaniment. Mele hula are chants accompanied by dance and often by musical instruments. These chants use more notes or pitches than the oli do, and they have a regular metrical rhythm. In Hawaii, music and dance have always played an essential role in family and communal celebrations. Even after Western settlement, music was so much at the essence of Hawaiian life that the royal family was also one of the nation’s most musical families. Most people know that the ukulele is a Hawaiian instrument, but it is a variation of a Portuguese instrument known as a machete de braga. The small stringed instrument was introduced to the island by Portuguese travelers and then adapted by the Hawaiians and made into what is now known as the ukulele. But there are other instruments native to the Hawaiian culture itself and these you may not be able to find anywhere else in the world.

Hawaiian Artist 1: Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole was a Hawaiian singer born in Honolulu in 1959. Even since his passing in 1997, Israel is still a legend in the Hawaiian community and has left a drastic impact in the lives of his island Ni’ihau. He was widely known for his strong vocals and ability to silence an entire room instantly with his voice and passion. Here below is one of his most infamous pieces that he recreated and is personally my favorite version of this song.

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was originally composed by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Yip Harburg for the movie “Wizard of Oz” where the song was released in 1939 In the US. Israel’s version of the song was released in 1993 in Hawaii.

While this piece isn’t an original Hawaiian song, Israel turned it into such with his ukulele and personal twists on it. Before jumping into some more of his personal Hawaiian music, I wanted to show one of his most popular pieces he has redone and recreated his own Hawaiian way with the traditional instrument of the ukelele. Here is an original song from Israel following some of the more traditional Hawaiian traditions.

“Kaleohano” was produced by Louis Moon Kauakahi and recorded by Israel in 1995 in Hawaii.

Lyrics and melody of “Kaleohano”

“Kaleohano, ‘o Kaleohano kou inoa
Kaleohano (a name meaning: The Voice (of) Authority and Respect)
Kaleohano (is) your name
Ku’you home, ku’you home, ku’you home ‘o Keaukaha*
My (in a form expressing affection) home, my home, my home, Keaukaha
Kaulana ‘o Keaukaha
Famous (is) Keaukaha

(E hana hou I ka paukы mua loa)

(Repeat first verse)
Kaleohano, ‘o Kaleohano kou inoa
Kaleohano, Kaleohano (is) your name
Ku’you ‘вina, ku’you kulвiwi, a huli I ke kai
My land, my native land, and dashing and receding (is) the sea
Kaulana ‘o Keaukaha
Famous (is) Keaukaha

Aloha au Iв Mauna Kea, I ke anu o ke ahiahi

Love I Mauna Kea (meaning, White Mountain, referring to mountain on the island of Hawai’i), in the cold of the evening
Ho’olono, ho’olono, ho’olono I ka leo ka makani
Listen, listen, listen to the voice of the wind
Keaukaha nф e ka wahi
Keaukaha indeed, the place”

I feel as though the purpose of this song was to bring peace and tranquility to the people of their land and to enjoy the “voice of the wind,” and to listen to their native land and what it is trying to say to them. While listening to it myself I instantly feel a sense of calmness and peace and try closing my eyes and picturing myself in some of their native lands or on the water enjoying the waves and wind in the video.

The melody of this piece to me is harmonized perfectly with the message. Calm and sophisticated harmony with a peaceful message and background. I have such a love for Hawaiian music because of these characteristics in most of the pieces you will find along with the deep embodiment and passion you will discover while listening to some of the voices behind the most influencing Hawaiian pieces. Especially with this piece. Israel’s voice is one I can continue to listen too, always. He has a deep passion for the Hawaiian culture and the ways of life and it shows in all of his pieces, even just the 2 represented here. The video’s do not deliver much in respect to different pictures and such but do tell a story I believe. Personal, calming, and depictive. Simple, yet powerful scenery that puts you exactly where they want you to be during the pieces.

Hawaiian Artist 2: Keali’i Reichel

Keali’i is known for doing modern Hawaiian music and adding some of the traditional Hawaiian chants into his lyrics. Reichel has traveled throughout the United States mainland, using music to dispel stereotypes about Hawaii’s native people (“We don’t run around naked, we don’t live in grass shacks. We are modern. We are educated. We are a living, viable, important culture with a voice”). Here is one of my favorite pieces by Reichel that I feel shows how modern they are but also how important they are.

This piece was written by Keali’i himself and was released in the year 2005 in Hawaii.

Maunaleo Lyrics, Rhythm, Melody and Tempo:

I translated these lyrics into English so after watching the video you could get a better understanding of the meaning of the song and the powerful message behind it.

