Lyric Analysis - Miss Miller

There are many different purposes of analysing the lyrics of our chosen song. For example, analysing the lyrics allows us to highlight and distinctively identify hidden connotations that can further be elaborated on within our music video. In doing this, we can create an effective music video that still stays relatable to the meaning of the song and therefore, understandable for the audience. Furthermore, it gives the audience an alternative interpretation of the song that they may not have initially associated it as being like which creates interest and engagement. The lyrics also give us a guide into what emotion we should intend to create for the artist to portray, for example, in 'Hometown Glory' there is a strong theme of nostalgia. To reflect this we have chosen to include scenes of the past showing how happy the artist was with her friends. On other parts of the song, such as the second verse, we can literally demonstrate a relationship between the lyrics and the visuals which further strengthens the audience's understanding. By analysing the lyrics it also demonstrates particular planning techniques such as which elements of mise-en-scene need to be used in such a way to emphasise certain lyrics or moments in the song. In addition, it aids our planning in how we are to represent the artist in a particular way. For example, if the lyrics reflect the artist feeling emotional and negative, a way in which to show her weakness could be through the use of a high angle shot as it makes the artist appear small. By analysing the lyrics we are able to outline where these moments are and plan what we can do to achieve this through the different aspects of the video through the micro elements within.

Here are the annotations in which we made for our chosen song 'Hometown Glory' by Adele:

Overall, there are many different hidden meanings and messages of the song we have chosen to make a video for. From inferring the deeper meanings behind the lyrics, it has outlined that the general hidden meaning/message is that the artist values and maybe wants things to go back to how they were when she was back in her hometown. The artist makes great reference to the people she had met there, remarking them for being the 'wonders of her world', which is clearly understood by the audience from the frequent repetition of the line that states this. Adele wrote this song when she was 16, so this would have been a comfort for her and something that could have particularly been close to her heart. We have annotated our lyrics by thinking more 'outside the box' in order to seek deeper alternative meanings that we could emphasise within our music video. As well as looking for hidden meanings and connotations, we also analysed lyrics that could represent the artist in a particular way. This allows us to think about how we could them illustrate this within our video. Additionally, we have also annotated the lyrics looking for possible ways in  some could demonstrate ideas linked to the style or aspects of the video such as mise-en-scene. By looking for this, it aids us to get an idea where we can change shots or change style which makes it easier for us to identify a place in which to switch due to the fact we are using two styles in our video. We have also looked at the lyrics in a way to identify where the target audience can build a relationship with the artist. When looking for these particular parts, we considered how we will emphasise these parts in our video to ensure that the audience feel involved and engaged.

Our annotations will assist us in planning the different elements of our music video as we are able to incorporate visuals that will coordinate appropriately to the lyrics and link to the connotations in which they happen to suggest.

Firstly, the genre codes and conventions can be illustrated within our video easily from the way in which the lyrics will match the visuals within our video. For example, the way in which the lyrics state 'missing out the cracks in the pavement' allows us an opportunity to visually illustrate this in the video. This is a convention of soul genre music videos as often some lyrics have deeper meaning, likewise with this particular one. By showing it in it's literal form, it allows the audience to think about its deeper and underlying meaning as they notice the way it has been emphasised. This also supports Goodwin's theory, as this is one of the aspects that he found to be included in music videos. Linking the lyrics to the visuals also helps to create correct imagery that is intended for the audience to picture and therefore allows strengthening the familiarity of the artist for the audience. Another convention of soul is that the lyrics have deeper, hidden and meanings that are not initial. For example, this is illustrated in the same lyrics of 'missing out the cracks in the pavement' as it represents the artist as being quite weary but also could suggest them reflecting a feeling of paranoia. If you miss out cracks in the pavement it suggests you for being quite a superstitious person as, it is said that it you stand/walk on pavement cracks you will receive bad luck. The fact the artist has stated this means that the audience can recognise that even though the artist is trying their hardest to avoid bad luck, they are still receiving it, relentless of their efforts. In addition, another convention of the soul genre is the song being based on personal experiences. This is reflected within the lyrics through the frequent use of personal pronouns such as 'I' which reinforces the personal feelings in which the artist is expressing. This personal aspect can be developed in our music video by displaying the artist performing to the camera which will make the more personal aspect more prominent to the audience. By having this, the audience will be able to connect better and build relationship between them as they are more understanding of the artist's true, inner and personal feelings. 

