Music Speech Example
I. Introduction
a. Last summer, I taught myself to play the guitar. I’m still not very good, but I can play some of my favorite songs. One of the most challenging (and rewarding) to learn was “My Favorite Chords” by The Weakerthans.
b. “My Favorite Chords” is one of my favorite songs, not only because I can play and sing it with relative ease, but also because it is interesting on multiple levels.
c. Through a better understanding of The Weakerthans, their chosen genre(s), and a close reading of the song I have chosen, we will come to appreciate this song’s awesomeness anew.
II. Body
a. The Weakerthans are a Canadian indie rock band. They have been putting out award-winning albums for over a decade. Their music explores the intersection between the punk rock and folk rock genres.
b. It is interesting to note that, historically, both the punk and folk genres have been used as instruments of rebellion and protest. While The Weakerthans take a more subtle approach than some, their music is still infused with the unrest and radical hopefulness of their predecessors.
c. “My Favorite Chords” can be read on multiple levels:
i. as a protest against modern, mechanical, dehumanized society
ii. as a love song written either to a specific person, or to friendship and youthful mischief in general
iii. as a portrait of a fleeting moment in time
iv. as a collection of metaphors constructed in order to better understand the self and the other
v. as the creation of a personal, preserving philosophy in the midst of inevitable change
III. Conclusion
a. “My Favorite Chords” may seem like a simple enough song, but there is a lot going on underneath its deceptive simplicity.
b. The Weakerthans are a unique group of musicians. They are able to draw from multiple genres and condense profound sentiments into accessible and frequently beautiful songs like “My Favorite Chords.”
c. While I’m not exactly a guitar virtuoso yet, it’s good to have songs like this one to learn and grow on.