Media studies A2 preparatory task – case study 2

The pretty reckless - Make me wanna die 

Artist: Taylor Momsen 

Producer: Patrick Dwyer

Title: Make me wanna die 

Date: Released on August 27, 2010

Lyrics
Take me I'm alive

Never was a girl with a wicked mind
But everything looks better when the sun goes down

I had everything
Opportunities for eternity
And I could belong to the night

Then your eyes
Your eyes
I can see in your eyes
Your eyes

You make me wanna die
I'll never be good enough
You make me wanna die
And everything you love will burn up in the light
And every time I look inside your eyes
You make me wanna die

Taste me drink my soul
Show me all the things that I shouldn't know
When there's a blue moon on the rise

I had everything
Opportunities for eternity
And I could belong to the night

Then your eyes
Your eyes
I can see in your eyes
Your eyes
Everything in your eyes
Your eyes

You make me wanna die
I'll never be good enough
You make me wanna die
And everything you love will burn up in the light
And every time I look inside your eyes
You make me wanna die

I would die for you my love
My love
I would lie for you my love
My love (You make me wanna die)
I would steal for you my love
My love (You make me wanna die)
And I would die for you my love, my love
We'll burn up in the light
And every time I look inside your eyes
I'm burning in the light, look inside your eyes
I'm burning in the light, look inside your eyes
You make me wanna die

Insight of Taylor's career

For two years singer, rhythm guitarist and Gossip Girl actress Taylor Momsen worked with several producers before meeting Kato Khandwala. She then formed a band with three unnamed musician called 'the pretty reckless.' 

Analysis of lyrics and theme
From looking at the lyrics it is clear that the theme is darkness and depression as it talks mainly about death. The song talks about not being able to live in this world anymore and a person constantly putting her down. 

Synopsis of video, mise en scene and editing 
The video is filmed in a very dark place.Taylor is mostly lip syncing to the camera. Special effects are used such as glittery background and special lighting which makes the place look almost magical. Throughout the video, the main source of light is placed on the singer. Taylor is wearing black leather clothes which matches the theme of the lyrics and video. She is also wearing really heavy make-up showing her rebelliousness. 

Narrative,Conceptual or Performance?
During the video, the band is performing as you can see the boys playing the instruments in the background and the lead singer lip singing. There are also some narrative moments when Taylor is walking around on the dark, empty street. 

Target audience
The target audience for this music video are teenage girls or young adults as these are the people that are most likely to listen and relate to the music as it talks about never being good enough. 

Camera angles
At the beginning of the video, there are some medium angle shots followed by close ups of her facial expression. The camera may appear to be hand held as some point when Taylor begins to walk and the camera seems to follow.