Final Exam
Take-home Final Exam
Fall 2019
Choose a song and analyze it in depth. It can be in any style, from anywhere and any era, but should have lyrics and be of a manageable length (say 3-10 minutes). Write 2-3 pages about the song. In addition, type out the lyrics (this doesn’t count as part of the 2-3 pages). Be sure to include the song title and performer(s).
Email your exam, along with any extra credit or outstanding journal assignments – to and, to be on the safe side, also to by
midnight Friday December 20.
Describe the song musically:
– what instruments are playing?
– what is the form of the song (outline the entire song as best as you can, e.g. intro-verse-chorus-verse-chorus-guitar solo-verse-bridge-extended chorus)
– describe some different parts of the song using elements terms (e.g. it starts in a slow tempo with soft dynamics and high-pitched synthesizer chords, etc.)
– what is the vocal style? describe the voice-type as best you can (e.g. a high, thin, falsetto to start, descending midway to a fuller low voice, with punctuating yelps and growls; or, a full soprano with lots of ornamentation and melisma, in a style reminiscent of gospel singing)
– is the song in a particular genre? what makes it so? (e.g. a rhythmic pattern, or a guitar sound, a singing style, etc.)
– anything more specific you could say about the beat, harmonies, or particular lines/riffs?
Discuss the lyrics:
– how do the lyrics relate to the music? Is the mood similar between words and setting (e.g. happy lyrics set to upbeat, peppy music) – if not, can you think of a reason why there would be a discrepancy (or is it just poor text-setting)?
– are the lyrics in a form (a rhyme scheme, or a strong rhythmic or metric element)? Is this reflected in the musical setting?
You may, optionally, also choose to go into:
– socio-historical perspective (the social setting your song was written in or draws from, any message or function – political lyrics, geared toward a particular market, being part of a religious ceremony, role of technology, regional influence, etc.)
– roles of various personnel involved (producer, songwriter, performers, etc.)
– influences on the song (earlier songs, performers, or styles – what are they, and what’s the connection you hear?)
– personal commentary (I want to hear your thoughts on the song! Just don’t make this the bulk of your paper, limit it to a couple of paragraphs)
– anything else you deem relevant
NOTE: This seems like a lot to cover, but you don’t need to include every topic here. Just write about what seems most important or relevant to you, especially in the music and lyrics. I mostly want to see that you’re being attentive listeners and really engaging with your song, trying to figure out what’s happening in it musically (and not just writing about biography or personal feelings, though those can be a small part of your paper too).
** Beware of plagiarism – don’t copy verbatim from a book or website, put everything in your own words, or, in a limited way, use quotation. And cite sources! **
What Students Are Saying About Us
.......... Customer ID: 12*** | Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Honestly, I was afraid to send my paper to you, but you proved you are a trustworthy service. My essay was done in less than a day, and I received a brilliant piece. I didn’t even believe it was my essay at first 🙂 Great job, thank you!"
.......... Customer ID: 11***| Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This company is the best there is. They saved me so many times, I cannot even keep count. Now I recommend it to all my friends, and none of them have complained about it. The writers here are excellent."
"Order a custom Paper on Similar Assignment at essayfount.com! No Plagiarism! Enjoy 20% Discount!"
