3. The Use of Metaphors
Significant chord progression in m.35 (1:56 – 2:14)
o Indicates the start of the party the band plans to have at the
roadhouse.
Vocal line descends by leap: “Ashen lady, give up your vows…”
o Descent may represent temptation and loss of innocence.
Harmonica responds to singer in the same part of the song
o Represents the others in the roadhouse who affirm the singer’s
lyrics
o (the Ashen lady should give up her vows and “save *their+ city”)
(2:56 – 3:23)
4. The Overall Use of Metaphors
Driving rhythm depicts band's drive to
roadhouse and their racing hearts as they
enjoy themselves to the fullest.
Lack of chord progression could signify the
band’s longing for inebriation
5. Linguistic Elements
Word Painting
In the word "roll" when Morrison slides the D5 to
a B4, imitating a rolling sound. (1:55 – 2:14, 3:50
– 4:11)
o Morrison also uses extra vibrato on the word
"roll" to also imitate a rolling sound.
In the word "long" as the word is sustained for a
long time in a tied note after descending from a
B4 to an E4. (2:09 – 2:14)
6. Image Schemas (Release of Restraint)
o Meaning of the piece, lack of dynamic contrast, and
Morrison’s vocal timbre relate to the image schema.
o Release of restraint presented in forte portions of
the song
o Indicative of rowdiness, carelessness, and carefree
enjoyment.
o Morrison slurs words with rough, scratchy timbre.
8. Image Schemas (Source, Path, Goal)
Schema is characterized in the music through lack of
chord progression.
Linear path through the song and to the roadhouse.
9. Image Schemas (Source, Path, Goal
cont.)
o Path: band plans the best route to take
o “Keep your eyes on the road, your hand upon the wheel.”
o Goal: the arrival at the roadhouse
o Source: band wants to enjoy themselves
o “We're going down to the roadhouse. We're gonna have a
real good time.”
10. Musical Elements
o Mode: E minor; shifts to subdominant, dominant, submediant, back to dominant, and
then back to tonic.
o Tempo: about 117 - Moderately fast blues
o Dynamics: improvised by the singer; mezzo piano dynamic in "ashen lady" and mezzo
forte in "I woke up this mornin' and I got myself a beer“
o Harmonies: harmonies are built around E7 chord
11. Musical Elements (cont.)
o Melody: in the voice or shared between the organ and guitar. (0:40 – 0:55,
2:36 – 2:52)
o Rhythm: common time with dotted eighth-sixteenth rhythm. Triplets are used in the
main theme.
o Timbre: brassy and brash vocals to mimic intoxication. (3:19 – 3:55)
o Lead guitar’s timbre is growly and energetic. Blues guitar style (drawn out, extensive,
'raw' chords)
12. Affective Character of the Piece
• Danceable (This is a song someone would rock out and bob their head
to)
• Groovy (Good jamming music)
• Laid back (Great song to ironically listen to on a roadtrip –
this song is relatable to its listeners because everyone at some
point in their life will go on or dream of going on a roadtrip with
their friends. This song promotes spontaneity and a carefree
attitude which can be an admirable and often universal trait.
These characteristics make the song appealing to its audience.
• Free
13. Performance Decisions
Morrison's stage presence
Sensual, yet energetic
Deeply involved with the song’s meaning
Techniques from Other Band Members
Relaxed, “jam band” demeanor
