Music: The Power of Plot :: Music Theory Essays

Music The Power of Plot People relate to music. We sing it. We cry to it. We trick to it. The reason we can see ourselves in music. We can let go of our feelings and just relate to the words or the instruments. One way the songwriter connects the attendee to the music is through plot the problem or reaction to a problem a character/singer is expressing. Whether it is a fight with a lover, a fight with a friend, finding a lover/friend, or any other, the plot is helps the listener relate to the song. Currently in my CD player is a live recording of Jill Scott at a concert. Most of her songs have to do with life & love. Take for example the song Gettin in the Way. This song is more or less a woman trying to steal her man. She tells her to step back beca usance the woman is getting in the way of what I am feeling. The sequence of events in this song is interesting. In the commentary she explains that this song is about principle. First she says to the woman to n icely step back. Then she says it in a harsher tone I know you dont understand, but sister girl, you gotta get off my man. Finally, she says I am about to go off in your face You better chill Clearly the passage of arms in the song is clear and can be easily related to the listeners lives. Lets look at another example, To Zion by Lauryn featuring Carlos Santanna. The song is about an unplanned pregnancy. She talks about how she touched my belly overwhelmed. She was told by many people to be smart / look at your career they said / Lauryn, baby, use your head. However, she chooses to use her heart and keep the baby. The name of her son is Zion, which gives light to the next verse Now the joy of my world is in Zion.