Music and Stories: "I'll Make a Man Out of You" By Donny Osmond

"I'll Make a Man Out of You" - Donny Osmond
Title: “I’ll Make a Man Out of You”
Larger work it came from: Mulan (animated film)
Composers: Matthew Wilder (music) and David Zippel (lyrics)
Performer: Donny Osmond (singing voice of Captain Li Shang)
Date released: 1998
Country of origin: United States
Genre: Disney soundtrack/musical theater style 

Background and Context

Released in 1998 by Walt Disney Pictures, Mulan tells the story of a young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the Imperial Army. The song “I’ll Make a Man Out of You”, composed by Matthew Wilder with lyrics by David Zippel, accompanies the pivotal training montage where Mulan evolves from an unskilled recruit into a capable warrior. Sung by Donny Osmond as Captain Li Shang, the song is both a musical highlight and a narrative turning point in the film’s story of identity, courage, and transformation.

Set against a backdrop of sweeping orchestral music and martial percussion, the song fuses elements of pop, traditional Chinese instrumentation, and Broadway-style melody. This musical blend reflects the film’s hybrid cultural tone, an American retelling of a Chinese legend told through Disney’s animated lens. The lyrics, full of commands like “Be a man” and “We must be swift as a coursing river,” reflect a militaristic ideal of masculinity that Mulan must mimic to survive. Yet, paradoxically, she is the only soldier who truly fulfills those ideals.

As cultural scholar Amy M. Davis observes, Disney’s heroines in the 1990s began to move beyond traditional passivity: “The female characters of this era challenge the boundaries set for them—not by rejecting femininity, but by redefining what it means to be brave and honorable” (Davis 173). Mulan’s journey, and this song in particular, exemplify that evolution. Her strength lies not in physical dominance but in creativity, strategy, and endurance; all qualities that subvert the masculine ideal presented in the lyrics.

The creation of the song itself also reflects Disney’s careful attention to character development through music. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, composer Matthew Wilder explained that “the song had to be a boot camp anthem but also a turning point—it needed to show that Mulan could become a hero on her own terms” (Entertainment Weekly, 2018). This dual purpose, both comedic and empowering, helped make the sequence one of Disney’s most memorable musical moments.

Through both its lyrics and orchestration, “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” becomes more than a training song; it’s a cultural statement. It dramatizes how gender roles are performed and tested under social pressure, setting the stage for Mulan’s ultimate defiance of those roles later in the film.

Significance 

Scholars and cultural critics have discussed how Mulan uses both story and music to challenge gender expectations. According to film historian Amy M. Davis, Mulan “presents a heroine who resists restrictive expectations by redefining what it means to be brave, loyal, and honorable” (Davis 173). This theme is central to “I’ll Make a Man Out of You.” The lyrics demand that the recruits “become men,” equating masculinity with strength and courage, but it is Mulan, disguised as a man, who embodies these qualities most completely.

As Entertainment Weekly notes, the song’s production blends heroic orchestration and humor to “capture the energy of transformation” within Mulan’s training montage, showing both struggle and triumph (EW, 2018). The irony between the lyrics and the visuals, where a woman proves herself through so-called masculine ideals, creates a subtle commentary on gender performance.

Similarly, RogerEbert.com observes that Mulan “brazenly challenges gender and sexuality,” showing that power and courage are not inherently masculine traits but universal ones (Stern, 2016). This message resonates through the song: while the men struggle, Mulan quietly learns, adapts, and excels. By the end, “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” transforms from a song about meeting male expectations to one about transcending them.

Analysis of Musical Elements

1. Rhythm and Percussion

The song’s driving martial rhythm, powered by snare drums, sharp cymbals, and strong accents, creates a militaristic atmosphere. This rhythmic intensity mirrors the training environment and symbolizes discipline and control. As the song progresses, the tempo feels faster and more forceful, paralleling Mulan’s increasing confidence and capability. The precise rhythm underscores her transformation from an uncertain recruit to a skilled warrior.