“Beloved indeed in Maunaleo sparkling in the light, wind-blown rain a finely woven cloak for the highlands a cherished one, respected for power and strength esteemed, treasured, touched by heaven capped by the silver of the rolling mists an adornment for that gentle heart embraced by the surrounding ridges one to hold close, to hold near, to love one dear to the heart, precious, exalted this is my garland of affection for maunaleo in its beauty glorified by the Mälie breeze a cherished one, respected for power and strength esteemed, treasured, touched by heaven for Maunaleo is the serenity of deep love beloved are you, beloved indeed.”

This song was written by Keali’i about his mother. The mountains reminded him of his mother being that they stand like a sentinel and no matter what comes in the way, fire, flood or storms it is still there. He notes that his mother is just like that. But that she is also the strong and scary one. This song and the rhythm that accompanies it I feel embodies what he was singing about perfectly. Strong, gentle, powerful, and dear to the heart. The tempo is slow and personal enough to hold the melody and lyrics and hold true to the meaning of “Maunaleo” which means, the mountain’s voice. I love the calmness of Hawaiian music and the strong meaning you will find in all of them. This song in particular I can resonate with his meaning because I also can picture my mother in the same light. Strong, gentle and powerful but also a little scary.

Sources:

Eric Francisco, 5/20/2020: https://www.inverse.com/culture/israel-kamakawiwoole-google-doodle

Jordan Hanson, 12/8/2016: https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/hawaii/articles/10-hawaii-based-musicians-you-should-know/

Elegant themes: https://kealiireichel.com

Rob, 11/6/2018: https://www.waikoloavacationrentals.com/big-island-info/traditional-musical-instruments-you-will-find-only-in-hawaii/

*Evolution of Music Video’s*

Music video’s are some of our most favorite way of listening to music, while understanding the message behind the work and getting a clear understanding of what the artist is trying to depict. They have also come a long way from the very first music illustration created in 1894. This music video was a series of still images sharing the narrative of the song with the lyrics to the piece at the bottom. Watch below:

“The Little Lost Child” by Edward B. Marks and Joseph W. Stern was released in 1894 in the United States.

Musical Elements:

“The Little Lost Child,” being the very first music video created was the standard for then and for a long while after. The music in the video is very interesting me. There is not much range in the song itself, it sounds almost off pitch to me throughout the piece with the instruments chosen. The melody also is very simple and does not change throughout the piece. The accompaniment did not do a good job at supporting the piece in my opinion. With that being said I also really enjoy the meaning behind the music and the message he wanted to create for his listeners. The lyrics are a different in meaning since it was created so long ago and they did not have things such as lyricist’s at that time and the way they spoke was drastically different from how we do now but it is a sweet message about getting his lost child back after she was taken away.

Music video’s now are quite different. Drastically different. This next video for instance I chose for the simple fact that it has auto tune. Something that was so far fetched back in 1894 and not even a thought for artists. Listen below:

“Whatcha Say,” was released was first available for digital download on May 5th, 2009 and was directed by J.R. Rotem
Fuego in the United States

Wow! What a long way we have come from 1894 to even just in 2009 when “Whatcha Say” was released. No more still images instead of video recordings, no more simple and short lyrics and now we have the creation of auto tune which could make even the worst singers sound paranormal.

Musical Elements:

“Whatcha Say” is a catchy, upbeat tempo song that people play at dance clubs to get you moving. The pitch in this piece is perfect because of the auto tune used. If your new to the auto tune world I will help explain it, auto tune is a device or facility for tuning something automatically, especially a piece of computer software that enables the correction of an out-of-tune vocal performance. Thank you Google. Some of the world’s most reputable music artists use auto tune on all of their music. Britney Spears, Cher, Kesha, Lil Wayne, Katy Perry, even Snoop Dogg have all used it in multiple singles of their own. The accompaniment used in this piece supports the music entirety. The melody is matched perfectly with the music video, lyrics, instruments and pitch of the song. The music video itself is no longer still images trying to tell the story. It is the actual story and the message being depicted told throughout that he is trying to win the woman he lost back.

Personal Reaction:

As much as I personally love “oldies” music and love the simpler pieces that are not so busy. I also am really compelled to love the growth we have had from still images, to actual recordings, to simple lyrics with not much melody, to story telling with not only the passion and the lyrics but the video’s and stories these artists are putting together. With auto tune, instruments, melodies, range, rhythm, or even just tempo has all changed thanks to the new and improved equipment and capabilities of the music world and the growth of music video’s from still images, to absolute story telling between characters.

