Blog Post 6: Logos

Pathos might be the main strategy that "I'm Yours" uses to convey its messages, but it also uses logos in order to contribute to the pathos and ethos generated by this music video. Right away we see the brightness of colors being used to set the mood that is meant to be reflected. From this point on, repetition is used to associate love and companionship with bright colors while loneliness is shown through dark, shadowy settings like the cabin of an airplane. These associations are used in respect to Jason Mraz's surroundings to suggest that a life filled with love and happiness can only be achieved by spending time with and simply enjoying the company of other people.

Just as the video uses strategies of logos to communicate these ideas, so too does the audio composition. To begin, a single ukulele is used to present the main melody. Then, after a moment, the vocals are added. The song continues in this manner with percussion, a keyboard, and finally an ensemble of voices. This simple structure is used so that the audience focuses on each new part one at a time, allowing further contemplation of the song's meaning. First the audience hears the soothing melody of the ukulele then interprets the meaning of Mraz's words. The percussion begins at the same moment that Mraz is seen enjoying the love and companionship of fellow human beings. Percussion creates the sort of feeling that the song "picks up," which parallels Mraz's experiences with love. Even the choir that can be heard towards the end of the song supports the idea of fellowship.

The airplane shown in the beginning of the video can be thought of as a symbol of travel or journey. Throughout the video, more symbols appear representing the same concept. For example, the inside of a taxi cab is shown as the video progresses. "I'm Yours" isn't simply a song; it's a journey experienced by the author, Jason Mraz. It's a story about the events he experienced as he opened his heart to love. In the end, a picture of a runway is shown, making us ask the question "Is the journey finished, or has it just taken flight?"

Blog Post 5: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

As I mentioned in the end of my last post, I believe "I'm Yours" presents its main arguments by invoking strong emotions within the audience. In other words, Mraz uses the pathos of his song to convey his message. This is done through lyrics, visuals, and even instrument choices.

Through lyrics, Mraz makes the audience experience many different emotions. For example, in a part of the chorus Mraz sings: "Open up your mind and see like me./ Open up your plans and damn your free." Mraz wants the audience to simply let go of all their plans and stresses of life, and to feel free to do anything they want. A little later he sings: "I guess what I'm a saying is there ain't no better reason/ To rid yourself of vanity and just go with the season./ It's what we aim to do./ Our name is our virtue." Here, Mraz tells the audience to quit worrying so much about what others think. People need to simply be true to themselves. To summarize these points Mraz sings: "It's our Godforsaken right to be loved loved loved." From this, the audience experiences a sense of indivuality. Mraz makes the audience realize that they should be loved for who they are no matter what.

Mraz uses scat singing at one point in this song. Scat singing, generally used as a form improvisation, supports Mraz's idea of being open and free to do anything. This parallels the feelings that Mraz wants the audience to experience. Besides vocals, other audio components are used to evoke feelings in the audience. The most audible instrument used throughout the entire song is the ukulele. Most people, myself included, think of Hawaii when they hear a ukulele. And to many, Hawaii is a sort of dream vacation. In this case, the ukulele represents all sorts of happy thoughts in general to the audience.