2. Melody and Dynamics

The melody starts low and forceful, fitting Captain Shang’s commanding tone, but gradually builds in range and energy as Mulan improves. The rising melodic line during the bridge (“Be a man, you must be swift as the coursing river...”) embodies the song’s theme of self-mastery and transformation. The dynamic contrast between the initial verses and the triumphant final chorus reflects the shift from struggle to success, musically illustrating Mulan’s journey toward empowerment.

Personal Reaction

To me, “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” stands out as one of Disney’s most motivating songs. The sharp percussion, powerful brass, and rising vocals evoke a sense of determination that makes the listener feel ready to take on any challenge. The song’s message, proving one’s worth through persistence rather than conformity, feels empowering. Musically, the combination of energy and irony makes it both exciting and thought-provoking, reminding me that strength can take many forms beyond the traditional ones.

Sources

Davis, Amy M. Handsome Heroes and Vile Villains: Masculinity in Disney’s Feature Animation. John Libbey Publishing / Indiana University Press, 2013. https://dokumen.pub/handsome-heroes-amp-vile-villains-masculinity-in-disneys-feature-animation-9780861969074-0861969073-9780861967049-0861967046.html

“Mulan: The Story Behind ‘I’ll Make a Man Out of You’ and Its Unforgettable Training Montage.” Entertainment Weekly, 19 June 2018. https://ew.com/movies/2018/06/19/mulan-ill-make-a-man-out-of-you-story/

Stern, Marlow. “How Disney’s Mulan Brazenly Challenges Gender and Sexuality.” RogerEbert.com, 28 Dec. 2016. https://www.rogerebert.com/features/how-disneys-mulan-brazenly-challenges-gender-and-sexuality

Wilder, Matthew, and David Zippel. “I’ll Make a Man Out of You.” Mulan: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Walt Disney Records, 1998. https://youtu.be/vGfJeW_CcFY?si=oPsroR1wLC04eWVJ

The Role of the Performer Louis Armstrong

Introduction

Louis Armstrong is one of the most influential performers in American music. Born into poverty in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 4, 1901, Armstrong rose from humble beginnings to become an international icon whose voice and trumpet reshaped jazz and popular music forever. While he did not compose most of the songs he performed, his artistry as an interpreter, improviser, and performer transformed the way audiences experienced music. Armstrong’s vocal and trumpet style proved how emotion, phrasing, and rhythm could shape a piece of music, showing that performance itself is a vital form of artistry.

Biography Summary

Louis Armstrong grew up in one of the poorest neighborhoods in New Orleans, nicknamed “The Battlefield.” His father left when he was a child, and his mother often worked long hours as a laundress. According to Terry Teachout in Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong, he “was not born into music; he seized it, one note at a time, as his way out of the gutter.”

His first exposure to formal music came when he was sent to the Colored Waifs’ Home for Boys after firing a pistol on New Year’s Eve. There, he joined the home’s band and learned to play the cornet, showing exceptional natural talent. After his release, Armstrong played around New Orleans in brass bands and riverboat ensembles, where he developed his sense of improvisation.

In 1922, he was invited by his mentor King Oliver to join his Creole Jazz Band in Chicago. This move marked the beginning of Armstrong’s rise to fame. His amazing trumpet solos quickly drew national attention, and by the mid-1920s, he began recording under his own name with Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five (and later, the Hot Seven). These recordings, including classics such as West End Blues, showcased his groundbreaking solo style and his ability to make each performance sound spontaneous and fresh.

By the 1930s, Armstrong had become one of the first African American entertainers to achieve mainstream popularity across racial boundaries. He appeared in films, performed with big bands, and brought jazz to audiences worldwide. His gravelly voice and joyful personality made songs like What a Wonderful World and Hello, Dolly! beloved across generations.

Musical Selections

1. What a Wonderful World (1967)

• Composers: Bob Thiele (as “George Douglas”) and George David Weiss

• Released: 1967

• Country of Origin: United States

2. West End Blues (1928)

• Composer: Joe “King” Oliver

• Recorded: 1928

• Country of Origin: United States

Musical Analysis

What a Wonderful World

Timbre:
Armstrong’s voice in this song is deep, rough, and warm at the same time. His timbre makes the words sound full of emotion and truth. Even though his voice isn’t smooth like some singers, it has a specialty that connects with people. The Smithsonian Magazine wrote that “Armstrong’s voice carried the sound of experience, turning even a sentimental lyric into a statement of truth.” (“Louis Armstrong and the Meaning of Joy”).

