Narrative Workshop (Andrew Goodwin)

'Music videos are simply an extension of the lyrics.' - Andrew Goodwin

How could you prove/disprove this?

Some music videos follow the lyrics and the storyline of the song so that the video represent the message that is portrayed in the song and they use emotion as well like the music video for 'Wrecking Ball' by Miley Cyrus. However, some music video is completely separated from the song, so that the music video almost doesn't have anything to do with the song. An example of this is the music video for 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger' by Daft Punk.


What does it mean?

The quote means that music videos are there to enhance the meaning of the lyrics and the storyline behind the song and are visual representations of the song.


How significant is this?

It mainly depends on the song as some songs can be really ambiguous and vague and people can take different meanings from the song. This is also the same for when people watch music videos as people can take several different meanings from the video. There is also significance with the lyrics as they can be either literal or metaphorical and the music video can only enhance that.


What evidence can you already present for this?

An example that I thought of immidealtly which disproves the theory, is 'Blurred Lines' by Robin Thicke. Whilst the song itself and the video are fairly up-beat, the actual lyrics and the meaning is quite dark and contreversial, but the music video is completley different thus giving the song quite a positive feel.

An example that I feel proves the theory is, 'Run Boy Run' by Woodkid as I feel the video follows the lyrics.


Do you agree with this?

I do agree with this mainly because the music video can enhance the lyrics and make the message thats being sent across more clear. However, I think that sometimes the song can change the meaning of the music video.