Analysis of a music video

1. Applying Goodwin’s ideas to T.I & Rihanna: Live Your Life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koVHN6eO4Xg
Theory Description – effect on audience
1) THOUGHTBEATS
Editing of video matches the
music or sound effects
Speed & Structure of video
consider verses and chorus
How does the video mirror the
singer’s voice?
How often does it cut back and
forth to the singer’s face and
at what moments?
Starts with a voice over talking about life. Ti is
shown bloody in a suit. Importance of making life
decisions and the slow motion followed by the
slow diegetic sounds.
Mainly slow paced throughout the video.
Structure shows flashbacks of his life prior in the
end showing the consequences he had to face
due to the decision he had made.
Rihanna sings the chorus and when she sings she
appears to be singing on stage in time with the
music.
Throughout the video the main artist ‘Ti’ is
focused on constantly cutting back to him.
2) NARRATIVE &
PERFORMANCE
Narrative or visuals match the
lyrics of the song
When he says ‘through all the adversity’ Rihanna
is shown in a dressing room.
‘chasing that paper’ shows ti holding a wad of
cash
‘Go back to the hood’ cuts to him in the present
showing that it was in his past
‘depositing’ shows a suitcase full of cash
This makes it clear that the visuals are telling the
same story as the lyrics in the song.

2. 3) STAR IMAGE
How much focus is on the
artist(s)?
Highlighting physical
attractiveness (particularly in
women) e.g.multiple close ups
of the main member/artist
Objectifying the artist(s)?
Do they have a trademark or
key signifier?
Most focus is on the artists, but cuts to the other
who features but not as frequently. Ti is the main
focus showing both his past and present self as
well as the narrative revolving around him.
Objectifies the featured artists, close ups of her
face dressed in tight clothing and other
characters look at her inappropriately. Red
lipstick- seductive connotations
Slow movements and poses creates an attraction
towards her.
Tipvsti – about his life in the past (shown in his
baggy clothing & present life shown in a suit.)
representing the success he has gained showing
that we all make our own decision hence the title
of this song ‘live your life’.
4) RELATION TO VISUALS TO
SONG
What you see matches the
music or sound effects
Singing into a microphone, at the same time as
Rihanna begins to sing the chorus of the song.
Creaking of the chair- nervous & jingling of
chandelier shown on the video.
Gets punched followed with a non-diegetic sound
effect
5) TECHNICAL CODES
Genres – different music
genres have their own specific
C&C as well as shared ones
Camerawork and movement,
lighting, setting, costume,
props, special effects, diegetic
sounds
Use of the time at different scenes, music ends he
says ‘I want out’ followed by the scene prior
making the connections showing the
consequences that followed.
Genre- pop- use of the artist singing into a
camera, lip syncing, slow motion.
Setting- within a lounge, empty alley,
Costume- tip- shown in baggy clothing & a suit,
Rihanna- shown in a tight dress and a big pink
dress. And red lipstick.
Summary: Why would viewers watch the music video again? What does it offer?
Viewers would watch this music video again because it offers an insight in TI’s life as
well as showing the clear message of not allowing our struggles dictate our futures
instead we are told to live our lives. This video and song motivates people to achieve
whatever they what and not allowing fear block your objective in life.