The English portion of the Narrative Project challenges students to investigate a topic of their choice through research and lyrical essay writing. They may elect to align this project with your Freestyle media elective work by connecting an existing story idea or experimenting with an idea you anticipate developing into your Senior Narrative or Zenith.

Intention Statement 

Emotions Within is a lyrical essay inspired by how music insights emotions in all of us. I chose to write this lyrical essay in 2nd person because using more general terms engages more ranges of audiences. In the first section, I use alliterations to represent the style of  “same but different.” When the alliteration changes from “Emotions” to “Oceans” the speaker’s attitude toward emotions and nature. This shifts the tone from mysterious to hopeful. Ultimately, the pattern of alliterations in this lyrical essay shows connections to all the album tracks that make a whole unit. My research sources were particularly helpful in taking inspiration and learning how artists use creative ways to get past writer’s block when creating. 

I arranged my text in a creative way that is inspired by an album breakdown. My short stanzas are supposed to represent track descriptions. I use white space to separate the different tracks but also keep them close enough to keep them unified.  I did this in order to keep the audience wanting more but also allow me to express different ideas and opinions. 

During peer review, my readers enjoyed how unique my lyrical essay was, but suggested that I connect the paragraphs together and add more detail. The most helpful feedback I received focused on connecting my essay. I adjusted words here and there. I also added alliterations throughout in order to improve flow and reading style. I was particularly inspired by Labrinth who produced the soundtrack to one of my favorite TV shows, Euphoria. I tried to emulate the changing emotions that I experienced when listening from start to finish. Also, I was inspired by Noah Kahan who is an acoustic/ folk singer who takes nature and uses it throughout his music. All the artists I took inspiration from helped me develop my ideas further. 

Final Lyrical Essay

Emotions Within

An album about emotions that occur when we listen to music. 

Album Tracklist:

  1. Emotions of the Oceans 

          Waves Crashing on the beach. Mini explosion as the sea hits rocks darted along the shore.  Peaceful. Calm. Music makes the motion of the oceans have meaning and emotion. It allows us to stop and think. To look inward at our thoughts and feelings. Emotions of the Oceans help us grow. The emotions of serenity. The emotions of uncertainty. The emotions of hopefulness as you look off into the unknown. 

  1. Distant Memories 

          Looking back on our old lives makes some regret their choices. But, others use their memories as a way to guide them as they take the next step into a new chapter of their lives. Memories left behind to turn into coping methods. Music allows us to forget our past and look towards the future.

  1. Outdated Adventures 

           Old Adventures that seem like eons ago. Gives us hope for future generations. Tracking through wild like ants scavenging for food among the giants. Music allows us to feel free among the stars when others don’t believe in us.

  1. New Breath 

            Breath in and out. Mint gum. Fresh Pine. Wet weather. Smells allow us to experience new wonders of the world. Fresh. Cozy. Home. Music transports us to places so vivid that just by closing our eyes we emerge into a wonderland. Artists like The Lumniers and John Vincent III take us on adventures that we would never experience before. 

  1. Writing Words 

           Words on a paper. Some know what to craft but many just stare off into the unknown praying it will write itself. Songwriting is like this. With every step forward you take millions back. Like ocean tides washing sand forward and back in its currents. Something sounds fresh one moment then forgotten the next. But, when done it makes music that changes people’s lives. Words like Noah Khan as he expresses his “Beautiful Mess.” Words that form the sounds of strumming guitars and raspy voices. 

  1. Euphoric Visions 

Music that feels like floating through time in space. Lines like “Feel the morning on my face.

Ain’t a pill that I didn’t take” that makes us forget our troubles. Colors that bounce and shift with every changing emotion. Happy…Sad…Despair…Joy. The feeling of standing up in a car with the wind gushing through your hair. Moments that will live forever. 

Below are the songs I took inspiration from when creating my musical essay!

The Lumineers

John Vincent III

Noah Kahan

Labrinth

Reflection

I am really proud of how my essay turned out. Music is such a huge part of my life and I love how simple but effective it turned out.