MUS - 361

2. Songwriter(s): Roy Orbison / Bill Dees

3. Recording artist(s): Guitarists: Roy Orbison, Billy Sanford, Jerry Kennedy, and Wayne Moss. Piano: Floyd Cramer. Upright Bass: Henry Strzelecki. Saxophone: Boots Randolph & Charlie McCoy. Drums: Buddy Harman. Percussion: Paul Garrison. Vocalist: Roy Orbison

4. Year of release: 1964

5. Record label: Monument

6. Song style: Rock n Roll

Before this class I have never heard of the Everly Brothers, not have I heard of Roy Orbison. Both options have a vast catalog of songs to choose from, but for this assignment I chose to analyze the song. Oh, pretty Woman by Roy Orbison. I chose this song because I found the upbeat tempo of the song catchy. Also, because I know I’ve heard this song somewhere before, but I can’t quite pinpoint where I’ve heard it.

This song triggers happy emotions in me. With its catchy rhythm and flow, I feel like this song would be played in the summertime. When I listen to this song, I can see in my head the situation this song is describing. This situation is the typical guy sees and pretty girl walking down the street and attempts to get her attention and interest for a possible date. I enjoy this song because it reminds me of times before social media when it was more popular to shoot your shot in person. In present times social media and instant messaging have replaced most of these encounters. Especially for people 25 and younger.

The song has drawn a difference between the ancient times and the modern world especially before technology. Most songs in the present days do not provide the essence of love nor show how a woman’s beauty should be appreciated. I took this particular song since it can be applicable in my life especially when I have developed interest in a woman. It has simple lyrics with massive repetition yet catchy and connects one to fantasies about a girl they want. It can be used to serenade a crowd and I am sure once this song is played many people will be excited. Playing this song in the contemporary world is a reminder of how music was raw and interesting. Words could be clearly heard and emotions were embraced. I selected the ancient song because I wish to have lived in those times when such a song from a well-known artist could have been an ultimate hit.

The introduction of social media has eradicated the fun of composing songs and singing them to a woman or man to be precise. People note down messages and pen them to their loved ones which block the real emotion. I think that ancient rock and roll was the best way to passing emotional messages and motivate people to feel the dancing rhythm. The song is simple and the word connects through the melody hence delivering the anticipated message to the crowd. The song genre is still in the present world music industry since it mirrors the style used and the present audience is still fascinated by that ancient greatness.