His voice also gives the song a sense of peace and hope. When he sings about seeing “trees of green” and “friends shaking hands,” it feels comforting and real. The texture of his voice tells us that he’s lived through both hard and beautiful moments, and that makes the song more meaningful.

Dynamics:
The dynamics in "What a Wonderful World " are gentle and controlled. Armstrong starts softly, almost like he’s speaking directly to the listener. As the song continues, his voice gets slightly louder and more emotional, especially toward the end when the lyrics talk about love and hope. This slow rise in volume feels like a small build-up of joy.

The orchestra behind him plays softly to leave space for his voice. The calm, steady background helps his gentle dynamics stand out even more. This balance between his voice and the music gives the song a feeling of calm and comfort. Armstrong’s careful control of volume makes every word sound sincere and heartfelt.

West End Blues

Melody:
The song begins with a famous trumpet solo that shows Armstrong’s total control of the melody. The notes rise and fall in a way that sounds almost like singing. He bends some of the notes slightly, giving them a sad but beautiful sound. His playing feels both powerful and gentle, full of emotion and confidence. The melody doesn’t just follow a tune; it also tells a story. As critic Terry Teachout said, “The opening cadenza of ‘West End Blues’ was a declaration of independence for the jazz soloist.” (Teachout 56). Armstrong makes the melody his own, turning it into something unforgettable.

Throughout the rest of the song, Armstrong’s melody feels alive. He changes small details each time he repeats a phrase, adding tiny variations that make it more interesting. This ability to make the same tune sound new every time is part of what made Armstrong such a special performer. 

Rhythm:
Armstrong’s sense of rhythm in West End Blues is another reason the song feels so strong and free. Instead of playing perfectly in time, he plays around the beat, sometimes stretching a note a little longer or jumping ahead of the rhythm. This creates the “swing” feeling that jazz is famous for. It makes the music sound like it’s breathing and moving instead of just being played. You can hear this clearly when the trumpet and piano trade short musical phrases. Armstrong listens closely and reacts to what the other musicians play, making it feel like a conversation. His rhythm adds excitement and emotion, pulling the listener along. This kind of rhythmic freedom showed that jazz could be both complex and full of feeling.

His Role as a Performer

Louis Armstrong redefined what it meant to be a performer in the 20th century. He was not just interpreting songs; he was reinterpreting culture itself. While he rarely composed the works he performed, his artistry transformed them into personal and political statements, often without saying a word. Armstrong used his trumpet and his voice to bridge racial divides at a time when segregation defined American life.

As a performer, Armstrong’s emotional honesty and unmistakable sound gave humanity to jazz: a genre that had often been dismissed by white critics as low entertainment. By performing on integrated stages, starring in Hollywood films, and touring internationally, he helped legitimize African American music as a high art form. The Louis Armstrong House Museum notes that he “brought jazz into the mainstream, becoming one of the first Black entertainers to receive equal billing with white performers” (“50 Years of ‘What a Wonderful World’”).

Armstrong’s role as a performer, then, was not only artistic but symbolic. Through his success, he embodied the resilience and dignity of Black Americans striving for equality. His performances carried a message of unity and hope, expressed not through protest marches or speeches, but through sound—his trumpet’s cry, his gravelly laughter, his radiant interpretations of songs like What a Wonderful World.

In this way, Armstrong’s career shows that performance itself can be a form of activism. By elevating jazz to a respected art form and modeling excellence, he changed how the world viewed both the music and the people who made it.

Personal Reaction

When I listen to What a Wonderful World, I feel a sense of comfort and calm. Armstrong’s voice, though rough, conveys warmth and sincerity. The slow tempo and legato phrasing make it feel like he is speaking directly to the listener, sharing a gentle truth. The orchestration doesn’t distract, allowing me to focus on the voice and the message.