Our annotations will also help us plan the cinematography in which will be included within our video. For example, the last time the artist sings 'round my hometown..' we intend to make a large build up in order to reflect the personal meaning of the hometown to the artist and to also mirror it being the final time in which she sings it. This has inspired us to not just create this climatic ending through the expressions of the artist, but also through the cinematography in order to emphasise this lyric. On the word 'round' we would like to mirror this image by using a panning shot of the artist transitioned into a panning shot of London, making it flow and as swift a transition as possible. This will be quite difficult to achieve successfully, however if we do manage to get the angles/levels and speed of both shots included correct, it should look creative and effective. Using a noticeable visual change in order to show this movement makes it more likely for the audience to take notice and appreciate the effect that has been created. It will make the audience feel more engaged as there wouldn't be shots like it previously shown in the video and also because it is a bit different, it creates interest within the video. It could be more on the unconventional side to the soul genre because it may be quite a quick movement in order to ensure timing is achieved on the lyric that we want. Soul genre music videos tend to take a slower-paced approach and so this contrasts with this, though because it is reflecting particular emotion of the artist, it could still be seen as being conventional because often soul genre music videos have aspects that do reflect the emotions of the artist. The movement of the cinematography here could display deeper meanings such as the fact that the artist may feel that her life is just a vicious circle from this movement - this being the way she feels positive then negative, etc. This also creates a relationship with the audience as they feel sympathetic towards the artist as they get the impression that they are trapped in a situation they cannot seek help for or cannot come to terms with. The planning of cinematography is also assisted by our annotations from the way in which we can use mid shots and long shots of the artist and her friends in her 'hometown'. We can include these shots during the parts of the song where 'wonders of my world' is repeated, as this is where the artist is referring to the people she met in her hometown. The way in which this is emphasised, further reinforces the personal meaning that these people have on the artist, and so, by also emphasising this through the visuals in the video, it will help reflect this to the audience. In the shots, by also displaying the artist as being happy and positive with her friends, will help us to demonstrate how her life has changed now - for the worse. Using a cinematography aspect to emphasise this will be more noticed by the audience as it is naturally the first aspect of the shot that they will acknowledge. Using both mid shots and long shots will prevent these parts of the video from becoming boring as it adds interest within. Furthermore, to enhance the contrast in emotions between the artist in the past to now, we can use close ups/extreme close ups in the scenes to really reflect a true and genuine emotion of how the artist is feeling. This full exposure of the artist will allow the audience to witness the intricate detail of their expressions and so will more likely be able to relate to them and connect with them. 

