Tolerate it is masterful! I love when Taylor takes what seems like a simple lyrical concept and shifts the narrative almost effortlessly to tell a deeper story throughout the song. With "Mr Perfectly Fine" she kind of does that as well. Initially it sounds snide from feeling abandoned, but as the song progresses, she goes from accepting that while HE as moved on, well, now SHE has now moved...its done in a very naturally and organically way. It shifts from feeling vulnerable to being empowered. Love her lyrics!
Brilliant analysis! Taylor’s exceptional talent as a lyricist becomes even more impressive when the context (the constraints of 5/4 time) is so well explained.
In addition to the two you've previously reviewed, some of the folklore/evermore songs I find most intriguing are Cowboy Like Me, Ivy, and The Lakes. On Midnights, Maroon and You're On Your Own Kid always fascinate me. All of these songs feel unconventional - at least to me. But I don't know, in technical terms, what (if anything) makes any of them unconventional or particularly interesting from the perspective of, say, a future historian of music. Just, in general, I find myself wondering how Taylor's music fits into the grand scheme of music history. Is her success rooted mostly in quirks of the industry, or does she have some raw talents as a musician/entertainer that play a major role in making her stand out from the crowd? I feel like some sort of "perfect storm" is happening with her career.
That’s a fascinating question! She’s obviously a very shrewd businesswoman/marketer, but I think without people naturally connecting to her personality & music, none of that would matter. I think it’s the intersection of luck & preparation… and good for her! I do wonder how she’ll stand the test of time and what people will say about her decades/centuries from now.
I love videos like this!!!! ❤ also, I love that you mentioned the opening and closing line being the same but feeling different. I love that closing line because, to me, it solidifies that she’s just been silently watching him the whole time she’s been playing out the emotions of this song in her head, but never actually says anything out loud.
Thanks so much!! I didn’t consider that perspective, but it makes perfect sense. I could definitely see this song as a monologue playing in her head while she sits there in silence. That’s a cool thought!
Re: opening doors for other pop artists to explore non-standard time signatures: If you follow David Bennett Piano, you're probably already aware of his recent breakdown of Willow's latest song, which is super jazzy and has verses in 7/4, while still feeling natural. I can't get enough of it myself. :-) And her previous song has verses in a fast 5/8 and chorus in 6/8!
I love David Bennett but haven’t seen that video yet! I’ll give it a look- thanks for the rec! We’re big fans of weird time signatures over in this corner of the internet
Connor, please tell me, what exactly does Swift write for the track, is it just the text, or is it also a vocal melody? I don't know much about it. But many people think that she only writes the lyrics for the track, and judging by the video, I understand the main melody too. In general, what is the difference between where only she writes and where her co-writers are? I'm sorry if there are mistakes in the text, English is not my native language 🙂
No apology necessary, that’s a great question! For most of her work (especially her more recent work), she writes the lyrics AND the vocal melody. Her cowriters are primarily her producers, and their writing credits stem from handling the instrumentation, chord progressions, etc. There’s some cross-over- for example, she’ll sometimes assist with the chords/arrangement and sometimes her producers will help with the vocal melody and/or lyrics- but for the most part, for her, that’s how it tends to break down!
@@SongwriterSanctuary Good evening Connor, thanks for the prompt response.🙂 It became even clearer. Well, during my short time as Swifties, I have gathered information about her work. Based on her voice messages, behind-the-scenes videos, and interviews with her co-writers, I realized that she has about 3 songwriting options🤔 Tay says she writes ALL her songs. Probably she always writes lyrics and melody 1. Probably the most frequent. Tay writes lyrics, a vocal melody, chords to this melody (maybe in full, maybe just a chorus, or a verse). She's going to the studio. Her co-writers (Max, Imogen, Jack, Ryan, etc.) write instruments and chords for instruments and receive credits for this 2. Tay gets a ready-made instrumental track with chords. She writes lyrics/melody. And put the melody on the chords from the track and adding your own chords. Also using some melodic lines for some part of the melody. Co-writers receive credits for instrumental and chords 3. 3. Tay writes everything. Lyrics/melody/ chords for melody/ chords for instruments . And she takes all the credits for herself This is my very generalized view based on the information collected. I obviously didn't understand something enough, I'm wrong somewhere. Connor please correct me🧐
Everything in its Right Place by Radiohead, the classic Take 5 by Dave Brubeck, several songs by Dave Matthews and others There's nothing here that shows the ridiculous claim of REINVENTED music theory. Down voted.
