Until recently you would only have heard a thoughtful, acoustic-based folk song like “Let Her Go” on college radio stations or eclectic NPR shows. Certainly not among Billboard’s Top 10 Pop hits. But there it is. If you haven’t heard this song on the radio then you’ve probably heard it on a national TV commercial or featured in prime time television series like Elementary and The Vampire Diaries.
Let’s take a deep dive into this song to see what makes it work so well and how you can use some of these techniques in your own songs.
TECHNIQUES TO HEAR AND TRY:
- Use examples to express theme and emotion.
- Start a song with a chorus.
- Use a three-line melody pattern.
- Create a slow dynamic build with production.
Listen to the song. Read the lyrics.
Artist: Passenger
Songwriter: Michael David Rosenberg (aka Passenger)
Watch on YouTube.
Read the lyric here.
GENRE/STYLE: Folk, Singer-Songwriter
(What is a genre? Watch this video.)
The lyric, melody, and structure of this song are all reminiscent of the folk genre, with a nod to both authentic English ballads and the folk songs of the 1960s. If you still love to sing “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” then this song is for you! There’s even a subtle group sing-along on the chorus, almost as if everyone is gathered round the ol’ campfire.
But even though the retro underpinnings are clearly there, the melody has interesting twists that give it a modern edge. If you’ve got a few old fashioned folk songs tucked away (and I know some of you do) consider giving them a facelift with these tricks.