In addition to cinematography, our annotations will also assist us with planning the editing that will be used within our music video. The most prominent editing technique in which we have chosen to use in our music video is a black and white filter, that has been decided due to the lyrics and their hidden meanings. From looking at the overall mood of the song, it reflects positivity when Adele reflects on her hometown which suggests that her past is associated with happier images as opposed to how she is at present. The artist is asked a question in the first verse, "is there anything I can do for you dear? Is there anyone I could call" which suggests that she is visiting somewhere she is not commonly known for being present in, however, she rejects this as she replies thanking them and saying that she is 'not lost just wandering' - displaying that she is familiar with the place. This obviously has a personal connection with the artist as it is evident that she can see how it has changed. It is as if the 'memories are fresh' for her and when she goes back, that's all she remembers, however it has changed so much since she was back there. This change seems to be negative as she seems to reflect positively on the memories and the people associated to these memories, however slightly differently to the present where conflict is very much reflect in the lyrics. For example, 'you get the people and the government, everybody taking different sides' displays tension within the place that she fondly remembers. It reflects how it has changed from the way it was when it was her actual 'hometown'. The black and white filter will emphasise this reflective nature of looking back at past events as this is what black and white colouring is associated with. The monotone nature of the filter also reflects the negative association of how the place is now, giving it more a sense of unfamiliarity even though the artist still feels that the 'memories are fresh' and that nostalgia is still a very strong theme. The lacking of the brighter colours mirrors the lack of positivity within the artist's life and the way they feel about their 'hometown' now. This is what has made having this particular editing technique appropriate for these parts of the song where the artist is performing, not to mention the fact that it is very conventional to the genre of soul. Adele along with many other soul artists such as Amy Winehouse, use black and white filters in their videos to help reflect specific emotions to their audience in order to make it as clear and distinct as possible. This negative atmosphere that is created as a result makes the audience feel sympathetic towards the artist as they feel more understanding in reference to how the artist feels. A further editing technique that we will be using, besides this one, will be fast-paced editing. In the second verse, the lyric remarks 'I like it in the city when the air is so thick and opaque', where 'thick' and 'opaque' are emphasised. This metaphorical idea suggests that the artist likes it when there is a lot going on and when there is depth and complexity to the setting. By using long shots of London that are past-paced edited, it will help to reflect this 'thickness' of the air especially by complying to the 'city' in which Adele refers to. As well as this, using the word 'opaque' reflects quite a solid but plain view that suggests a lacking of detail. The fast-paced nature of this editing technique allows the shots to be seen more in a blur style rather than displaying every intricate detail of what is being captured. This not only reflects this 'thick' and 'opaque' idea, but also interweaves the complexity of the artist's frantic and hectic lifestyle. With this in mind, we are able to connect two ideas into one - the emotions of the artist and the representation of the artist, which allows a better understanding for the audience. By overlapping these shots with others such as the artist shown in her hometown during the chorus, it helps to show the contrast between the two settings. Additionally, the way that we will be using slow timing of shots on the other contrasting shots, it will help to emphasise this change in emotion of the artist that will be displayed in the lyrics, cinematography and the editing as a whole. Fast-paced editing isn't conventional to the soul genre as slow timing of shots is more the preferred style of speed editing. However, due to the fact that it is being used to convey emotions that the artist expresses aids it for being exposing of the artist's feelings to the audience. This is a convention of the soul genre - being open and emotive to the audience and so, could be seen for being conventional when looking at it from this perspective. 