In West End Blues, I’m struck by his technical control and expressiveness. His trumpet seems to sing: sometimes mournful and introspective, sometimes triumphant. The rhythms and the free-flowing improvisation give the piece energy and life. I’m reminded that performance isn’t just about playing the right notes; it’s about conveying the soul behind them. 

Conclusion

Louis Armstrong reminds us that the role of the performer is just as vital as that of the composer. His interpretations turned written songs and jazz compositions into profound musical experiences that continue to inspire. 

Sources

“50 Years of ‘What a Wonderful World.’” Louis Armstrong House Museum, 2017, https://www.louisarmstronghouse.org/news/50-years-wonderful-world/

“Louis Armstrong Biography.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 2024, https://www.biography.com/musicians/louis-armstrong

“Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’ Still Poignant 50 Years Later.” Grammy.com, 2017, https://www.grammy.com/news/louis-armstrongs-what-wonderful-world-still-poignant-50

“Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong: Teachout, Terry: Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming.” Internet Archive, 2020, https://archive.org/details/popslifeoflouisa0000teac_e2k6

“Song: ‘West End Blues’ by Louis Armstrong.” This Side of Sanity, 2018, https://www.thissideofsanity.com/music/songs/we/westendblues.php

“What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong: A Song That Changed the Ton
e of Humanity.” History of Music, 2021, https://historyofmusic.net/1960s/what-a-wonderful-world-by-louis-armstrong-a-song-that-changed-the-tone-of-humanity/

“West End Blues – Louis Armstrong.” Rolling Stone Vietnam, 2019, https://rollingstone.vn/west-end-blues-louis-armstrong/

A Musical Trip Through Egypt

Egypt’s traditional music carries the soul of its people. Whether sung in the fields, in cafés, or on stage, these songs have always reflected the rhythm of daily life. We’ll explore this in two Egyptian songs—El Hilwadi and El Helwa Di—to understand how their musical elements preserve centuries of tradition and what roles they played in shaping Egyptian cultural identity.

Cultural Significance

According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, Egyptian music has always been “a vital element in both religious and social expression,” deeply tied to communal traditions that predate recorded history (“Egypt — The Arts”). Traditional music developed from village folk songs and urban performance arts, both relying on the maqam (melodic mode) and iqaʿ (rhythmic cycle) systems.

Musicologist Virginia Danielson writes that Egyptian folk music “preserves the history of the people as much as it entertains them,” emphasizing how these songs record social customs and daily labor through sound (Britannica).

Sayyid Darwish (1892–1923) modernized Egyptian music by transforming work chants and folk melodies into orchestrated compositions that spoke for the nation’s working class. 

Ahmed Abdalla, a contemporary artist, carries this same legacy. Though modern, his rendition of El Hilwadi draws heavily from classical baladi rhythms and Hijaz maqam, continuing the oral and melodic traditions of the countryside.

Musical Analysis

El Hilwadi

• Performer and Composer: Ahmed Abdalla

• Date: 1998 (recording date per Apple Music)

• Country: Egypt

• Link: Listen on YouTube

1. Melody
The melody of El Hilwadi is structured around the maqam Hijaz, known for its rich emotional tone and ornamented expression. The Hijaz scale, with its second interval, produces what Danielson describes as a “haunting, yearning sound that reflects the intensity of Arabic expression” (Britannica).

Egyptian vocalists use microtonal ornamentation, sliding between notes to express emotion rather than rigidly following fixed pitches. This improvisational practice, called tarab, evokes what the Egyptian Ministry of Culture calls “a state of emotional ecstasy between musician and listener,” a defining trait of traditional Arabic performance.

In El Hilwadi, the ornamented vocals and fluid melodic phrasing give listeners the sense of a living conversation between singer and song. This element makes the piece feel deeply personal and authentic—traits central to Egyptian folk performance.

2. Rhythm 
The rhythm follows a baladi iqa‘, a steady 4/4 folk rhythm common in rural festivities. According to Britannica, baladi means “of the country,” and this rhythm “connects the music of Egypt’s villages to its people’s daily joy and sorrow.”

In traditional performance, tabla and riq percussionists improvise around the singer, creating a rhythmic dialogue. In El Hilwadi, you can hear this conversation clearly: the drum punctuates the singer’s ornamentation, adding dynamic life to the melody. This exchange between instruments and voice reflects the communal nature of Egyptian music, where musicians collaborate spontaneously to express shared emotion.

