Download Rhetorical Analysis of a SongTerminology

Rhetorical Analysis of a Song: Terminology VOICE/DELIVERY Cadence​
– rhythm and inflection (flow) of the singer’s vocals Ex. Singer songwriter Jim Croce is known for his unique cadence, which creates a kind of sonic liquidity; he de­stresses harsh consonants and blurs the ending of one word into the next with such adept skill that his delivery often resembles the sound of flowing water. (“Operator”) Timbre – ​
the unique color/tonal quality of a singer’s vocals; often described in terms of color and texture: bright/dark, rich/thin, deep/nasal, rough/smooth, warm/shrill Ex. The voice of Adele in the hit “Rolling in the Deep,” is the perfect demonstration of the complexity of her timbre: at times a rich, deep velvet, at other times oscillating into bright, delicate runs. Tenor – ​
the vocalist’s range from low to high notes: soprano, alto, bass, tenor (can also think about this as “vocal register”) Ex. Much of the pleasure from the music of Motown legend the Temptations is derived from the group’s combination of different vocal tenors. (“Papa was a Rolling Stone”) Additional methods/aspects of delivery: rasp (Bonnie Tyler, “Total Eclipse of the Heart”), growl (Stiff Little Fingers, “Suspect Device”), scream (Roger Daltrey ­ The Who, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”), rapid fire (Snow, “Informer”) LYRICS Chorus – ​
portion of the lyrics which recurs periodically; a staple of pop and rock music Hook – ​
often a portion of the chorus; the ‘catchy’ line in a song Verse – ​
in music, the portion of the lyrics which changes or varies between the chorus Rhyme – ​
a poetic device often used at the ends of lines of song lyrics to fulfill a sense of expectation and delight the ear Repetition – ​
in song lyrics, this can be a key phrase which appears throughout the lyrics as a way of tying together theme; a key component in the blues, where lines are often repeated twice or three times to underscore their meaning and emotion Imagery – ​
a key component of many song lyrics, the image being a concrete description that grounds the theme/message in the senses MUSIC Melody – ​
an organized succession of musical notes; aesthetically pleasing musical phrase Harmony – ​
simultaneous combination of two or more notes or chords which creates a feeling of order/accord Dissonance – ​
a simultaneous combination of two or more notes or chords which creates a feeling of unrest/uneasiness Ex. John Barnes Chance “Incantation and Dance”, Sonic Youth “Superstar,” Radiohead “Everything in its Right Place” Rhythm – ​
the regular “beat” in music which keeps time; can be achieved via drums, bass guitar, and rhythm guitar Ambient Sound – ​
the use of synthesizers, organ, or modified guitar to create the feeling of mood or atmosphere in a song; often (though not always) a song or portion of a song utilizing ambient sound will lack a sense of beat/rhythm or structured melody Ex. Pink Floyd “Echoes”, U2 “Bad” (here, ambient sound is created by the Edge’s modified guitar) Bridge – ​
a compositional element often used in rock/pop music; the section of the song which features a contrast (musically and sometimes lyrically) to the verses and chorus; provides a break from and anticipates return of verses/chorus Solos – ​
section of music performed by a single musician and may be lyrical or instrumental Ex. Led Zeppelin “Stairway to Heaven” EXAMPLES OF TONE Tongue­in­cheek – ​
Rolling Stones “Lady Jane” Satirical –​
Country Joe and the Fish “Feel Like I’m Fixing to Die Rag” Accusatory/Aggressive – ​
Sex Pistols “God Save the Queen” Lamentation/Melancholy – ​
Bill Withers “Ain’t No Sunshine,” Johnny Cash “Hurt” Hopeful – ​
Johnny Nash “I Can See Clearly Now” *Often, a singer’s lyrics/lyrical delivery can include multiple, juxtaposed tones – accusatory and lamenting, lamenting yet hopeful.