Mise-en-scene is a very important aspect to any production - this includes music videos. Our annotations have helped to assist us with planning what to display in terms of the following elements within mise-en-scene: setting and iconography, lighting, positioning of characters, facial expressions and body language and costume, hair and makeup. Firstly, I will discuss how the annotations have aided our planning of the setting and iconography within our video. I have already spoken about the lyric that starts the second verse, 'I like it in the city when..', which also is appropriate to take note about here too. This makes the clearest reference to the setting in terms of the lyrics and so, this gives us a good idea of what setting would evidently be successful to use in our video. Using London is ver appropriate due to the fact this is where Adele is referencing to but also the audience will be familiar with this setting and so it will be more relatable to those audiences. As well as this, by recalling this as her hometown, it shows the audience that the artist isn't afraid to open up about their personal feelings and life in general, which makes her conventional as she is expressing a personal experience and a personal meaning to the audience. However, although the artist can be portrayed conventionally here, the setting of London isn't so conventional. This is because most soul genre music video settings are more isolated and private, usually some having the artist as the only individual within it. Although this setting isn't conventional, in order to display that the artist is famous in the present day, we are also including the setting of a stage where the artist will supposedly be performing. This is conventional as it allows the artist to express emotions in a genuine and realistic way in which the audience can recognise from the natural and rawness of the performance in which they give. This will especially be appropriate during the improvised section before the last chorus as the expression of the artist will closely be followed by the audience as it is as if the lack of lyrics make the artist perform as they feel which makes their performance a lot more true and genuine. To reflect the frequent reference to the 'hometown' we are changing it slightly by not making London our artist, Amy's, hometown but somewhere more isolated and low-key in order to comply more closely with a setting conventional to the soul genre. This is why we are thinking to use Theydon Bois which is a small village that will help also reflect the innocence and lack of complexity of the artist's life before she becomes famous - this is our narrative. The audience will also be able to connect with her and the meaning behind the 'hometown' that the artist frequently makes reference to in the lyrics, as more audience members are likely to be living in a setting such as this one, strengthening the relatable nature of the artist. Another element of mise-en-scene is the lighting included within a production. Our annotations have helped to plan ideas for the lighting, for example, the second line of the chorus states that 'memories are fresh'. Taking the word 'fresh' that is used reflects quite a positive and uplifting image as, if something is 'fresh' it seems to only be used in a positive way when making reference to something. The memories being 'fresh' makes the artist feel as if they had never left the hometown in which they are visiting - this idea is additionally reflected in the first lyric of the song, 'I've been walking in the same way as I did' and this can be quite a comforting thought for some audience members. To expose this idea, during the parts of our video where the artist is with friends shown happily in their hometown, it has assisted us in a way that we can choose to use high-key lighting here. The high-key lighting does not only reflect exposure, but also demonstrates a positive and innocent interpretation as it symbolises goodness and purity. Using this type of high-key lighting will help to create and enhance the positive atmosphere that the artist associates with at this time in her life. High-key lighting isn't necessarily conventional to the genre of soul as the content of most soul songs are more depressing and negative and so low-key lighting tend to emphasise this theme. However, we will be using low-key lighting on the performance style shots to reflect the negative outlook in which the artist has for her life at that time. Having both extremes of lighting makes a clear contrast between the emotions of the artist in the two different times of her life easy to achieve and be successful because the lighting is so contrasting. Therefore, the audience are able to acknowledge this a lot more easily and in a way that makes them feel sympathetic for the audience as they would hope for the artist to maybe reflect on the past negatively but show her as feeling positive in the present day, rather than the other way round. Positioning of characters is the next element of mise-en-scene that has been assisted to planning by the annotations in which we have made. The comments Adele makes within the song are fairly general such as 'I like it in the city'. By making her central in the shots gives her more of a narrator role, where she i overviewing her hometown and making comments about what she sees and how she feels. Being central in shot also makes the audience automatically drawn to her as focus naturally takes place in the centre of the screen. It also reflects the idea of everything revolving around her and this idea that she may feel trapped in these emotions that surround her that she cannot break our of. The repetition of 'round' in the lyrics can also visually be supportive of this from making the artist central in the shots as it ensures that attention is on her and that everything around her is being taken note of and acknowledged by her. This is conventional to the genre of soul because it reflects the build up of emotions that surround the artist which is usually the case with soul genre songs as they have hidden meanings and more emotions that are being expressed than the initial, quite obvious ones that are brought to attention at the beginning. Another element of mise-en-scene is the facial expressions and body language displayed throughout. In the lyrics there is a change in structure at the bridge/middle 8 where two lines are repeated to create a four line section. We are using the cleaner version of the song which will not include the only mild swearing of 'sh*t' within in, however the message without the use of swearing is still clear. The mood changes in the song at this point as the lyrics are more aggressive in a way, and so this needs to be reflected in the artist too. The best way to show this is through the facial expressions as it shows rawness and a genuine, personal emotion when the expressions of the artist are clearly displayed in a way that makes them seem real. This also makes the performance that is delivered more connecting with the audience as the emotions are more accurately portrayed, giving a better quality perception and understanding of the emotions. The last point of mise-en-scene is the costume, hair and makeup. Previously, I have spoken about the 'memories are fresh' lyric in the song, which is also notably appropriate to point out here also. When she is singing this lyric, the video will show the artist in the hometown with her friends when they were younger and before she is famous. By dressing the artist and their friends in casual clothing, this not only reflects their youth and innocent perception but also makes them relatable to the audience as the costume is more likely close/similar to something audience members would wear. This also can be used to mirror a contrast between the appearance of the artist in the present as opposed to back then in the past when she was younger. In the performance style shots of the video, the artist will be seen wearing black with red lipstick as this will help to age the artist and how how she is reflecting on her life. She needs to be displayed as being older and more classic in order to comply with the conventions of the soul genre. For example, wearing black symbolises how negative and sad the artist feels about themselves and their life - further reflecting insecurity which is also conventional of the soul genre. Wearing red lipstick demonstrates her passion for what she is singing about and will also help reinforce the personal meaning that she has for the hometown she is singing about and how the people she has met mean so much to her to the extent that they are the 'wonders' of her world. 

