Palouse Blues

MUSIC

I’ll Play The Blues For You
Daniel Castro
G minor-77 bpm

Seven Nation Army
Violet Orlandi
female vocal stem
G_minor-115bpm

Seven Nation Army
Song by The White Stripes

The lyrics of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes are about a beautiful young woman who is determined to overcome any obstacle, no matter how difficult. The song speaks to themes of perseverance, resilience, and individualism, as the speaker rejects conformity and asserts their own independence and strength.

In the first verse, the speaker declares that they will fight against anyone who tries to hold them back, even if it takes all their strength. They feel that others are waiting for them to fail, and the pressure of this expectation is weighing heavily on their mind. The line “behind a cigarette” suggests that the speaker is using smoking as a way to cope with stress.

The chorus emphasizes the speaker’s desire to be left alone and to pursue their own path, even if it means going against the norm or being misunderstood. The repetition of the phrase “find a home” suggests that the speaker is seeking a place where they can feel accepted and free to be themselves.

In the second verse, the speaker talks about their plan to leave their current situation behind and start anew in Wichita. They are willing to work hard and endure physical pain in order to achieve their goals. The line “All the words are gonna bleed from me / And I will sing no more” suggests that the speaker is sacrificing something important (possibly their voice or their passion for music) in order to achieve their goal.

The final line, “And the stains coming from my blood / Tell me, ‘Go back home'” suggests that despite the speaker’s determination to leave their old life behind, they are haunted by their past and may struggle to fully let go.

Symbolically, the song uses the idea of “Seven Nation Army” as a powerful force that the speaker is fighting against. The phrase represents a formidable obstacle that is trying to hold the speaker back. This can be interpreted in various ways, such as an oppressive government, societal norms, or personal demons. The repetition of the phrase “I’m going to fight them all” suggests that the speaker is willing to take on this challenge alone and that they have the strength to overcome it.

Daniel Castro
I’ll Play The Blues For You

The lyrics of the song “I’ll Play the Blues for You” by Albert King are about finding solace in music, particularly the blues. The speaker is offering comfort and support to someone who is feeling down and lonely, inviting them to his home where he will play the blues for them on his guitar.

The first verse sets the tone for the song, with the speaker acknowledging the other person’s pain and offering to soothe their loneliness with the blues. The second verse expands on this idea, inviting the listener to come to the speaker’s home and reassuring them that they may find some comfort in the company of old friends.

The chorus emphasizes the speaker’s dedication to playing the blues as a means of easing the other person’s pain. The repetition of “All your loneliness I’ll try to soothe, I’ll play the blues for you” emphasizes the speaker’s commitment to helping the other person.

The symbolism in the song lies in the power of music to heal and bring people together. The blues, in particular, is often associated with catharsis and emotional release. By playing the blues, the speaker is not only offering comfort to the other person but also creating a space where they can connect through shared emotions and experiences.

Overall, the song is a poignant reminder of the power of music to bring people together and offer comfort in difficult times.

Sweet Bird

SWEET BIRD

The song appears to be about a person who is captivated by a bird, which is referred to as a “bird of paradise.” The bird is described as having a “flash of turquoise blue,” which suggests that it is visually striking and attention-grabbing. The person in the song wishes they could fly and be with the bird, but they can only watch it from afar and sigh.

The repeated use of the phrase “My bird of paradise” suggests a possessive and obsessive nature. The bird represents something the person desires but cannot attain. It could be a metaphor for a person or an ideal, something that the person wants to be close to but cannot have.

The line “So you fly away, when will you come again?” suggests that the person is anticipating the bird’s return, indicating a sense of hope and longing. The final line “My bird of paradise” is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the person’s attachment to this object of their desire.

Bird of Paradise
Snowy White
A minor-69bpm

Russian River
Dan Henig
A minor-90 bpm

A minor Drone
backing track

MINOR FUNK

“Ain’t No Sunshine” expresses the speaker’s feelings of emptiness and darkness when their loved one is away, suggesting a fear of abandonment or loneliness. The repetition of the phrase “I know” can also suggest a sense of powerlessness and resignation.

https://vimeo.com/800206291

“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” explores themes of betrayal and heartbreak, as the speaker learns that their lover may be leaving them for someone else. This song may be tapping into feelings of jealousy and insecurity, as well as a fear of being replaced or rejected.

“American Boy” is a more upbeat song about a woman’s desire to travel and explore new places with a romantic partner. The song may be tapping into feelings of excitement, adventure, and the desire for new experiences.

“I’m a Believer” expresses the speaker’s newfound sense of hope and happiness after falling in love, suggesting a theme of optimism and renewal.

Overall, these songs may reflect different aspects of the human experience related to love, loss, and longing.

