Graceland

• what are 2 levels of interpretations of the song Graceland?

  physical journey facing finality of his divorce

  Graceland seen as a state of grace in which all are welcome
• Composers Intentions and Context?

  Title Song of Graceland Album

  Written after failed marriage to Carrie Fisher

  reassessment of his life

  cultural reference in lyrics
• Form and Structure

  Verse and Chorus form - chorus not always the same - intro, 2 instrumental breaks and outro

  bass and guitar riffs
• tonality


  In key of E major throughout, no modulation
• melody


  repetitive - many descending phrases

  intervals of major 3rd always used on word Graceland

  narrow range

  syllabic with occasional melisma

  conjunct and disjunct movement

  no strong contrast between verse and chorus
• harmony

  extensive use of primary triads - african traditional

  use of minor chords

  dominant-subdominant progression

  slow steady harmonic rhythm

  perfect and imperfect cadances
• sonority/timbre

  guitar

  bass

  drums with pedal steel guitar and fretless bass - use of glissando

  backing vocals by Everly Brothers
• Texture

  homophonic - melody and accompaniment

  intro - guitar and accompaniment

  verses and chorus - vocal and accompaniment
• tempo, metre, and rhythm

  moderate tempo - fairly fast feel

  4/4 time signature throughout

  uses of anacrusis at beginning of phrases

  tied notes

  dotted notes

  triplets

  syncopation

  strong backbeat
• dynamics and articulation

  mostly mezzo forte

  fade out at end

  opening bars non legato

  vocals mostly legato
• fusion of rock pop and south african traditions
• examples of south african influences

  acapella singing

  isicathamiya - unaccompanied close harmony voices

  mbube - unaccompanied male singers - female soloist

  mbaqanga - early township jazz

  kewla - street music - penny whistle

  I IV V chords