Understanding the Subtle Nuances of the Irish Musical Tradition

From our lesson, we have learned lamentation plays a significant role in discussing and understanding the subtle nuances of the Irish musical tradition. These subtle nuances are not, however, limited merely to the study of Irish culture. Today, there are a vast array of artists who compose works of lamentation and bring the listener on a journey of sadness, loss, betrayal, and even revenge. Prompt In a well thought out and constructed essay, I would like you to pick a song you believe is lamentful in nature, and discuss and examine how it is lamentation. You may pick any song you wish, provided it is not one we discussed in class, or Irish. The point of this is to encourage you to broaden your perspective and revisit some songs you may have heard that have qualities tied to lamentation. Lamentation, although viewed from the lens of women’s song in Gaelic society, is not exclusive to this point-of-view. You may also want to discuss, if appropriate, how the song you chose encourages social action. Please note: I am asking you to write a lyrical analysis. Do not waste your time discussing the music video, artist’s life, or how many awards the song won. This is not relevant to the lesson we are currently learning. You must include lyrics in your writing to support the claims you are making. Please refer back to the lesson on quotes to see how these citations, and integrations, should look. It would be a good idea for you to focus on one or two of the constitute elements of lamentation—discussed in class—in order to formulate your argument. Please note, do not spend time summarizing and merely retelling the lyrics of the song. Summary tells me what. Analysis tells me why and how. You are welcome to use a song that is not written in English, however, I ask that you provide me with a translation of the lyrics. Lastly, remember lamentation can also be expressed through anger. You may be tempted to find a song that is sorrowful. Whereas this is acceptable, you may miss the subtle nuances of lamentation that can be found in a song that has a level of anger and resentment to it. Format Three (3) full pages of your own writing Lyrics (translated if in a language other than English); lyrics should appear at the end of the essay; this does not count towards the three page requirement Please follow MLA formatting guidelines Use quotes from the lyrics; cite line number when constructing citations [i.e (Celtic Woman 7)] Clear and thoughtful thesis statement Times New Roman 12 point Thoughtful title