Artist: The Slits
Song: I Heard It Through the Grapevine Lyrics
Overview:
This analysis explores female-fronted punk/alternative rock bands and how their top song expresses emotions. I will be using The Sex-Role Perspective to examine what it means to be a woman according to women in a male-dominated genre. To best explore the Sex-Role Perspective, my analysis will consist of highlighting emotions that fall under stereotypically female and counter-stereotypical emotions pulled from Hyde (1995, p. 134).
Stereotypical emotions conveyed:
“We’re two of a kind, you know I love you more”
- Affectionate
“I bet you’re wondering how I knew / ‘Bout your plans to make me blue”
- Looking into things really hard
“I know a man ain’t supposed to cry, ha / But these tears I can’t hold inside”
- Emotional
Contersterotypical emotions conveyed:
Conclusion:
This song focuses on the central theme of abandonment. The singer is afraid their significant other is going to leave them and cannot cope with the fact that they were cheated on and is now aware that they are going to lose their partner. It relies heavily on stereotypical emotions.
Shared by: Zoe Green
Image Credit: https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/history-of-slits-at-filmbar-may-20-10434390