Goodwin Theory and examples

Andrew Goodwin's Theory

Andrew Goodwin feels that there are there are 3 ways to tell a narrative through a music video. 

3 types of ways the song and video can be connected:

1. Illustration

2. Amplification

3. Disjuncture 

Illustration: When the video tells the story of the lyrics.

Artist: Bruno Mars

Song: Just The Way You Are

Album: Doo-Wops & Hooligans

In this lyric the artist says "Because you're amazing, just the way you are", this relates to what is being portrayed and we are able to see that the artist is speaking to the women that is shown in the video.

Amplification: The images amplify the lyrics as a narrative may be used to convey a deeper meaning that you wouldn't be able to see from the lyrics alone.

Artist: Katy Perry

Song: Firework

Album: Teenage Dream

In this clip the lyrics are "Let your colours burst" and it is amplifying the message of anything the firework could be.

Disjuncture: When the song and video have very little connection. The lyric / video contradict one another.

Artist: Yoke Lore

Song: Beige

Album: Goodpain

In this lyric the artist says "I don't want to see you smile" but the image that is being portrayed is of the artist and a polar bear in a forest. These do not relate with one another and have no connection.

Reflects the genre of music:

As there are different approaches to the narrative/non-narrative presentations within the video almost always follow a key tone/style and visuals of the genre.