Lyric analysis - Miss Georgiou

Purpose of analysing the lyrics to my music video: 

Analysing the lyrics to the song for my music video is important when creating my music video as without a sufficient understanding of the song I would likely fail in creating a suitable music video to match it. As my lack of understanding would be evident because the music video may not fit to the song, a contrast which they may pick up on ruining the effect and therefore the experience of the music video for the audience thus failing to commit to it's job.

Although the song is technically classed as a 'love song' as the narrative to the song follows the idea of Winehouse singing about a relationship with a lover there are various different route love songs can enter. For instance at the beginning of our music video when we first analysed the lyrics we was focusing on the typical concept of a love song revolving around the idea of the destruction of a relationship whereby the narrator i.e the singer is distraught about the break up and struggling to come to terms with its end. However analysing the lyrics further I came to the realisation that Winehouse was in fact informing her audience that she was fine about the break up. Hence re-planning for the production of my music video needed to be put in place as continuing to shoot ahead with the ideas created in the thought process matching the idea that Winehouse was broken up over the state of her relationship wouldn't have suited. Portraying the artist to be crying indicating that she is upset about the issue would juxtapose the lyrics which would led to confusing the audience therefore making them loose interest as they are unable to uncover the narrative and decide that their time could be spent better else where as it simply appears that the music video hasn't be adapted around the lyrics properly. Not only would this damage the success of the music video and possibly the song for the video but also the artists creditability. As the audience begin to question whether the artist has really thought about their music video or whether they've simply seen it as an opportunity to promote themselves and done it as something they thought they had to. Hence the audience may feel that Winehouse isn't a true solid artist but is simply in the music industry for the money and fame hence loosing further respect for her. When in the public eye artists or stars have to consider their actions very carefully as they work more as products rather than human beings (following the theory of Dyer) and the littlest thing can suggest a lot about their worth to the general public hence it is important that a music video which goes down in an artists history, viewed and analysed for years to come and in Winehouse's case even in her death highlights the importance of getting a music video right and making sure it matches to the lyrics so to convey the right image around the star.

Original lyric annotations:

As you can see our varied understandings and opinions of the lyrics tied together to become fairly jumbled up, confusing and unclear hence we decided to print the lyrics again and start fresh with our new shared understanding of the lyrics whilst keeping ideas which we all agreed on and pictured working to the true representation of the song and the lyrics.

Analysing the lyrics of my chosen song benefits the production of my music video as it means that I shall have a better understanding of the song and what the artist is trying to bring across with it for instance the meaning behind certain lyrics or even messages hidden within them or concepts. This further analysis helps to make sure that I portray an accurate music video so to suit the song as well as aiding me in helping to chose certain iconography elements etc. For instance as the song I have chosen is called 'In my bed' and makes reference to a bed throughout the music video I decided that it would be a good idea to use one. Making this reference towards the lyrics throughout the video urges the audience to pay further attention towards the lyrics. This deeper analysts also aids in deciding whether there is a particular narrative behind the lyrics which should be told. As the lyrics inform Winehouse is singing about a current lover whom she know longer feels 'that spark' for; "Wish I could say it breaks my heart like you did in the beginning" hence analysing these lyrics it becomes apparent that Winehouse misses feeling a certain way towards this person and is saddened but how numbing their love has become but she doesn't necessarily miss them or even miss obtaining feeling that way towards them. This encouraged me to consider how we could portray clearly throughout the music video this past to the relationship and the juxtaposition between how it was then and how it is now.

The concept of representing a clear identification between the present and the past enabled me to decide that it would be a good idea to create 'flashback' scenes so to inform the audience of the pairs past. However I didn't want this to become confusing for the audience where they were unable to make clear cuts between what was the past and what was the present as this would ruin the effective of the music video and course them to loose interest. Thus I opted to use black and white filters so to highlight the flashback scenes to the audience by using them for these scenes and these scenes only. Which provides other benefits to my music video being a conventional technique towards the genre as the idea of viewing something in black and white provides connotations of something being in the past due to the fact that in the past colour filming wasn't available. This works in a conventional manner as the soul genre which was created in the early 50s to the late 60s hasn't developed much since it's beginning hence it provides it's audience with an almost glimpse back into the past therefore the black and white filters conform to this.

Another reason re-planning needed to take place was that we had highlighted using a colour scheme order what lines we wanted to use for different scenes yet as we applied a deeper analysis we found that different ideas were developing which appeared to provide a much better experience for the audience that the existing ones. At this point we only had three scenes to go back and fourth between which I didn't think was a good idea, as it meant that throughout the duration of the music video the scene would have seen the same three scenes too many times to be able to keep them interesting throughout, thus creating an negative viewing experience for the audience which would tarnish the artists reputation. So to improve on this I came up with the idea of applying another 'performance scene' so that the audience didn't become too use to the idea of the artist performing in her bedroom as well as providing the audience with new images so to keep their experience fresh and exciting. Said idea was also another way for me to keep the music video conforming to the codes and conventions of my chosen genre as I opted to have this scene in a jazz bar, which suits the genre as often connections between the two genres are made as they share many similarities such as the style, forming with the old classic vibes and the style in which they are known for performing. I.e. on a grand appearing stage, stereotypically backed with a red curtain, a classic microphone in it's stand and band members standing around as artists for both genres are recognised for performing with live bands rather than using backing tracks. We will also be using a spot light as our light for this scene as well as low key lighting around it so to enhance the effects of the spotlight this is effective as it really draws the audiences attention to the audience as well as being conventional as it is what you would expect to see in this type of setting which is expected from the genre. Because both genres are known for providing the audience with artists of better quality. This also conforms with the idea that they invest more into their lyrics than other artists from different genres such as pop or dance who are more likely to focus more so on the beat as their music is more about providing their audience with a good time rather than providing them more a personal connection which effects them on a deeper level.