Sources:

Peter Fenzel, August 10, 2010: https://www.overthinkingit.com/2010/08/10/whatcha-say/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whatcha_Say

Microsoft Devices Team, November 26, 2012: https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2012/11/26/the-amazing-history-of-the-music-video/

Music Division, The New York Public Library. “The little lost child” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1894. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47de-0664-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

“Man in the Mirror” By Michael Jackson Musical Analysis 2

“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson was Recorded in May 1987 and released February 6th 1988 by producers Quincy Jones and artist Michael Jackson.

I have not always been the biggest fan of Michael Jackson music. I honestly think it was because of the song “Thriller” I had never enjoyed the song, so I did not give any of his other music a chance for a long time because of it. Soon after I met my husband, he introduced me to Jackson 5. Whom I love by the way and did not realize that it was Michael Jackson in there until I happened to watch a music video one day with their names all over the screen. That was when I decided to give some of his other music a try. “Man in the Mirror” is by far my favorite release from him. It is powerful and catchy and has all the right vocals in my opinion. It is no wonder it was Jackson’s 4^th consecutive number 1 hit and is remembered as one of his most promising pieces according to the Rolling Stones journal.

Time Magazine called the song “Man In The Mirror” “one of the most powerful vocals and accessible social statements, not to mention the best-ever use of a gospel choir in a pop song.”

Lyrics:

“That’s why I want you to know

I’m starting with the man in the mirror

I’m asking him to change his ways

And no message could have been any clearer

If you wanna make the world a better place

(If you wanna make the world a better place)

Take a look at yourself, and then make a change

(Take a look at yourself, and then make a change)”

This part of the chorus I believe is the part everyone remembers specifically. These are a part of the lyrics that resonate with everyone. As straight forward as the lyrics may seem, he is going to work on making himself a better man in order to make a world a better place I also believe that you had to know Michael Jackson on his star level to really understand how true those lyrics were to him and how hard he tried to make that happen. Either way I love the lyrics to this song because they hold so much meaning on making the world a better place and being the change the world needs to see which is so true and is needed in this day and age for everyone in good times and bad. If you watch the video you will notice, he does not appear in it. He wanted to solely focus on the meaning of the video and shed light on moments and opportunities that people could easily connect with so they could relate on being the change the world needs to see.

Tempo:

The tempo of this song is 100bpm and I believe is perfect. It’s not too fast and not to slow and and fits the range and Jackson’s voice exceedingly well. Another description of the tempo of the song is adante moderato or a “walking pace with moderate speed.” which helps create and accentuate the message behind the the song and the passion he instilled in helping all walks of life before his death in June 2009.

Meter:

The time signature of this piece is 4/4. Which is a pretty standard time signature for pop music and this song is no exception. I believe that all the things that made this song including even the meter helped the song jump drastically in some countries on to top charts after his passing. The catchy rhythm, the range, the tempo, the lyrics and the meter the song was held in all accompanied this song and followed it into the hit it is still today.

Range:

G major and A flat major. ‘Man In The Mirror’ begins in humble, plain, unassuming G major. The harmony is sweet and then about halfway through the piece he swiftly changes it to an A flat major which changes the dynamic of the beat but it only makes the piece stronger and more powerful. That equally fits Jackson’s voice and powerful vocals.

Timbre/Texture

Guitar and keyboard were the only 2 instruments in this piece. No bass. Just simple and sweet guitar and keyboard accompaniment that picks up their beat about halfway through the song along with Jackson. This musical piece also follows a strong homophonic texture where the melody dominates and the accompaniment supports the lyrics and strong rhythm in the piece. I believe the instruments they chose to use for “Man in the Mirror” helped keep the meaningful lyrics and passage they wanted to portray stronger and more prominent. It helped make the piece and fill it with more passion than what could have been done using more than just these two simple instruments.

Chord Choices:

There are 13 chord variations throughout this song on the guitar. Strong, powerful and genius chord choices that are the perfect accompaniment for Jackson and his strong vocals.

What others say about “Man in the Mirror”

floflo79 stated: “Great lyrics and vocals, and this instrumental is absolutely amazing.”

Co-writer Siedah Garrett said: “The song was deeper than just the visual of a man looking at himself in the mirror. It was that, juxtaposed with the idea of a man going deeper inside himself to change from within. To make a difference on the outside, you have to first start from within. So I think that Michael just got it… he got the meaning of the song right away.”

Classic FM stated: “Michael Jackson’s ‘Man In The Mirror’ features one of the most satisfyingly epic key changes in all music. This is why it’s so good.”