Cultural Purpose
Songs like El Hilwadi were traditionally performed at weddings, gatherings, and local festivals. They told stories of love, beauty, and social life—subjects that built connection and continuity in Egyptian communities. The repetition and emotional intensity of the melody made it easy for listeners to join in, preserving the folk storytelling tradition orally for generations.

El Helwa Di

• Composer: Sayyid Darwish

• Lyricist: Badi‘ Khayri

• Date: c. 1920

• Country: Egypt

• Link: Listen on YouTube

1. Melody 
Sayyid Darwish’s El Helwa Di is composed in maqam Rast, the most common Egyptian mode, associated with pride and strength. Rast is often described as the musical “home” of Egyptian tradition. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, this mode’s gentle microtones give it a “sense of confidence and balance, symbolic of Egypt’s national voice.”

Darwish’s melody moves in small, stepwise motion, making it easy to sing collectively—perfect for the factory and field workers he aimed to represent. This melodic simplicity embodies Darwish’s artistic mission: “to bring music to the people and speak in their language” (Danielson). The accessibility of his melodies enabled songs like El Helwa Di to become anthems of everyday Egyptian life.

2. Rhythm
The rhythm of El Helwa Di follows the iqa‘ wahda, a simple 2/4 beat that mirrors the rhythm of manual labor. Britannica describes the wahda pattern as “repetitive yet flexible, often aligned with movement, whether rowing, threshing, or walking.”

Equally important is the rhythm structure, in which one singer leads and others echo the lines. This technique originates from traditional work songs sung in fields and workshops to coordinate effort. As music historian Danielson notes, “the collective voice was both a rhythm of labor and a form of resistance,” symbolizing unity and resilience during Egypt’s early 20th-century modernization.

Cultural Purpose:
El Helwa Di celebrates the Egyptian working class, depicting bakers greeting the dawn and beginning their day. The cheerful tone and community-based rhythm mirror the optimism of the Egyptian people at a time of national awakening. It remains culturally significant because it blends artistic beauty with social identity.

Personal Reaction

Listening to these two songs feels like moving through the landscape of Egyptian life—one intimate and personal, the other communal and proud. El Hilwadi captures emotion and nostalgia through its ornamented melody and expressive maqam Hijaz, while El Helwa Di radiates energy and unity through rhythmic repetition and call-and-response singing.

What strikes me most is how Egyptian music values expression over anything else. Every vocal slide, every rhythmic flourish feels spontaneous, as if the music breathes with the singer. That’s what makes it truly alive and amazing to listen to.

Works Cited 

“El Hilwadi.” Apple Music, https://music.apple.com/gb/song/el-hilwadi/1162648046. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

“El Helwa Di.” https://youtu.be/kIuE5DJuOyo?si=m9tsTwL4GeqQqKLF. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

Danielson, Virginia. “Darwish, Sayyid.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sayyid-Darwish.

“Egypt — The Arts.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2024, https://www.britannica.com/place/Egypt/The-arts.

Innovations and Evolution of the Modern Bagpipe

The powerful sound of the bagpipes has echoed across fields, ceremonies, and parades for centuries. But few realize just how much this ancient instrument has evolved over time. From simple reed pipes wrapped in animal skin to today’s precision-engineered digital bagpipes, the bagpipe has certainly evolved.

The Birth of the Bagpipe

Bagpipes have a history dating back more than a thousand years, with early forms found across Europe and the Middle East. Ancient versions were made of animal hides, wooden pipes, and cane reeds, producing a raw, earthy sound. Over time, in the 16th century, Scottish pipers developed the Great Highland bagpipe, now the most recognized version.

Although very innovative, the early bagpipes faced constant challenges. The natural materials were sensitive to humidity and temperature, often causing reeds to crack or bags to leak. One piper describes the traditional bagpipe by saying, "It’s like a living organism—it needs moisture and air to stay stable"("The Power of Practice").

