Media studies A2 preparatory task – case study 3

Halsey - Ghost

Artist: Halsey

Title: Ghost
Producer:  Dylan Scott

Date: Released on 27 October 2014

Lyrics

I'm searching for something that I can't reach.

I don't like them innocent

I don't want no face fresh

Want them wearing leather

Begging, let me be your taste test.

I like the sad eyes, bad guys

Mouth full of white lies

Kiss me in the corridor,

but quick to tell me goodbye.

You say that you're no good for me

Cause I'm always tugging at your sleeve

And I swear I hate you when you leave

But I like it anyway.

My ghost

Where'd you go?

I can't find you in the body sleeping next to me

My ghost

Where'd you go?

What happened to the soul you used to be?

You're a Rolling Stone boy

Never sleep alone boy

Got a million numbers

And they're filling up your phone, boy.

I'm off the deep end, sleeping

All night through the weekend.

Saying that I love him but

I know I'm gonna leave him.

You say that you're no good for me

Cause I'm always tugging at your sleeve

And I swear I hate you when you leave

But I like it anyway.

My ghost

Where'd you go?

I can't find you in the body sleeping next to me

My ghost

Where'd you go?

What happened to the soul you used to be?

I'm searching for something that I can't reach.

My ghost

Where'd you go?

I can't find you in the body sleeping next to me

My ghost

Where'd you go?

What happened to the soul you used to be?

Insight of Halsey's career

Halsey began her career by posting cover songs on YouTube under her own name.  Her first break hit in 2012 when she recorded a parody video of Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble" called "The Haylor Song." In 2014, Halsey recorded a song called "Ghost" and posted it on soundcloud. 

Analysis of lyrics 

The lyrics explore the concept of being in a relationship with a person whom is not emotionally available. Even though they're physically there, they do not show any emotions towards you. 

Synopsis of video

At the beginning of the music video, Halsey is making out with a man which seems to be her boyfriend. They then begin to argue and there are multiple shots of her appearing sad. 

Narrative, Conceptual or Performance?

The video seems to be narrated as her relationship is shown as a story and. First, making out and being happy and then arguing, him leaving and her being sad. 

Mise en scene and editing 

Throughout the video, Halsey is wearing a short blonde wig which appears as many colours due to the special lighting. The chosen location is dark and mysterious. 

Target audience

I believe that the target audience for this music video is young adults (mainly girls) as it contains some explicit images and it also portrayed a unsuccessful relationship which  many young women can relate to.