Biography on “Man in the Mirror”

Man in the Mirror song is from the album “Bad”. The song is recorded by Michael Jackson, with lyrics and music by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett, and produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones. The song is dedicated to Yoshiaki Ogiwara, a five-year-old boy from Takasaki, Gunma, Japan who was kidnapped and murdered in September 1987.

References:

Filmy Chef, article by Deepika Gupta, https://filmychef.com/man-in-the-mirror-lyrics-michael-jackson, October 10th, 2019

Michael Jackson, WB Music Corp, https://www.michaeljackson.com/track/man-mirror/

“Freebird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd Musical Analysis

“Freebird” released in November 1974 , in the USA, by creators Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allen Collins, and Ronnie Van Zant.

Sitting through an entire sometimes 14-minute song, when played live, seems almost impossible when you think about it. But play “Freebird” and most people will continue to sit through it repeatedly because of the lyrics and guitar solo alone. The guitar solo is one that people continue to try and master because it is such a well known and loved guitar solo and it’s one that can be so complicated because of the different tempos, yet so rewarding when accomplished. “Freebird” is noted as number 2 single from the band and the crowds of people at every concert will attest to that, at every show. Even after lead singer Ronnie Van Zant who started writing “Freebird” passed away in an awful plane crash, the band continued to play it in his honor with his brother leading the way, after he was recruited onto the band following Ronnie’s tragic death. The song’s passion will instantly bring me to tears, every time I listen to it. Maybe the tragic death or maybe the passion or maybe even both but every time I hear it, the song moves me to tears.

Recorded in April 9, 1973 “Freebird” was included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and at number 193 in Rolling Stone‘s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 2009, it was named the 26th best hard rock song of all time by VH1.^[19]

Lyrics:

Van Zant himself when describing the lyrics stated that the song is, “what it means to be free, in that a bird can fly wherever he wants to go,” and also, “that everyone wants to be free that’s what this country is about.” After reading that I already knew that is another strong reason people listen to this song so much, including myself. Not just for the glorious guitar solo but because of the simple yet powerful lyrics that lay beyond that. The lyrics sit differently with many people, but all hold true on how much meaning it has to them. Some state that the song brings them to tears and makes them have regrets in passed relationships, others state that it reminds them of their parents and how it’s time for them to let them go and let them be free now that they are growing older. The lyrics hold strong meaning for many that resonate with them.

“If I leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be travelin’ on now
‘Cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see”

In my opinion, being free means so much more than coming back to the woman he loves after traveling. It means that as much as he loves her, he is just meant to be free and see the world. No matter how much she may try to change him, he will always be the same man that is urging to just be free. I believe it is the “rock-star” life the band lives, the places they get to visit and see, the concerts with people yelling for this song at every single one of them. The strong connection the band feels with their fans which is one of the many reasons why they continue to choose this song to end their show with. This song holds meaning to many people in many ways. For me the meaning of this song is the memories I have associated with it. Driving around with my Dad in his old ’68 Chevelle with the windows down on some old dirt roads without a care in the world.

Chord Choices:

6 chords are what it took for this song to be a worldwide hit. 6 chords repeated in different tempos throughout the beginning into the end of the song. Even during the guitar solo. Sound’s simple but quite the opposite. Especially during the fast tempo pieces, following the end. This also shows just how powerful simple chord choices can be and what difference they can make to create a song vs. a legendary work of art, in my opinion as well as others. That still holds a spot on billboard charts a crossed the world. http://bestsongsever.com/lynyrd-skynyrd/free-bird

Tempo/Meter:

The recorded version of “Freebird” is 118 beats per minute which falls under moderato and is in time signature 4/4. One of the most common groups in music. As I stated earlier, this song follows different tempos throughout it. Ranging from slow to fast especially during the guitar solo that Lynyrd Skynyrd is well known for doing in multiple pieces of their work. “Freebird” is the most well-known guitar solo for Lynyrd Skynyrd because it was the first one that they created and that paved the road for them and others. The different tempos of this song create the dynamic of this song and emphasizes the passion put into it specifically following the death of lead singer Ronnie who first wrote the lyrics.

Texture:

“Freebird” follows a homophonic texture. Homophonic texture can be classified as “two or more notes sounding at the same time but generally featuring a prominent melody in the upper part.” This texture is used quite frequently in rock songs and seems as how “Freebird” is classified as rock it only accurately fits the description. I feel it is a more complex homophonic texture just based on the chordal harmony that the song follows. The prominent melody in this piece is what also follows the easily identified trend this band follows in this hit song and the passion put forth each note, every time.