This need for reliability inspired the first major change: the introduction of synthetic materials, such as Gore-Tex and plastic reeds, in the 20th century. These new components resisted moisture and stayed in tune, even in unpredictable climates. "The use of synthetic materials in bagpipe construction, such as Gore-Tex for the bag and plastic for the chanter, has significantly improved the instrument's durability and tuning stability, making it more suitable for contemporary performances"(Design Life Cycle). This newly constructed bagpipe was called the Synthetic Great Highland Bagpipe. 

In the 21st century, innovation took an even greater leap forward with the creation of electronic and digital bagpipes. These modern instruments preserve the familiar fingering and feel of the Highland pipes but remove many of the limitations. They allowed musicians to practice silently using headphones, adjust tone, volume, and tuning digitally, connect to recording software or amplifiers, and play in any key. These were important changes in the bagpipe because they allowed pipers to perform more modern music. Pipers were no longer just performing at outdoor ceremonies or military parades; they were joining bands, orchestras, and even rock groups. This demanded new flexibility in pitch and tone, hence the bagpipe changes. 

These innovations have made the bagpipe more accessible to beginners, more versatile for professionals, and more adaptable to contemporary music styles.

Traditional Bagpipe Performance

“Scotland the Brave” – Andrew Brian

One of the most famous traditional tunes for the Great Highland bagpipe is “Scotland the Brave.”
Although its exact origins are uncertain, the melody is believed to date back to the early 20th century (around 1911), with lyrics later added by Scottish journalist Cliff Hanley in 1950. The piece originates from Scotland, where it became an unofficial national anthem and a cornerstone of military and ceremonial performances.

Melody

The melody of “Scotland the Brave” is simple yet commanding. Because the chanter has a limited range (about nine notes) and fixed tuning, traditional pipers rely on ornamentation to create emotion and variety. The melody rides above the steady drones, producing a strong sense of pride and unity. This steady combination of melody and drone defines the sound of traditional piping: powerful, consistent, and steeped in history.

Rhythm

Traditional bagpipe rhythm is march-like, clear, and disciplined. Every note is deliberate, following a duple or quadruple meter suited for processions or battle marches. The rhythmic steadiness helps maintain precision, especially in mass pipe bands where timing is everything. The result is a music that feels grounded and ceremonial; a sound that connects generations through its familiar pulse.

Modern Bagpipe Performance

Watch “Don’t Stop Believin’” – The Red Hot Chilli Pipers

In contrast, the modern performance features the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, a Scottish ensemble known for blending traditional bagpipes with rock music. The song “Don’t Stop Believin’” was originally written by Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon of the American rock band Journey, released in 1981 in the United States. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers’ cover, performed in the early 2000s, reimagines the rock classic using electronic Great Highland bagpipes, electric guitars, and drums — symbolizing the modern evolution of the instrument.

Timbre

In this electrified performance, the timbre is far more diverse than that of traditional bagpipes. The electronic pipes blend seamlessly with guitars, bass, and drums, producing a mix of Celtic and rock sound. The ability to adjust volume and tone digitally allows pipers to perform expressively, softening passages or building to powerful crescendos.

The modern bagpipe is not just louder; it’s more expressive and adaptable, reflecting a world where music genres constantly mix.

Texture

Where the old pipes played mostly solo or in unison, modern performances are multi-layered. The electronic bagpipe now joins full bands, harmonizing and sharing the spotlight. With digital pitch control, players can change keys or even mimic other instruments, creating a polyphonic texture, something never possible with the fixed-key Highland pipe.

This new sound world allows the bagpipe to stand alongside electric guitars or symphony orchestras without losing its distinctive character.

My Opinion

While I appreciate the deep tradition and cultural significance of the classic Great Highland bagpipe, I personally find the modern version more enjoyable to listen to. The electronic bagpipes produce a smoother and less harsh tone, which makes the music feel more balanced. In traditional performances, the strong drone and piercing chanter can sometimes overpower the melody. However, in the modern versions, the sound blends more harmoniously with other instruments. For me, this evolution makes the bagpipe not only easier to listen to but also more enjoyable to listen to. I find that the modern bagpipes are more expressive and emotionally engaging, allowing me to really enjoy listening to the song. 

