Musical Theme
- Ordinary Human
- Oct 17, 2022
- 4 min read
The theme I have chosen to explore to create a playlist with multiple genres is suicide. Suicide is often a triggering and complex subject to analyze; however, it is such a recurring struggle that it can be found within all realms of music. This theme is important to me because how artists portray suicide could be a factor in the rates of suicide in the world around us. Unfortunately, I have always been more of a "hearer" than a "listener." As a result, I have always found myself exploring music by the emotions the beat evokes rather than the composition and ideas represented. This blog, alongside my theme, intends to encourage me to fully understand music as it is essential to the whole meaning of a song. In conclusion, I chose this theme even though it may be triggering, because its awareness is important. It can be found in many musical genres and that shows how widespread the problem is.
"It's Called: Freefall," written by Rainbow Kitten Suprise in 2018, is delivered primarily on one scale. This song's tonal center is in key D. This song starts with very slow instrumentals and steady-paced vocals. As the vocals intensify throughout the music, the instrumentals follow in perfect consonance. Listening closely shows that as another band member joins in the lyrics to harmonize, another instrument is added to the song's rhythm. These techniques create a beautiful melody for a "hearer" to enjoy. The melody comforts the audience, yet the lyrics reveal a darker subject. The song's chorus states, "you could let it all go; it called freefall." This means the individual could let all their baggage go and attempt "freefall," which refers to the act of suicide. In one of the song's fastest parts, the band sings, "nothing to do but a scratch, kick, let gravity win." This lyric refers to losing the fight with life. The song has so much beauty paired with just as much darkness.
"Coming Undone" by KORN was released in 2005; the song's tonal center is within key D. The song's structure includes the repetition of the same strain of strings with variations depending on the point of vocals. The music, although in instrumental dissonance, is engaging to the audience. Throughout the melodies, lyrical pauses and guitar riffs can be heard that express musical skill. The intro of the song states, "Keep holding on when my brains ticking like a bomb." This lyric shows how the artist must remind himself to keep holding on despite his mental illness. Later in the song, the singer states, "What looks so strong, so delicate." Soon after, he sings, "I thought my demons were my friends, pity me in the end, they're out to get me." Within these two lines, the artist realizes his suicidal thoughts or "demons" are not the solution and that his demons are actually harmful to him. Overall, the artist acknowledges he just needs to "keep it together" and try to get better.
"Suicide Blues" by Leroy Carr has a tonal center in key A. This song's instrumentals are so simplistic they are in perfect consonance. The beautiful blues song definitely hits those "blue notes." He says multiple times within the music that he is not a coward. This lyric is significant because, unfortunately, many individuals who experience suicidal thoughts feel this same way. After, the artist states, "I was just tired of living but wasn't afraid to die." I think this has a more profound meaning than the first recognizable. Throughout life, many people may feel "tired of living," perhaps when they find themselves in a cycle. So, he questions why he is so wrong if the only difference is the fear of death. Moving on, this song stands out from the rest because the melody sets a sadder tone in comprehension with the lyrics.
"I'm Sorry" by Joyner Lucas was released in 2016 and has a tonal center of key A. In comparison, the previous song, "Suicide Blues," with the same key and listening closely, allows you to hear the similarities in rhythm. Even though these two songs have a significant age gap, the slight resemblance is relevant. This song has instrumentals, electronic sounds, and background sounds that come together and clash slightly. Therefore, "I'm Sorry" has dissonance elements. The overall tempo and song dynamics are quick but flow very well. Now, the lyrics of this song are so profound. The artist represents two parties with contrasting views on suicide throughout the music. The artist represents suicidal thoughts by sharing how many individuals feel when experiencing this struggle. He states, "Honestly, I feel like the world would be better off without me." This incredibly disheartening line is something many people feel all too well. However, later in the song, he rebuttals with another character and reacts to the suicide. He states, "Look, I really feel lost without you. I hate that you felt the world was better off without you." The contrast in characters shows both sides of this situation, intending to spread awareness.
"How to Save a Life" by The Flay has a tonal center of key B. The song starts very slow in tempo. When the beat drops, both the vocals and rhythm increase in speed. Every element of the dynamics of this song works together in perfect consonance. The lyrics of this song deliver the emotions that a friend feels when losing a friend to suicide. The artist sings, "I would have stayed up with you all night had I known how to save a life." He feels guilt and remorse for not knowing how to save the friend's life. The song's delivery is successful through a sad melody and sad lyrics.
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