Make America Great Again by Frank Turner (2018)
What does this song respond to?
- This song is in response to Trump’s Presidential election campaigns
What does this song offer? / What concerns do I have for it?
- The song offers…
- The song is in protest to the slogan “make America great again”
- It is taking this saying and putting a new meaning to it
- The new meaning is defined by the artist throughout this song in ways such as ending racism and being more compassionate to one another – this and other ways is how Frank is saying America will actually be “great”
- Being a part of Frank’s “Be More Kind” album he is making a stance with this album release as a whole that society needs to be more kind – that people need to be more mindful of the treatment of others
- Concerns…
- I am not sure if Frank is a U.S. citizen or not – If not does this song still hold weight for Americans? Would Americans find this advice credible?
Response to Music
- “Route 66” vibes in the beginning
- good consistent beat
- strong use of guitar
- repetitive beat/cords with some intrigue in use of guitar
- music that is easy to dance to
- about halfway through the song the music, lyrics end and there is a focus on piano sounds that are very happy sounding
- Piano sounds add to the rest of the repetitive beat for rest of song
- Fade out with guitar to end the of song
Response to Lyrics
- Although the artist is an Englishman that may be “ignorant” he is a citizen of the US. and giving suggestions as to how America can actually be “great again”
- Voices that racism should not be present but that compassion needs to brought into the culture more
- Through the artists travels he has only been shown hospitality and warmth from this country (all over the continent) and that this attitude seems like common sense to him
- Perhaps relating President Trump’s presidency to the King of England – saying we fought for freedom in The New World but now “the program” or our current government is not working towards a free and just society
- Hope is evoked toward the end saying “everyone can start again” meaning our country can be better and that people have a right to migrate here, start a new life and not be labeled as “illegal”
- Also, there is a reminder to keep ourselves and our “oldest friends” accountable in their actions, saying to talk with others about how to be kinder and “better” – that is what will make America “great again” according to the artist
Response to Singer’s Delivery
- Talk-singing
- Easy to understand / very clear language
- Articulate
- Male soloist flows well with a musical background
- As much as the music is consistent, the tone of the artist’s voice is also somewhat monotoned
Overall Understanding of song
- The repetitiveness of “make America great again” is being used to go against how the saying is usually used – for Trump’s campaign
The Man by Taylor Swift (2019)
What does this song respond to?
- This song is a response to gender issues within our society
- It speaks to the inequality in society’s treatment of differing genders – specifically the lack of respect for women due to the assumption that women are weak
What does this song offer? / What concerns do I have for it?
- This song offers …
- A powerful message to women that although men may be “naturally” given more respect when authoritative, still do not let your voice be weakened
- Concerns…
- I feel as though I don’t have any concerns in potentially using this song
Response to Music
- Electric beat consistently throughout the song
- Not instrumental
- Dream-like sounds
- Music is easy to dance to / move the head to
- Strong beats – sharp backbeats
- At one point the strong beats stop for some time to focus on lyrics
Response to Lyrics
- The lyrics take an annoyed tone – in response to how people treat the artist
- She is saying overall that people wouldn’t give her a hard time for being herself if she “was a man”
- She is saying that if she were a man then not only would she be given more respect (generally) from others than she would be THE man – that people would like or love her more
- In the beginning, she is defining what kind of man she would be – “complex” and “cool”
- That she would “play the field” with girls before committing to a relationship
- In “playing the field” that would socially be okay for her to do – because she would be “THE man”
- She would be an “alpha” (take charge) and a “fearless leader”
- She is basically saying that if she were to be herself as a man she would be seen as amazing and loved so much but through being herself as a woman, it is easy for people to criticize, judge and negatively comment about her
- She is making an argument that all the words that would be spoken about her as “the man” would only be positive and uplifting whereas her being herself as a woman has allowed for people to criticize her greatly
Response to Singer’s Delivery
- Articulate
- Sharing her message clearly
- Sings in a way that is infectious for her audience
- Makes it easy for others to sing along with her
- Anthem like when she sings “id be the man…yeah”
Overall Understanding of song
- This song is taking a stance against sexism and the lack of respect that tends to be shown, women
Make America Great Again by frank turner – 2018
https://open.spotify.com/track/7EiPjRxpeTFIVmq50SELlV?si=ELfnviNaQ3KmI54aBkOKUQ
The Man by Taylor Swift – 2019
https://open.spotify.com/track/3RauEVgRgj1IuWdJ9fDs70?si=hYUnhEZdSs-_9OsqGe1t2Q
Sophia Terry
February 2, 2020 at 8:31 am
Hi Sophia,
Of these two, I would suggest doing your podcast on Taylor Swift’s “The Man.” The other song is kind of over-the-top and there is quite a bit going on right now with Taylor Swift that you can build into your podcast, such as her role in the #metoo movement, her new Netflix documentary, and so on.
So, unless you feel very strongly about the other song, I’d go with taylor.
Looking forward to your project!
Bill