Sources

Design Life Cycle. “McCallum Bagpipes and Modern Materials.” Design Life Cycle, https://www.designlife-cycle.com/mccallumbagpipe

Johnson, Ben. “The Piob Mhor, or the Great Highland Bagpipes.” Historic UK, 22 Sept. 2024, https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/The-Piob-Mhor-or-the-Great-Highland-Bagpipes/

“The History of Bagpipes in Celtic Culture.” Highland Bagpipe, 18 Oct. 2023, https://www.highlandbagpipe.com/blog/The%20History%20of%20Bagpipes%20in%20Celtic%20Culture

“The Power of Practice.” Memphis Pipe Band, 22 Sept. 2024,
https://www.memphispipeband.com/post/the-power-of-practice-1

Musical Analysis of "All of Me" By John Legend

 Although I am not very fond of slow-paced songs, I immediately loved John Legend's song called All of Me. One reason I liked this song was that it did not make me feel sad, unlike other slow songs. Instead, it gave me a feeling of calmness and made me feel relieved. It was also just such a beautiful piece of music to listen to for many reasons that I will discuss. 

Song Title: All of Me
Artist: John Legend
Released: October 3, 2013
Country of Origin: United States
Listen Here: All of Me – John Legend (Official Video)

Beat

The beat in All of Me serves as the backbone of the song, providing a steady and consistent pulse that keeps all the musical elements aligned. Even though there isn’t a full drum kit present, the piano itself establishes a rhythmic framework that the voice follows. This simplicity of the beat allows the listener to focus on the emotionality of the lyrics while still feeling the flow of the music. Since the beat is so simple, the listener can relax, giving them a sense of calmness. The steady beat also makes the song easy to follow and sing along with, which can also give the listener a sense of calmness.

Tempo

The tempo of All of Me is slow, measured at around 63 beats per minute, which greatly complements the song’s soulful mood. This pacing gives John Legend the space to emphasize each lyric, allowing listeners to fully absorb the intimacy expressed in the song. The slow tempo also contributes to the emotional tension and release in the chorus, where slight changes in phrasing feel more impactful. According to a Prezi analysis, the song’s “deliberate pace enhances the song's reflective mood” (Prezi). Using a slow tempo allows each note and word to resonate with the listener, emphasizing the heartfelt nature of the song.

Melody

John Legend’s melody in All of Me combines elements of pitch, rhythm, and beat to create a line that is easy to follow but also very emotional. The verses feature mostly stepwise motion, which gives off intimacy and gentleness, while the chorus includes leaps that heighten the emotional intensity and create a sense of passion. This contrast between smaller, tender intervals and larger, more dramatic jumps can make the song very passionate. This can evoke all sorts of emotions in the listener. A vocal analysis describes the melody as “a synthesis of combined elements,” highlighting how Legend blends pitch and rhythm to produce a memorable and moving line (Google Sites). Additionally, the melody interacts beautifully with the lyrics, emphasizing key words and phrases to underline the sincerity and vulnerability of the song. The emphasis of these phrases can heighten the relieving emotions that the listener is feeling. 

Harmony/Chords

The harmony and chord structure in All of Me are straightforward yet very effective, providing a foundation that supports and enhances the melody. The song is primarily in A♭ major, which creates a warm and inviting harmony. These chords give the song a sense of familiarity, allowing the listener to relax and focus on the emotional storytelling in the lyrics. The homophonic texture—where the melody dominates and the accompaniment provides harmonic support—gives the song its intimate quality. Hooktheory explains that the chord progressions “support the melody and contribute to the song's emotional depth” (Hooktheory). This harmonic simplicity also allows for subtle dynamic shifts, as Legend can emphasize or soften certain chords to match the intensity of his vocal delivery. This further enhances the emotional resonance of the song and makes the song such a beautiful piece to listen to. 

Pitch

John Legend’s vocal pitch and range in All of Me are crucial to the song’s emotional impact. His voice spans from C₄ to B₅, allowing him to convey both gentle vulnerability in the verses and passionate intensity in the chorus. The control of pitch adds subtle emotional shading, giving each phrase a sense of sincerity and intimacy. The pitch is also closely tied to the lyrical content, as Legend strategically uses higher notes to emphasize key emotional phrases. This pitch variation ensures the song remains engaging and emotionally compelling from start to finish.

