If one listened to “Taking a Chance on Love” they may expect the performer to be credited as a female artist. However, as commonly done at the time, the performer was listed as a male leader, and his orchestra: Benny Goodman. Nowadays, it is common that the singer is given the performance credit, and their musicians are included in that. This is a change that occurred later in history, but is notable!
“Taking a Chance on Love” has the common three minute length, however a large portion of the time the song takes up is lyric-less. This aspect of the song brings more attention to the musicality of the song, than it does to the lyrics. Due to this unique way the song is written, the lyrics add to the song, rather than being the focus of the song. Usually, it seems like the lyrics are more of the focus and the hook that grabs the listener’s attention.
The lyrics to this song are interesting. Along with having the commonly repeated phrase “taking a chance on love,” throughout the song there are also words that are repeated to grasp the listeners attention. I have listed the lyrics and highlighted the common words and phrases used to add to the song’s hook.
Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again.
All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.
I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.
We'll have a happy ending now, takin' a chance on love.
Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.
I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.
On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.
Hey Dakota, I like how you included the lyrics and recorded the patterns you found! What a great idea. Thanks for discussing the fact that the female artist was uncredited. I think since they were crediting the writer (which we don't do as much today) they should have credited the female artist for sure. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this piece.
ReplyDeletewow Dakota! I like how you are so technical! i thought it was interesting how you mentioned the differences in how vocalists are view then vs now. I liked how you also included the lyrics so that way I could physically see the difference in the song. and I like how you mentioned that in this song the words accent the music! I totally agree! Great Job my friend!
ReplyDeleteI really like how you pointed out that Benny Goodman and his band were credited when nowadays we are so used to seeing the singer/performer being credited! I also noticed that a large portion of the song is just instrumentals which I liked! The sound was a very interesting and pleasing sound and I really liked it!
ReplyDeleteI really liked that you emphasized how the song credits went to the composer and their orchestra with music in this time period. It's something I never really thought too much about! I also think it's interesting how the lyrics aren't meant to be the focus of the song. I really enjoyed listening to it and hearing the instruments!
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