Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" and Ryan Adams’
cover of the same song, though they convey the same words and message, are very
different songs. Swift’s song brings
powerful words together with a very solid track, making for a very vengeful song. While Adams’ song blends the same powerful
words with a softer, more upbeat track that conveys a sweeter ballad. The difference in voice tone and instrumental sounds
between the two versions makes a world of a difference, and unless you didn’t know
they were the exact same words, one might not even notice they were the same
song after hearing them for the first time.
The original song by Taylor Swift features
a very prominent beat throughout the song, and brings emphasis to certain words
she sings. Her voice is monotone mostly,
and she states the lyrics rather than drawing them out like a typical song,
which at times makes her sound like she’s chanting. These characteristics of the song make is
clear that she isn’t sad about this now ended relationship, but rather that she
is hateful towards this ex-lover. Phrases
such as “scars
on my back from your knife,” and “did you have to hit me, where I'm weak” sound
more literal than figurative due to the intensity of the song. Swift’s song gives the message that she was
hurt, badly, by someone and now things are worse than ever after some un-named
event. She emphasizes the words that
convey pain, and thus the song has a more aggressive tone.
The cover by Ryan Adams makes Swift’s
song sound more like a weepy break up song rather than a hostile, vengeful
song. His lighter, more upbeat guitar in
the background is reminiscent of John Mayer, and is extremely different that
Swift’s original beat. His voice is
softer as well, and varies in tones unlike Swift. He draws out his words and brings out a
gentler hue from the song. Because his
tone and mood in the song is so different than Swift’s, the lyrics themselves
seem different. The same phrases that
seemed harsh and literal when Swift said them, “scars on my back from your knife,” and “did you have to hit me,
where I'm weak”, now sound more metaphorical.
Adam’s version gives a message about an ex that clearly hurt him. He emphasizes the phrases that talk about the
past and give his version a more heartbroken tone.
The audiences for these songs
contrast greatly. In the original
version, it may appeal to someone who broke off a relationship abruptly, maybe
their significant other cheated on them, they feel hatred and want
revenge. Whereas the other would appeal
to someone who is upset about a failed relationship, and they aren’t listening
to the song to feel these matched feelings of hate by a hostile Swift, but
rather feel somber in Adams’ softer musings.
I find it very interesting how
different two artists can make the same song sound. How the exact same words can carry very
different meanings just by the way they’re said. In the case of the song “Bad Blood”, the two
versions by Taylor Swift and Ryan Adams convey very different tones.
Lauren, you had some really good points. I agree that Taylor's version is way more aggressive and overall loud. She doesn't put much emotion into the lyrics, which makes it seem like she doesn't care anymore about this person. I think she might have done this because her main audience is younger people who are used to very vamped up versions of songs. I think our generation tends to focus on the mechanics and sound of the song instead of focusing too much on lyrics. Compared to Ryan, who really sounds like he's mourning a past relationship, Taylor's sound is all about the denial of even caring in the first place because you were hurt but are embarrassed to admit it. I feel like Ryan is probably more mature than Taylor because his audience is an older audience, like my dad. The way Taylor denies to look back at her relationship with her eyes open to her mistakes too is very juvenile and makes her seem like she still has a lot to learn about relationships.
ReplyDeleteI also looked at these two renditions of the song and found the same thing. I think it is so interesting that the same lyrics can be portrayed many different ways to convey a different attitude and tone. I think that can also relate back to writing and determining tone and catering your message to the specific audience that is listening.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point in observing Taylor's emphasis on aggression and seeming to not give a damn. However, it is interesting that she makes such an effort to come across this way, when if she truly didn't care, or was angry, that she wouldn't give this person the time of day to write about them. Seems a bit contradictory of her. It is interesting that the cover by Ryan Adams seems so different and contains much less animosity. This seems to give the song a new, slightly more peaceful meaning. Especially with his emphasis on lyrics like "think about the good times".
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point in observing Taylor's emphasis on aggression and seeming to not give a damn. However, it is interesting that she makes such an effort to come across this way, when if she truly didn't care, or was angry, that she wouldn't give this person the time of day to write about them. Seems a bit contradictory of her. It is interesting that the cover by Ryan Adams seems so different and contains much less animosity. This seems to give the song a new, slightly more peaceful meaning. Especially with his emphasis on lyrics like "think about the good times".
ReplyDeleteI like your distinction between the instruments they used in both songs. We have very similar view points but differ in little things such as that, great analysis!
ReplyDelete