Final Project blog

Songs of Inspiration: Music that make me feel stronger and want to change the world

The first song that I chose for my analysis is a song that when I first heard it played on the radio I had made it my own personal anthem is by artist Kelly Clarkson titled, Stronger. When ever I hear this particular song, it makes me feel emotions of inspiration, happiness, confidence, freedom, strength, and yet as a woman, invincible! I find this song to be important to me because women are being abused and mistreated by men often, and are looked down upon by society. A good example is a lot of hip/hop rap artists like to use profane words about women in their song lyrics. I personally don't agree with it and have no tolerance for it. Therefore, no other woman should either. Women in my honest opinion need to be more respected, inspired, encouraged, acknowledged, appreciated, and recognized of all races and of all origins.

Stronger was written by three song writers Jorgen Elofssen, Ali Tamposi, and David Gamson, and co-written by Kelly Clarkson. Stronger was written on September 2010, because Clarkson was being disrespected by her boyfriend who she happened to be dating at the time, and was very upset about it. I find this kind of song important to society because I believe that it's time that women should not give up on being what they want to be or do what they want to do, and no longer be mistreated by men under any circumstances. Women now more than ever should be fed up with being told or treated like they should only be seen and not heard.

The three elements for stronger: The rhythm is a fast, upbeat tempo that easily can put you in the mood to want to dance and sing along with it. The harmony is Kelly Clarkson singing both soprano and alto on the lead vocals and backup, melody is low pitch and conjunct because it has similar notes throughout the song. For the elements in Stronger I feel like Clarkson is actually saying according to the lyrics that "Life goes on, and I've moved on. I'm better off without you!" 

The second song for my analysis is sung by artist Eric Clapton titled, Change the World. When I first heard this song,  it made me feel emotions of hope, less fear, less sorrow, and at peace. This song is also important to me because as I am now getting older, I want to make a difference in not just how I continue to live, but how I simply treat others and in my attitude. Therefore, I think that it's not the world itself that needs to change, but the people that still live in the world today need to consider to change and have fewer wars, crime, impatience, and anger. Only peace, unity, harmony, and love.

On  February 13, 1996  Eric Clapton did a cover of  Change the World  because he had wished that he had a supernatural power to prove  his undying love for the woman that he truly loves. This song is important to me because I find that in the world today that there is simply not enough love being shown or expressed amongst people. We as humans may find it easier to say than actually feel or show. However, in todays society, it is, in my mind more important, to make it proven so that it can be real and everlasting. In my honest opinion, love is not expressed enough and therefore to most people it is overrated. Change the world was originally written by three other song writers Tommy Sims, Gordon Kennedy, and Wayne Kirkpatrick and was originally recorded by Wynonna Judd.

The Elements for Change the World:  The rhythm is more slow, low tone, and the theme seems to be more smooth and easy sounding. In the middle of the chorus the conjunct melody changes to higher notes. The elements in
Change the World make me feel like Clapton  is saying in his song lyrics that through having and expressing love around the world, there is hope for change in the world.

The way that this course has changed my relationship to music is that I feel like I have a much more deeper appreciation for various styles of music than when I was a kid growing up and listened to it. There is an old saying that says, "Don't knock it till you've tried it." In all fairness and honesty, you should not judge any style of music that comes out without actually listening to it and further exploring  it. Meaning, don't say what style of music you like or dislike without first listening to it.  I must also say that music indeed makes the world go round, and also makes time pass by quicker when you listen to while doing something constructive such as cleaning around the house. It can even give you a positive outlook on life.

Sources:

Waterman, Doug. “The Story behind the Song: Kelly Clarkson, ‘Stronger.’” American Songwriter, American Songwriter, 21 Oct. 2019, https://americansongwriter.com/stronger-kelly-clarkson-behind-the-song/.

“Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Dec. 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stronger_(What_Doesn%27t_Kill_You).

London, Amanda, et al. “‘Change the World’ by Eric Clapton.” Song Meanings and Facts, Song Meanings and Facts, 30 Oct. 2020, https://www.songmeaningsandfacts.com/change-the-world-by-eric-clapton/.

“Change the World.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Nov. 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Change_the_World.