MUSIC

Stayin’ Alive
BeeGees
A minor-91 bpm

Ain’t No Sunshine
Castaways
D minor-82 bpm

I Heard it Through the Grapevine
Marvin Gaye
A minor-122 bpm

Maniac
Michael Sembello
E flat minor

American Boy
Estelle
C minor-100 bpm

I’m a Believer
The Monkees
D minor-71 bpm

Too Blind to See

https://vimeo.com/800106635

TOO BLIND TO SEE
video montage
by Steve teare

MUSIC INSPIRATION

Dancing Queen
ABBA
A major – 110bpm

Beast of Burden
The Rolling Stones
E major-96bpm

If I Aint Got You
Alicia Keys
C major-88bpm

“If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys, which was released in 2003. The overall theme of the poem is the idea that material possessions and achievements mean little without love and human connection. The opening lines, “Hand me the world on a silver platter / And what good would it be / With no one to share, with no one who truly cares for me,” set the tone for the rest of the song.

The speaker asserts that some people may want everything, such as diamond rings and material possessions, but they do not feel fulfilled if they do not have someone to share their life with. The repeated refrain, “If I ain’t got you, baby,” emphasizes this point.

The final section of the poem, which is a sort of bridge, is about the speaker’s willingness to be there for their partner through thick and thin. They say, “All your sickness, I can suck it up / Throw it all at me, I can shrug it off,” indicating their devotion and commitment to the relationship. However, the partner does not seem to reciprocate these feelings, leading to feelings of inadequacy in the speaker, who questions, “Ain’t I rich enough?”

The final line, “I’ll never be your beast of burden,” is a rejection of the idea that the speaker should be subservient to their partner’s demands or expectations. Overall, the poem is a reflection on the importance of love and human connection in a world that often values material possessions and achievements above all else.

SCARS

The lyrics are about loneliness, isolation, and the pressure to conform to society’s standards of beauty and success. The narrator sees the pain and sadness in the eyes of lonely people, and encourages them to step out of their comfort zone and embrace their true selves. The phrase “lonely people” may also be a reference to the Beatles’ song “Eleanor Rigby,” which has similar themes.

The line “you believe that lie that you need to hide your face, afraid to step outside” suggests that the lonely people are ashamed of who they are and feel that they have to hide from the world. The line “this is the poison we take” implies that this societal pressure is harmful and toxic to our mental health.

The line “we’ve got these ugly scars on our infected hearts” suggests that the pain and loneliness we feel have left deep emotional wounds. The narrator encourages us to embrace these scars and use them as a catalyst for change.

The chorus “come alive, come alive, go and light your light, let it burn so bright” is a call to action, encouraging the lonely people to be themselves and shine their own unique light in the world. The line “reaching up and if you think real beauty’s on the outside, well, that’s a far cry from the truth” suggests that true beauty comes from within, and that we should not judge ourselves or others based on superficial standards.

The final lines “save yourself from all the lies of the beautiful people, run from the lies of the beautiful people” suggest that the pressure to conform to society’s standards can be insidious and damaging. The narrator encourages us to reject these lies and embrace our true selves, even if it means stepping outside of our comfort zone.

Overall, the lyrics suggest a deep empathy for those who feel lonely and isolated, and a belief that true happiness and fulfillment come from being true to ourselves, even if it means rejecting societal norms and expectations.

SCARS
video montage
by Steve Teare

Elenor Rigby
The Beatles

The Greatest Showman
Come Alive
D major -58bpm

Sixx AM
Lies of the Beautiful People
E major-96bpm

Mothica
Forever Fifteen
E major-99bpm

Windchime Drone
E-major

Ambient
E Major – C# minor

Dancing part 2

Believe me, I’m speechless
I wish that I could say those words
You whispered so sweetly
And maybe I’ll regret this, but I’ve gotta be honest
‘Cause we made a promise, I won’t break it now
But when you’ve been broken
Some wounds remain open
That no one can heal
It’s not that I don’t care the way that you do
It’s just my heart’s not ready yet
For somebody new
All my idiosyncrasies
You like ’em
Annoyed at all the little things
I know I can be frustrating
It seems like I can do no wrong
Through your eyes
Sing the wrong lines to my own song
You don’t mind
Make it up as we go
All the words we don’t know
Even when I’m a drunken mess
You don’t care
Still like me better than the rest
I swear
I don’t understand it
But you still like me when I’m dancing
Can we climb this mountain?
I don’t know
Higher now than ever before
I know we can make it if we take it slow
Let’s take it easy
Easy now, watch it go
We’re burning down the highway skyline
On the back of a hurricane that started turning
When you were young
When you were young
When I lose myself
There is no one else
Who else is for me?
Quite like you
Those eyes, damn, those eyes
They get me every time
Those eyes, in those eyes
I can do no crime
When I dance like I don’t care
You call me Fred Astaire
And sometimes you close your eyes
And see the place where you used to live
When you were young
When I dance like I don’t care
You call me Fred Astaire


AI analysis

What are imagery and symbols that would best represent the emotion of the poem?

