One

= = =Group 1: Ryan Flynn, Veronica Brown, and Stephanie Heinz=

=Bitter=

Rent -- Rent
Headlines -- bread-lines blow my mind, and now this deadline: "Eviction -- or pay"**
 * How do you document real life when real life is getting more like fiction each day
 * Some life that we've chosen**

The song's opening lyrics immediately establish a tone of both bitterness and resentment, particularly towards the main character's poverty-stricken lifestyle. He makes very pessimistic exclamations, such as stating that real life is now surreal; he also makes use of sarcastic expressions to further establish how very much he dislikes the way he is currently living his life. The tone of voice the actor utilizes while singing is one of deep rage and anger; he almost spits out his words like venom. All these words, action, and descriptions bolster the idea of this song being very bitter.

It reaches way down deep and tears you inside out Till you're torn apart Rent!**
 * How do you leave the past behind when it keeps finding ways to get to your heart

The song continues to express feelings of bitter sorrow, especially through the lyrics. For example, the characters' bitterness towards their landlords is hinted at with expressions like "torn apart"; these expressions carry very negative connotations. Other expressions, such as "RENT!" is shouted very abruptly, almost like a protest.

The part of the musical accompaniment that adds to the bitter tone is the harsh descriptions and quick style of the music. Subtle background sound effects, such as a crackling flame, also add a sense of fury. The use of harsh descriptions and abrupt musical style enables this song to capture the characters' anger quite vividly.

//By Ryan Flynn//

Excellent lyrical analysis, Ryan. Bitter certainly describes the tone of these lyrics.

=Whimsical=

Make 'Em Laugh -- Singing in the Rain
Cosmo: Though the world is so full of a number things, I know we should all be as happy as But are we? No, definitely no, positively no. Decidedly no. Mm mm. Long people have short faces. Big people have little humor And little people have no humor at all!** And in the words of that immortal buddy Samuel J. Snodgrass, as he was about to be lead To the guillotine:
 * Short people have long faces and

Make 'em laugh Make 'em laugh Don't you know everyone wants to laugh? (Ha ha!) My dad said "Be an actor, my son But be a comical one They'll be standing in lines For those old honky tonk monkeyshines"

Now you could study Shakespeare and be quite elite And you can charm the critics and have nothin' to eat Just slip on a banana peel The world's at your feet Make 'em laugh Make 'em laugh Make 'em laugh

Make 'em... Make 'em laugh Don't you know everyone wants to laugh My grandpa said go out and tell 'em a joke But give it plenty of hoke

Make 'em roar Make 'em scream Take a fall But a wall Split a seam

You're a dancer with grace You wiggle 'till they're Giggling all over the place And then you get a great big custard pie in the face** Make 'em laugh Make 'em laugh Make 'em laugh
 * You start off by pretending

Make 'em laugh Make 'em laugh Don't you know... all the...wants..? My dad... They'll be standing in lines For those old honky tonk monkeyshines

Make 'em laugh Make 'em laugh Don't you know everyone wants to laugh?

Ah ha ha ha ha ha Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha Make 'em laugh, ah ah! Make 'em laugh, ah ah! Make 'em laugh, ah ah!
 * Ah ha ha ha ha ha há

Make 'em laugh Make 'em laugh Make 'em laugh!**

Just from the title of this song you can see how whimsical it is. It is sung by the character Cosmo Brown in hopes of inspiring his friend Don Lockwood and cheering him up. It points out many of the simple things in life and reiterates the most important thing of all, just 'make 'em laugh'. It shows all the most important things about comedy, and how it really is all for fun. While singing the song, Cosmo is dancing about the studio, going through many humorous things himself and making an utter fool out of himself. The whole point of this song is to get people to smile and have fun. The main focus is, of course, the most ancient of humor, watching others get hurt in very comical ways. It truely is one of those songs that you listen to and just cant help but smile at it.

Begin your analysis with less assumption--PROVE how whimsical it is by making specific lyrical references directly under words and phrases.

=Superficial=

Popular -- Wicked
(Spoken) Elphie, now that we're friends, I've decided to make you my new project!

(Spoken) You really don't have to do that...
 * ELPHABA:

GALINDA: (Spoken) I know, that's what makes me so nice!**

(Sung) Whenever I see someone less fortunate than I, My tender heart tends to start to bleed. I simply have to take over! I know I know exactly what they need!**
 * and let's face it, who isn't less fortunate than I?**
 * And when someone needs a makeover,

And even in your case, though it's the toughest case I've yet to face, don't worry, I'm determined to succeed! Follow my lead, and yes indeed, you will be...

I'll teach you the proper ploys, when you talk to boys, little ways to flirt and flounce, ooh! I'll show you what shoes to wear! How to fix your hair! Everthing that really counts to be...**
 * POPULAR! you're gonna be popular!

POPULAR! I'll help you be popular! you'll be good at sports, know the slang you've got to know. So let's start, 'cause you've got an awfully long way to go!**
 * You'll hang with the right cohorts,

Don't be offended by my frank analysis, think of it as personality dialysis, now that I've chosen to become a pal, a sister and adviser, there's nobody wiser! not when it comes to...

POPULAR! I know about popular. and with an assist from me, to be who you'll be, instead of dreary who you were...uh, are. There's nothing that can stop you, from becoming popular... lar...

la la, la la! We're gonna make you pop-u-lar!

with unprepossessing features, I remind them on their own behalf to - think - of celebrated heads of state, or specially great communicators! Did they have brains or knowledge? Don't make me laugh!
 * When I see depressing creatures,

They were POPULAR!** It's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed, so it's very shrewd to be, very very popular like ME!**
 * Please! it's all about popular.

(Spoken) Why, miss Elphaba, look at you. You're beautiful!

ELPHABA: (Spoken) I, I have to go...

GALINDA: (Spoken) You're welcome...

(Sung) And though you protest, your disinterest, I know clandestinely, You're gonna' grin and bear it! Your new found popularity! ah!

la la, la la! Just not quite as popular as ME!**
 * You'll be popular!

The tone of this song is superficial because it is entirely about the looks of Elphaba. The lyrics stress a strong emphasis on trivial matters, and dismiss more important things in life. Galinda explains that the way to succeed can only be found through popularity. She wants Elphaba to become the same shallow, materialistic person that she is. Galinda's voice throughout the song emphasizes this. Her nearly valley girl sound underlines the superficial tone.

Perfect song choice; better attention to specific details and lyrics needed for best analysis.