The annotations gained from reading further into the lyrics inform that the singer wasn't afraid to embrace her sexuality; "Wish I could say it breaks my heart." here the artist is informing her lover that she no longer desires for him as anything further than a physical act hence applying a voyeuristic approach would suit the artist as in this narrative of the lyrics the female character is portrayed to be more emotionally removed and physically active than her male counter part which is subversive as often within all applications of the media the female character is portrayed as caring more about a deeper relationship which runs further than the physical. Thus the artist is representing herself in a rather sexualised manner as such a voyeuristic approach to her representation is already taken through the lyrics. So it would be beneficial to represent this within the visuals in the music video enabling the audience to be able to follow the lyrics as easy as they view a relationship between the lyrics and what is happening on screen. Without showing this relationship the audience may simply take the lyrics to be about the other antics on screen meaning that they are obtaining a lesser experience of the song blocking them from building upon their relationship with the artist. The voyeuristic approach is a technique which has been used throughout music videos showcasing female artists as well as female bands for a long time and is very effect for a variety of reasons. This is often down through the use of a close up which is one of the ways I plan to showcase the technique using a variety of different close ups (cinematography) so to enforce this concept. For instance it demonstrates to the audience the attractiveness and therefore sex appeal of the artist therefore encouraging the audience to grow a further like towards them as they find them attractive also encouraging them to find remember them than they would other artists as they feel this extra connection with the artist. Said technique also builds upon the form of a relationship between the artist and the audience as they feel closer to the artist as the artist is physically closer to the lense which represents that the artist is trying to build a connection with them and wants to become closer to their audience (fans) hence the audience grow further admiration for the artist as they appear to be a nicer person.

examples of voyuersitic approaches to women through the use of close ups within the industry: 

Christian Aguilera 'Genie in a bottle' 1999

Billie Piper's 'Day & Night' 2000

Ciara '1 2 step' 2004






























Britney Spears 'Hold it Against me' 2011


















New lyric annotations: 

For the lyrics; "Everything is slowing down river of no return" I thought it would be a good/beneficial idea to place the artist in a scene where she is near a river working in the same way that it would be having her in her bedroom/on her bed for the scenes whereby the lyrics refer to the artists bed. Because of this is made sense to capture this as a part of the 'walk of shame' scene as it meant that the artist would be able to take a questionable route home insinuating her reckless antics helping the audience to understand more of the character building upon their relationship forming a bond which creates for a better more relateable experience for the audience.

Analyzing the lyrics not only helped when making decision as to what to include within the music video e.g various elements of iconography as well as the representation to provide of the artist but also how to tie to music video together. A transition between the different shots and scenes within the music video needs to be made involving editing. Hence looking into the lyrics further for a deeper understanding aided in these choices as I was able to notice codes and conventions of the genre and various of ways in which we could style the music video so to suit. For example due to my further knowledge of the genre I decided that one way to transfer through the different scenes would be with the use of a fade. Preferably in use with a scene from the performance section of the music video whereby the artist is performing at a sort of jazz bar. This would benefit as it works well with this scene as it the fade provides similar connotations to said scene illustrating the idea of going back in time and recreating the soul genres infamous classic vibes which it's audience is known for adoring. The fade works well with it as it aids to this concept of a grand performance as the audience are familiar with the fade technique in this sort of environment/situations as well as it being able to well represent it's counter part of the concept of a show ending as the curtain closes or the lights fade and the audience is left with nothing but a black atmosphere filling the stage.

Through studying various other music videos belonging to the genre I was able to note how different artists where applying the sense of the soul genre being presented as relateable to it's audience hence there was little reference to fame or fortune throughout the artists work, nor where there the use of big flashy items or techniques, nor was there much use to special effects or CGI. Thus displaying the image of the genre being relateable as artists kept their work to standards which the audience would be familiar with and didn't alienate themselves from their viewers via portraying themselves in such a way that they appear unreachable as they surround themselves within a completely different adaption of the world. From this I decided that it would also be a good idea to use continuity editing. Because it helps to illustrate the narrative behind the music video and benefits it in order of it's flow. As well as the fact that it is an editing technique which the audience doesn't notice hence not intimidating them with these grand movements blocking the audience from feeling as though they can relate to the artist.