In the song “When You Were Young” by The Killers, some of the imagery and symbols that best represent the emotion of the poem include:

The "highway skyline" - This image symbolizes the feeling of freedom, adventure, and the excitement of going on a journey.

The "hurricane that started turning" - The hurricane symbolizes the power of emotions, and how they can shape and change our lives.

"Dancing" - The act of dancing is a symbol for letting go and not caring about what others think. The singer mentions that when he dances like he doesn't care, his partner calls him Fred Astaire, who was a famous dancer.

"Eyes" - The singer mentions his partner's eyes multiple times and how they get him every time. The eyes symbolize the connection and understanding between the two people in the relationship.

"Climbing a mountain" - The image of climbing a mountain symbolizes the idea of overcoming obstacles and challenges together. The singer is asking if they can climb the mountain together, which represents the idea of facing life's difficulties as a team.

These symbols and images effectively represent the emotions of the song, which are love, acceptance, and a deep connection between two people.

PROMPT SUGGESTIONS

Here are some prompts for Midjurney AI to create pictures based on the symbols and imagery in the song “When You Were Young” by The Killers:

A couple holding hands, standing at the edge of a cliff, looking out over a vast and sprawling highway skyline.

A person dancing, with a look of joy and freedom on their face, surrounded by a powerful and swirling hurricane.

Two people, standing on top of a mountain, embracing each other as they look out over a breathtaking view.

A close-up of two eyes, with a warm and loving expression, looking into each other's souls.

A person dancing in the rain, with the raindrops symbolizing the power of emotions, as they dance with abandon, feeling free and alive.

These prompts should allow Midjurney AI to create vivid and evocative images that capture the essence of the emotions expressed in the song.

SAMPLE

https://s.mj.run/mEzS6CdO4sY looking into camera, formal dress, high contrast, sunset, glow, vibrant, tight close up, deep shadows –ar 16:9

Handsome young man inside house looking out window with rain on the glass, sunset, vibrant, formal dress, close up, high contrast, deep shadows, desert –ar 16:9

Handsome young man pacing inside house, sunset, vibrant, formal dress, high contrast, deep shadows, desert –ar 16:9

Handsome young man inside house sitting at table, sunset, vibrant, formal dress, mid shot, high contrast, deep shadows, desert –ar 16:9

https://s.mj.run/mEzS6CdO4sY Handsome young man and beautiful young woman, hiking up a mountain, sunset, vibrant, formal dress, mid shot, high contrast, deep shadows, desert –ar 16:9

https://s.mj.run/mEzS6CdO4sY Handsome young man and beautiful young woman, standing on top of a mountain, holding hands as they look out over a breathtaking view, sunset, vibrant, formal dress, mid shot, high contrast, deep shadows, desert –ar 16:9

A handsome young man dancing, with a look of joy and freedom on his face, surrounded by a powerful and swirling hurricane, sunset, vibrant, formal dress, mid shot, high contrast, deep shadows, desert –ar 16:9


https://s.mj.run/mEzS6CdO4sY young man and beautiful young woman driving down highway, in a 60’s automobile, convertible, sunset, vibrant, formal dress, mid shot, high contrast, deep shadows, desert –ar 16:9

https://s.mj.run/mEzS6CdO4sY young man and beautiful young woman driving down highway, surrounded by a powerful and swirling hurricane, in a 60’s automobile, convertible, sunset, vibrant, formal dress, mid shot, high contrast, deep shadows, desert –ar 16:9

https://s.mj.run/mEzS6CdO4sY close-up of young man and beautiful young woman, with a warm and loving expression, looking into each other’s souls, sunset, high contrast, deep shadows, vibrant –ar 16:9

Young man dancing in the rain, with the raindrops symbolizing the power of emotions, as he dances with abandon, feeling free and alive, sunset, high contrast, deep shadows, vibrant –ar 16:9


https://s.mj.run/mEzS6CdO4sY beautiful young woman looking directly into camera, close up, feeling free and alive, sunset, high contrast, deep shadows, vibrant –ar 16:9

https://s.mj.run/mEzS6CdO4sY beautiful young woman looking directly into camera with her open eyes, focus on eyes, close up, feeling free and alive, sunset, high contrast, deep shadows, vibrant –ar 16:9

1960s house, breathtaking view, sunset, vibrant, wide shot, high contrast, deep shadows, desert, colorful –ar 16:9


https://s.mj.run/mEzS6CdO4sY beautiful young woman with her eyes closed, focus on closed eyes, close up, feeling free and alive, sunset, high contrast, deep shadows, vibrant, 1960s –ar 16:9

https://s.mj.run/mEzS6CdO4sY beautiful young woman with her eyes closed, focus on closed eyes, with the raindrops symbolizing the power of emotions, as he dances with abandon, feeling free and alive, sunset, high contrast, deep shadows, vibrant, colorful –ar 16:9


Powerful hurricane, with the raindrops symbolizing the power of emotions, feeling free and alive, sunset, high contrast, deep shadows, vibrant, colorful –ar 16:9