@@joshuepico75 I didn't see anything that "redefined pop music theory" as the headline claimed. But please, inform me as to what it is that redefines pop music theory.
awww! Poor little baby can't accept the fact that Taylor is pretty great! Listen, the guy is giving a pretty critical analysis, but Noooo! It's about Taylor. God forbid that she might be one of the greats!
@@natmirotta517 You're obsessing over a pop-star / gossip machine for teenagers, and I'm the "little baby"? Lol, projecting much? Also, "one of the greats", seriously? If you think that, you wouldn't know the greats if they bit you in the ass!
Is she having a moment? Absolutely. Am I a genuine fan who thinks she’s brilliant? Most definitely. If you think she’s mediocre, this is a fair criticism, but I just don’t agree with the premise!
What other songs should I break down?
Cowboy like me please
exile!
Could you break down, Michael Jackson's Morphine from his 1997 remix album, Blood on the Dance Floor - HIStory in the Mix.
Tolerate it is masterful! I love when Taylor takes what seems like a simple lyrical concept and shifts the narrative almost effortlessly to tell a deeper story throughout the song. With "Mr Perfectly Fine" she kind of does that as well. Initially it sounds snide from feeling abandoned, but as the song progresses, she goes from accepting that while HE as moved on, well, now SHE has now moved...its done in a very naturally and organically way. It shifts from feeling vulnerable to being empowered. Love her lyrics!
Exactly how I interpreted it! Her ability to convey the change in perspective throughout a story is unparalleled
I was floored when I heard such a beautiful sad song from her in 5/4. 😍😍😍
Right?? Super impressive that she could pull it off so well
On each of her albums, the 5th track has historically been a sad song… thx for the video!
Brilliant analysis! Taylor’s exceptional talent as a lyricist becomes even more impressive when the context (the constraints of 5/4 time) is so well explained.
Thanks so much!! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
In addition to the two you've previously reviewed, some of the folklore/evermore songs I find most intriguing are Cowboy Like Me, Ivy, and The Lakes. On Midnights, Maroon and You're On Your Own Kid always fascinate me. All of these songs feel unconventional - at least to me. But I don't know, in technical terms, what (if anything) makes any of them unconventional or particularly interesting from the perspective of, say, a future historian of music.
Just, in general, I find myself wondering how Taylor's music fits into the grand scheme of music history. Is her success rooted mostly in quirks of the industry, or does she have some raw talents as a musician/entertainer that play a major role in making her stand out from the crowd? I feel like some sort of "perfect storm" is happening with her career.
That’s a fascinating question! She’s obviously a very shrewd businesswoman/marketer, but I think without people naturally connecting to her personality & music, none of that would matter. I think it’s the intersection of luck & preparation… and good for her! I do wonder how she’ll stand the test of time and what people will say about her decades/centuries from now.
I love videos like this!!!! ❤ also, I love that you mentioned the opening and closing line being the same but feeling different. I love that closing line because, to me, it solidifies that she’s just been silently watching him the whole time she’s been playing out the emotions of this song in her head, but never actually says anything out loud.
Thanks so much!! I didn’t consider that perspective, but it makes perfect sense. I could definitely see this song as a monologue playing in her head while she sits there in silence. That’s a cool thought!
That was really interesting. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Re: opening doors for other pop artists to explore non-standard time signatures: If you follow David Bennett Piano, you're probably already aware of his recent breakdown of Willow's latest song, which is super jazzy and has verses in 7/4, while still feeling natural. I can't get enough of it myself. :-) And her previous song has verses in a fast 5/8 and chorus in 6/8!