Other than mise-en-scene, the music video style has been helped to plan, due to our annotations of the lyrics. The improvisation near the end, just before the last part of the final chorus reflects the way in which the artist performs how she is feeling and reflects how the talent just occurs naturally to her, with the way in which she doesn't have to think about what she is doing. In a more deeper connotation, it also symbolises the lack of direction that she feels she has for her life and ironically could suggest that she is lost. This is ironic because this contrasts to the first verse where she states that she doesn't need any help when in fact she does. The idea that she sees to restrict the positive emotions from influencing her also is reflected here as it is as if she won't let anyone help her or she won't seek help from others. By singing this part during the performance style parts of the video, it makes the emotions of the artist expressed more accurately and allows them to express it in a true and genuine way that the audience can acknowledge and connect with. The narrative style is more shown in the lyrics that relate to the setting such as 'I like it in the city..' and 'I've been walking in the same way as I did..', as well as 'memories are fresh' and 'round my hometown'. During these lyrics, the artist will be shown portraying happy and positive emotions and acting out scenes with the friends that demonstrate how good the friendship and bond is between them. This also links in to the lyrics, 'the people I've met are the wonders of my world' as it illustrates the value that the artist has for these people that she knows. The relationship between the artist and the audience is retrieved through particular lyrics that are included. For example, 'tutting my heel and strutting my feet' has a hidden connotation that could suggest how the artist has been through struggles along the way to where they are now. This can be relatable to the majority of the audience as they would have likely been through hard times or situations that would have been difficult to deal with likewise with the artist. By having this common ground, it makes the artist more relatable and the lyrics and emotions that they express more appreciated as they are mirrored within particular audience members. It is also satisfying that the artist is represented in a way that makes them seem like a normal person and that they can still have the same emotions as any other normal audience member. This builds the relationship between the artist and the audience because it also makes the artist seem quite idolising, as it shows that a normal person with normal feelings and tough boundaries to break through can achieve what they pursue to achieve. This is conventional to the soul genre as most soul genre artists tend to be illustrated in a relatable way as this is an effective way in achieving a artist/audience relationship. It means that the audience can accept the emotions that the artist displays a lot more easily and that they can also take into account the emotions they express. In addition to this, the lyric that remarks 'I love to see everybody in short skirts, shorts and shades. denotes how the artist is fond of the hotter weather and the Summer time in the city. Though, this lyric connotes that she wants everyone to feel happy being themselves and reflecting who they are and also being proud of it. This can help to reflect a slight concept to the video also as this is the message that is being portrayed here - to be yourself and be proud of it. Likewise with a lyric that shortly follows 'I like it in the city when two worlds collide' which reflects how the artist likes peace and doesn't like the idea of conflict. This is comforting for the audience as it is as though the artist is assuring them the confidence they may need to be themselves. It encourages them to act in way that is true to them and genuinely represents themselves. This is fairly conventional to the genre of soul because they can often give advice and confidence to others but ironically lack it within themselves as they mostly demonstrate a lot of insecurity. The audience feel obliged to reflect the advice back onto artist as it makes them feel empathetic towards them. The lyric 'shows that we are united' also welcomes the audience into being involved with the artist and reflects the message that at the end of the day, we are all the same and we are all able to unite in some way because of this. Because of this, the audience feel satisfied and positive in the way that they feel as if the artist is making a more personal reference to them. Targeting the audience is achieved through the help of the annotations we have made. The overall theme throughout making reference to the artist's hometown makes it more relatable across a wider audience. From young generations to old, they can relate because everyone has a hometown, most of which people are fond of and have attached dear memories to them. The fact that this hometown is in London makes it familiar with most people here meaning that they can relate. Having the song not be based around a conventional love story/breakup means that more younger generations can relate and connect to the artist as they would have more likely felt how the artist expresses here, rather than how they would in a love story/breakup themed song. This wide audience range makes it difficult to satisfy all due to the diversity between the audience members, however, the mix of positivity and negativity reflected through the lyrics means that there is a connection to be made that could satisfy everyone.

We will use our annotations in a way to start storyboarding our music video in detail from the points that have been outlined to use particular ideas. For example, by annotating the lyrics and looking over the annotations in which we have made, it is clear which points in the song change in terms of mood for example (the middle 8) and change in terms of content. The second verse is very prominently going to reflect more narrative scenes whereas the rest of the song will have a more one sided balance of performance scenes in order to reflect what is going on with the lyrics and achieve the emotion that is being intendedly displayed. The annotations have helped us think about the way in which we can also represent the artist and in more unique ways rather than just simply facial expressions. We are now able to note that we can use a black and white filter to represent the reflecting of past and also the negative feelings that the artist has. Fast-paced editing is another example of what can be used to display particular ideas that may not originally been initial, like the hectic lifestyle of the artist. With the storyboard, we can now note specific points in which we want to make a change of setting or lighting for example, which will help compliment the lyrics presently being sung at the time.