Both the artists body language and body positioning  (Mise en scene) are key elements to telling the narrative behind the music video. In order to represent the idea that the artist is more comfortable with her sexuality than some would like she shall be seen getting close to her male encounters throughout the music video. Through the use of both body language and body positioning as she shall be positioned getting very close to them whilst her body language shall represent how comfortable she is with them highlighting her sexual urges.

Other pieces of Mise en scene including costume, hair and make up have been addressed as a major part of our the planning for the production of the music video. Mainly because a large section of codes and conventions made throughout music videos which are most notably picked up upon as they are the easiest for the audience to view as the human eye as been trained through various instances of the media to notice others appearances. Hence I have decided to apply the codes and conventions of the soul genre which suit the appearance of a soul female artist which means suiting the artist to the kind of appearance expected of women in the 1950s/1960s as this was the period in American when the genre was conformed which the genre hasn't developed much from as the audience are known for loving the classical elements to the genre thus keeping them alive in the genre with it's lack of adaptions to society's modern ways. However the style adopted via the artist shall be a more modern take on the style of the female within said period throughout some scenes as it would appear strange to see a girl dressed within this way throughout her everyday life in every scene and would take away from the effects of the music video. However this artist won't display this modern take within the performance scenes taking place at the jazz bar as this is a scene where it would be seen as more socially acceptable for someone to dress within this manner. This will be beneficial as it is the perfect environment for me to showcase codes and conventions towards the genre in therefore helping me to cater towards the desires and needs of my chosen audience.


Hidden meanings also play a big part within my music video as engaged with the lyrics the narrative clearly represents the tale of a woman usually a man for her sexual desires which is unusual as stereotypically throughout the media it is often portrayed to be the man behaving in such a way. Often illustrated to be beasts who harm the sweet and innocent females they toy with yet Winehouse challenges this view by taking on the stereotypical role for a man and putting a man in the place where society would usually place her. Not only is Winehouse's lyrics subversive in a social sense but also in the sense that it doesn't fit the codes and conventions of her chosen genre of soul. As I have stated the soul genre hasn't developed a great time since it's creation meaning that even the social events of the time period still fill the genre so to suit. During said time period women were thought to be an inferior sex compared with men who were seen as the bread winners. They looked after the family and dealt with any business which was deemed only suitable for a man (which was the bulk) however this did come at a cost to the women of the home as it meant that they suffered at a lack of respect or ability, women found themselves being controlled and unable to live the lives they wanted for themselves and they were restricted via the rules set a foot for them via their male controllers. Resulting in them feeling as though they were less than their husbands and often being accepting of behaviour such as adultery and being used in such a manner suiting the narrative to the music video. Thus Winehouse portraying herself a woman in such a way is her way of indicating to her audience that women deserved to feel just as empowered as men and are capable of thinking, feeling and behaving within the same mannerism. Winehouse is encouraging her female audience to embrace their sexuality and not feel suffocated by the males they find themselves surrounded by supressing them, making them feel as though these urges are something which they should compress and that only a man has the right to think, feel and act in such a way. This remains a hidden message as words along these lines are never actually stated yet they are insinuated through the artists choice of narrative and her picking of the characters.


The idea of the artist being illustrated to be this kind of party girl is linked in with the idea of her being able to involve herself in more casual sex: "I don't wanna meet your mother any time, I just wanna rip your body over mine" is linked with the concept of her going out and being able to enjoy herself often as stereotypically women who are able to indulge in causal sex are thought to behave in the stereotypical party girl mannerism also. Which also suits the genre as the image suggests that the character consumes large amounts of alcohol as a part of her partying antics which is conventional towards the genre as throughout the soul genre artists are recognised for drinking often as it connotes back to the period the genre was established. As this was a time where people where less health conscious and often less educated on matters of their health. Therefore not looking after themselves so much meaning that they would frequently drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes throughout the day. Hence this shall be introduced throughout my music video as the artist is seen drinking alone in her bedroom as well as at the party scene, including various other people attending the party and the 'walk of shame' will suggest that the artist has been drinking as it fits the stereotypical image society has created to assume for people they see walking home in the early hours of the morning, wearing rather dressed up clothing yet looking a bit of a mess. The alcohol used throughout my music video shall be demonstrated as a piece of iconography hence being another element of Mise en scene showcased throughout. Said piece of iconography has been used by various different artists of the soul genre in their previous music videos including Winehouse herself for her music video 'Stronger than me'. Viewing this within works of artists such as Winehouse informs me that this is a beneficial technique as it allows me to view for myself how it effects the audience as well as clearly demonstrated it as a successful convention towards the genre as it is used by such successful artists such as Winehouse and it is something which I am easily able to pick up on.





Looking further into the lyrics has ensured that I am creating a music video which provides an accurate representation of the song the artist is promoting. As well as comforting me in the knowledge that I have best suited my music video towards my audience because I have looked into the codes and conventions of the genre and studied them, from their I have been able to take out interviews and questionnaires so to discover what it is the audience likes/dislikes about the soul genre all information of which I have been able to put into use to create an appropriate and effective music video.