Sources 

Acworth, Katie. Critical Analysis of John Legend's – All of Me. Katie Acworth's Blog, 8 Dec. 2016, https://katieacworth.wordpress.com/2016/12/08/critical-analysis-of-john-legends-all-of-me/

“All of Me – John Legend.” Prezi, https://prezi.com/14oat0mfmaxl/all-of-me-john-legend/

“All of Me by John Legend Chords and Melody.” Hooktheory, https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/john-legend/all-of-me

Music Analysis of "You Give Love a Bad Name"

One of the first memories that I can recall is me in the backseat of a car while the radio was playing. The only reason I remembered this was because I loved the song that was playing on the radio. I remember being so happy and genuinely excited. I would later learn that the song playing was "You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi, a U.S. rock band. Although this song was released in November 1986, it is still popular today and is one of my favorite songs. 

                                             You Give Love a Bad Name - Bon Jovi

Beat

One of the reasons why I believe that this song is so popular is because of the changing beat. As we learned, the beat is the pulse of the music and holds the music together. We also learned that the beat can change throughout a music piece, which is what we see in "You Give Love a Bad Name". The beat changes in such a way that it allows all of the music components to harmonize. A student from Dr. Schuyler Chapman’s class agreed and said, "The Beat then completely changes rhythm when the chorus hits, creating a hook during the course, connecting the 2 verses"("You Give Love a Bad Name - Bon Jovi"). Here, this student is explaining how the beat connects different verses, allowing the music to flow. I believe this changing beat makes the listener enjoy the music. 

Chords 

Another reason why I believe this song is enjoyed by so many is because of the different chords. We learned that there are major chords and minor chords and that they can determine how a listener feels about a song. Bon Jovi's song uses a mix of major and minor chords that is said to heighten the listener's enjoyment of the music. Musicology blog agreed and said, "The verses and chorus balance between minor and major chords, creating a dynamic tension that heightens the listening experience"(Saul). They explain how the chords and the verses balance and end up giving the listener a better experience. 

Harmonic Texture 

The last reason why I believe this song is so enjoyable is because of the harmonic texture. The harmonic texture of “You Give Love a Bad Name” is mainly homophonic, meaning the melody is supported by chordal accompaniment. The lead vocals carry the main tune while the guitars, bass, and drums provide the harmonic and rhythmic backing. This clear separation makes the chorus melody stand out, while the steady chord progressions underneath give the song its driving power. By keeping the texture homophonic, Bon Jovi ensures that the lyrics and hook remain the focus, but the layers of guitar and backing vocals still make the sound feel full and energetic. This makes it such an exciting and exhilarating song to listen to.

Sources

rrf20. “You Give Love a Bad Name – Bon Jovi.” Pop Music!!, 13 Jan. 2017,                    tuesdaynightpittcompspring2017.wordpress.com/2017/01/13/you-give-love-a-bad-name-bon-jovi/.

‌Saul. ““Bon Jovi’s Anthem: Behind the Scenes of “You Give Love a Bad Name”” - Musicology Blog.” Musicology Blog - Good Music, Explained..., 20 Nov. 2024, www.musicology.blog/bon-jovis-anthem-behind-the-scenes-of-you-give-love-a-bad-name/.

Introduction Post

 Hi! My name is Cora Levengood, and I am currently a first-year student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I am originally from Arizona, and I am super excited to be out of the heat. Some of the things I like to do are read, swim, run, and make bracelets. Since I am in Alaska, I hope to also get into some winter sports. I also have two precious dogs back home that I am missing a lot. 

When it comes to music, I would say that I am pretty inexperienced because I have never played an instrument. However, I do love listening to all types of music. Currently, my playlist, which has all of my music on it, has over 2,000 songs and is over 190 hours long. I have also gone to a fair number of concerts because my dad loves them and brings me with him. We mostly go to country concerts and 80s rock concerts. I look forward to learning about even more music types and how music is composed. 

I Was Made For You Lovin' - KISS