This is the 1997 promo photo for Lynyrd Skynyrd. From left to right the band members are (standing) Leon Wilkeson, Billy Powell, Johnny Van Zant, Hughie Thomasson, Rickey Medlocke, (sitting) Gary Rossington and Owen Hale

What other’s say about “Freebird”

“After the 1977 plane crash that killed lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, his brother, Johnny, took his place. Performing the song was very emotional for Johnny, and for a while, he wouldn’t sing it – the band played it as an instrumental and the crowd would sing the words.” -Unknown author

“The band’s record company did not want this on the album. They thought it was too long and that no radio station would play it. Even the band never thought it was going to be a hit.” -Unknown author

“best solo ever easily.  so intense. its like riding a bike downhill at top speed and letting go of the handlebars..” -Unknown author

Biography on the band:

Lynyrd Skynyrd was formed in Jacksonville, FL in 1964. With members Ronnie Van Zant (lead singer), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass guitar), and Bob Barns (drums). The band was first named My Backyard before changing it to Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1969. The band was changed completely when lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and back up singer Cassie Gaines were killed in a plane crash On October 20, 1977. But later decided to recruit Van Zant’s brother Johnny to perform along with them during a 1987 reunion tour. The band continues to tour and record with members, Gary Rossington, Johnny Van Zant, and Rickie Medlocke who are now working on their 15th album together. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/lynyrd-skynyrd-mn0000170369/biography

Sources:

https://www.songfacts.com/facts/lynyrd-skynyrd/free-bird

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Bird

https://genius.com/Lynyrd-skynyrd-free-bird-lyrics

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Bird#cite_note-19

All About Me!

Hi! My name is Caitlin Hansen and welcome to my very first blog where I am going to introduce you to myself and the music that inspires me, motivates me, or even just get’s me through my cleaning schedule of the day just a little bit quicker and better.

To begin, a little about me. I am 28 years old, born and raised in Michigan but spent the last 5 years before moving to Alaska in Texas, which surprisingly became a new home for our family. I am married to my high school sweetheart for 8 years now, we have been together for 12. We have 3 boys, ages 10, 7, and 4 and a baby on the way. We are all about keeping busy and being outdoors. We are a military family. My husband has been active duty in the Airforce for 6 years and plans on making it a career. I am working towards my nursing degree and potentially my Nurse Practitioner. I fell in love with the medical field about 2 years ago and decided to change my major from child development. I love baking, Jesus, and all things fast. Quad’s, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, or anything on wheels with a motor is how we would spend our free time, all the time if we could. Camping and fishing are my favorite ways to make memories and I will never deny a smore on a fire if given the opportunity. We have found a new love of building furniture and remodeling our home. We have 3 dogs on top of our kiddos to keep us extra busy, but we LOVE it that way. I am an open book and love to make new friends. Being military, making new friends is a part of the constant moving process so I feel like we are pros at this point.

Music has always been a debate in our home. Always. I grew up on old school country artists like, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, and Randy Travis. My husband on the other hand has grown up on rock and old pop rock. Artists like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Segar, Stevie Nicks, Eric Clapton and The Who. I love a good portion of the artists he enjoys. Especially on the days we just turn our speakers up and jam out to the Jackson 5 station all day long. He loathes country. Now you can see where the debates usually start. They also usually end with us turning on a soundtrack with a mixture of it all to keep the house happy, because now all of my boys “don’t like country anymore either.” What boy does not want to be just like their Dad, I guess. (Side note: let us hope this baby is a girl so I can get some help around here, ha ha.) Even though my high school days of singing soprano in choir are over, I still enjoy performing concerts in the car for my kids (they will disagree) or putting on a concert in the kitchen. All the while I cook the 3000 meals a day it takes to feed 4 boys, while my dogs wait patiently for me to drop something on the floor because by now, they know it is going to happen. I have taught myself to play some piano because it’s a trade I always wanted to learn and I have A LOT to learn but I enjoy every bit of the learning process I have had this far. I LOVE concerts. The atmosphere, the feel of the music and instruments, the whole life of concerts. I prefer outdoor ones, where people are just gathered around each other, drinks in their hand and their partners hand in the other dancing to whatever music is on with grins and laughter sounding the place. I will attend any outdoor concert without even knowing the band because I just enjoy not being able to hear the next few days after I guess, that is really the only explanation I have. I love live music so attached I am going to put a link to one of my favorite bands I have seen live, Casey Donahew, a band I had never heard of until a random concert was in our little town in Texas and my friend and I decided to attend last minute. I also included an extra song that I am sure many have heard but it has always been a favorite of mine. I hope you enjoy!

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

“Baby you and me, stumbling in the streets, singing midnight memories” -Midnight Memories