In the reading, BaileyShea poses the question: "Who is the song persona and who is being addressed?" (pg 2). Taking this question and then thinking about the song, Runaround Sue, the persona of the song is clear to be the singer and his experience with his ex girlfriend who is named Sue.
The voice the singer uses contains a very sad tone and gives the listener a sense of sorrow for what the singer has gone through with his ex girlfriend. The song starts off with the lyrics "Here's my story it's sad but true" and immediately a sense of sorrow is brought upon the listener of the song. Also, as described in BaileyShea's article where he says that the use of first person "adds a degree of intimacy"(pd2), the singers use of first person makes the song and his experience more relatable.
As the song progresses, the use of second person becomes present, which adds to the concept of the singer being the persona. This also gives an idea as to who is being addressed because of his use of "you", which gives the song a speech-like feel, or as if the singer is giving you, the listener, advice. The singer sings "well, if you don't to cry like I do, I'd keep away from runaround Sue".
In the end, it is evident that Dion's song, Runaround Sue, shows some of the main concepts written about in BaileyShea's article. The different uses of first and second person create a clear example of the songs persona, the main singer, and also who his target audience is. He is singing to any guy who might come across Sue, or a woman who resembles Sue, and he is trying to warn them that she is distrustful and talks to other guys. He shows this message through techniques talked about in BaileyShea's article, and the songs message and persona are successful.
No comments:
Post a Comment