I love David Bennett but haven’t seen that video yet! I’ll give it a look- thanks for the rec! We’re big fans of weird time signatures over in this corner of the internet
This is a masterpiece! I love this song!
Thank you so much!! You obviously have great taste 😂
Wow, what an interesting video! Not many videos talk about the lyrics, meaning and production in a thoughtful way. I really appreciate your insight!
Thank you!! I really appreciate that!
my all time fave track 5
Truly a beautiful song 💗💗💗
Couldn’t agree more!
It feels more natural if you feel it as 3-3-2-2 or even 3-3-4
I´m a fan now, love your videos.
I’m so glad! Thank you so much!
Connor, please tell me, what exactly does Swift write for the track, is it just the text, or is it also a vocal melody? I don't know much about it. But many people think that she only writes the lyrics for the track, and judging by the video, I understand the main melody too.
In general, what is the difference between where only she writes and where her co-writers are?
I'm sorry if there are mistakes in the text, English is not my native language
🙂
No apology necessary, that’s a great question! For most of her work (especially her more recent work), she writes the lyrics AND the vocal melody. Her cowriters are primarily her producers, and their writing credits stem from handling the instrumentation, chord progressions, etc. There’s some cross-over- for example, she’ll sometimes assist with the chords/arrangement and sometimes her producers will help with the vocal melody and/or lyrics- but for the most part, for her, that’s how it tends to break down!
@@SongwriterSanctuary Good evening Connor, thanks for the prompt response.🙂 It became even clearer.
Well, during my short time as Swifties, I have gathered information about her work. Based on her voice messages, behind-the-scenes videos, and interviews with her co-writers, I realized that she has about 3 songwriting options🤔
Tay says she writes ALL her songs. Probably she always writes lyrics and melody
1. Probably the most frequent. Tay writes lyrics, a vocal melody, chords to this melody (maybe in full, maybe just a chorus, or a verse). She's going to the studio. Her co-writers (Max, Imogen, Jack, Ryan, etc.) write instruments and chords for instruments and receive credits for this
2. Tay gets a ready-made instrumental track with chords. She writes lyrics/melody. And put the melody on the chords from the track and adding your own chords. Also using some melodic lines for some part of the melody. Co-writers receive credits for instrumental and chords
3. 3. Tay writes everything. Lyrics/melody/ chords for melody/ chords for instruments . And she takes all the credits for herself
This is my very generalized view based on the information collected. I obviously didn't understand something enough, I'm wrong somewhere. Connor please correct me🧐
Everything in its Right Place by Radiohead, the classic Take 5 by Dave Brubeck, several songs by Dave Matthews and others
There's nothing here that shows the ridiculous claim of REINVENTED music theory. Down voted.
I feel like I addressed this, but I understand if you disagree. Sorry to disappoint!
@@SongwriterSanctuary
I'm not sure you know what music theory is
@@lilmsgsexcuse me but what exactly do you know about music theory that hasn’t been addressed in this video if you would be so kind to enlighten us?
@@joshuepico75
I didn't see anything that "redefined pop music theory" as the headline claimed. But please, inform me as to what it is that redefines pop music theory.
A better title would be "How sucking up to a mediocre pop artist people have mass hysteria about gets you views"
awww! Poor little baby can't accept the fact that Taylor is pretty great! Listen, the guy is giving a pretty critical analysis, but Noooo! It's about Taylor. God forbid that she might be one of the greats!
@@natmirotta517 You're obsessing over a pop-star / gossip machine for teenagers, and I'm the "little baby"? Lol, projecting much? Also, "one of the greats", seriously? If you think that, you wouldn't know the greats if they bit you in the ass!
Is she having a moment? Absolutely. Am I a genuine fan who thinks she’s brilliant? Most definitely. If you think she’s mediocre, this is a fair criticism, but I just don’t agree with the premise!
Peace is another Dessner/Swift song with an unusual relationship between the instrumental track and the melody. Also, it suits the lyrics amazingly.