Beatles Essay

Write a well-developed analytical paper of at least 5 pages of text (focusing on the analysis of the
words and music of 3 Beatle songs, ideally from different periods in the group’s stylistic development (see page
3 of this document for a “safe” song list from which you may choose and their categories). Write about what
you hear: consider words AND music and their interaction equally, as the song unfolds from beginning to
end. Concentrate on how a song’s message is conveyed by different musical techniques. Incorporate musical
concepts and terms from the course text that specifically describe what is going on; avoid vague descriptors
like “flowing/upbeat/catchy,” etc. If needed, refer back to the lessons (especially Lessons 2 and 5) for ideas on
how you might approach talking about musical aspects (such as the discussions of melody, harmony, key,
instrumentation, form, timbre, texture, meter, rhythm, special effects, etc.), plus the interaction of words and
music. By interaction of the words and music, I am referring to how the use of music elements listed
above enhances the meaning and emotions associated with the song’s lyrics. For instance, a fast tempo with
strongly articulated rhythms could suggest a lively, excited, or anxious feeling being portrayed in the song’s
lyrics. A slower tempo song in a minor key could suggest a melancholy mood associated with the text. Even
high or low pitches could correspond to something mentioned as being high or low in the lyrics–word painting
like this has been used for centuries (e.g., “falling in love”). It is particularly important to take what you have
learned and apply it independently to songs with which you are not familiar. Such independent research
and application is a vital part of the learning process.
If you happen to have some background in music/have some understanding of music beyond the average
person, you need to mention that briefly in your paper. Moreover, do not consult piano/vocal scores as
that would defeat the purpose of this paper, which is based on listening.
This paper is your opportunity to demonstrate how well you have learned to deeply think about and listen
mindfully to music, and then be able to express what you hear by using course terms and concepts. To find
out what songs are covered in the course, just scroll through the Outline on the Course Website. Make sure to
read all 3 pages of these guidelines!
Formatting:
• Use Microsoft Word to draft your paper as I must be able to easily read/download it
• Use a 12-point Times New Roman font
• Use 1-inch margins
• Double-space your paper
• Proofread your writing for spelling, grammar, usage and double/missing/wrong word errors and errors
of fact: There is no excuse for “McCarthy” or “Beetles.” Don’t rely only on Spellcheck, as it will not
find many errors like those
• Put song titles within quotes (e.g., “Please Please Me”) and italicize film, TV show, and album titles
(e.g., Please Please Me)
• Put your first and last names on the uploaded document
• Include your name as part of the file name
• The Analytical Paper Drop Box in CANVAS will appear starting Monday, March 23rd
• Upload your paper to the Canvas Drop Box between 8:00 a.m. EST on Monday, November 1st, and
11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, November 15th. Do not wait until the last minute, as something will
surely go wrong!
• Double-check to make sure it is there, and legible. Only one paper will be graded
• Late papers will not be accepted. Be mindful that this assignment is 25% of your overall course
grade (as much as your final exam) and it is your responsibility to turn it in on time (there will be
numerous reminders via email and Canvas. In addition to this document, the deadline is stated in
the syllabus and in your Canvas “To Do” list).
HOW to DO WELL on this Analytical Paper:
• Write a thoughtful, succinct introduction and conclusion
• Choose no more than one song studied in the online course whether done already or not
• Choose all unfamiliar songs if you prefer (you will learn more this way)
• Listen mindfully multiple times to each song—Take notes on the music and reflect on the lyrics
• Consider words AND music equally, plus the interaction of words and music as each song unfolds
from beginning to end
• The vast majority of content consists of your own ideas:
o At the very least, try to pick out at least 3 unique/special musical characteristics that are prominent
musical features in each particular song
o But to earn an A, you must identify and discuss at least 5 per song, and also provide in-depth
interpretation of the lyrics, verse by verse as each song progresses
• If you choose a song discussed in the course lessons, you are required to incorporate and cite what
the course author has said about that song, including any information derived from embedded
video clips, especially those where the individual Beatles or George Martin are discussing a song
• Outside source use is extremely limited and used ONLY for basic song facts like album or release
date (these must be cited), NOT for your analysis of the music and lyrics!
• Cite any sources with an in-text citation: If there is specialized information (which should be kept to a
minimum), or you quote someone else’s words, put the author’s name and date in parentheses after the
information in question, like this: (Benitez 2021). Put any partial song lyrics within quotation marks.
See the Syllabus page 5 for a list of resources only if needed to enhance your discussion
• If you happen to have some background in music and have some understanding of music beyond
the average person, it would be very good to mention that briefly in your paper