"How Deep Is The Ocean" by Irving Berlin and Bing Crosby is a mellow, romantic ballad. It's very poetic and the song makes is fitting for a romantic serenade. The title is a rhetorical question. The singer is basically professing his love, saying that said love has no bounds. There is no part of the song that really stands out to me music-wise. The instrument don't break out of their traditional roles. Though, what I assume are violins in the background, add to the whimsical and romantic effect of the song. The intent of the song was undoubtedly to make the audience feel the endless depths of his love and be in awe. The flutes, piano, and strings definitely contribute to the effect. Also, this song somewhat fits into my favorite genres of music. Even in today's music scene, I do have a preference for ballads. I love the sound of the pianos and strings in ballads, and "How Deep Is The Ocean," definitely contains those elements.
The song while not the most catchy and addictive song, does follow a rhyme scheme that makes it pleasant to listen to. From what I can tell the rhyme scheme follows ABCB. The last word in the second and fourth line in the stanza rhyme.
Your insights were very profound. I really liked all the words you used to describe and critique this song. I can tell you definitely know what you are talking about music wise. I listened to the song as well and the intro definitely is like a big cliff hanger. Part of me wants to say he is using it to show off a bit and grab everyone's attention including "her" attention.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it isn't the most catchy and it is kind of repetitive. There is no place where the instruments break out and I feel like this song could've really used that. It sounds like a song you would listen to in the background of a fancy dinner or in an elevator maybe? One thing I actually do really like though is that the song changes volume and tempo a bit to add to that mysterious, seductive feel. I really like when music does that because it gives some character and personality to the artist.
Thanks for sharing!
Wow your blog looks great! I like how you pointed out how the instruments don't break out into their traditional roles. Usually instruments go off doing their own things, but I think in this song, Berlin really wanted to get straight to the point of saying as you did, "love has no bounds". I think the lack of unique sounds of specific instruments is due to the idea that if you love someone, it shouldn't be to complicated. Even after studying and listening to this song over and over again, there still is something about that makes everyone feel good who listens to it.
ReplyDeleteI think it's cool that you listen to ballads even in todays music. Staying connected to the past and learning from it is a great way to move onto the future. I love the words that you use to describe this song: "whimsical", "romantic", and "poetic". As Bing Crosby is singing this song, he really does do it as if he is talking to someone who he loves so dearly. You are a nerd and love ya France! Blog looks absolutely amazing, and I would like to know how you did that! Please help me soon!