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This is Antebellum by Vienna Teng
If I’m not mistaken, this is the carrier single from Vienna Teng’s newest album addition to her beautiful music portfolio: Inland Territory.
Antebellum is a latin word that roughly translates to “before the war.” It is imperative to keep that trivia in mind, as it builds on the theme of the song. I’m not talking of just the message of the lyrics, I’m also talking about the composition and structure of the song itself. You will hear tinges of yankee doodle-like drums beats (I’m sorry, I don’t know the proper term for it)—-from snare drums, methinks? I’m not sure about the specific instrument, save that it’s a drum. And you will really get the feel that you’re in some epic colonial American war movie, Confederates and all. That and the build-up of the story that the lyrics is presenting.
I won’t dwell too much on the lyrics for this post, we are all bound to have different interpretations for this song—any Vienna song at that. Vienna is known for her very mature, story-like yet imaginative lyrics—there’s just too many possibilities, that it plays with your comprehension and interpretation. I think that’s the fun of her music. It’s smart and very empowered that way.
However, one thing is certain… these days, unless a song was written purposely for a musical, you’d rarely find a song so encompassing; its theme painted ever so consistently from the music, to the title, to the words etc. It’s so awesome to hear such a beautiful song: you’re listening with earphones or headphones (full blast speakers even), without a care in the world and you feel that you’re actually hearing a scene from a musical, when in fact the song was written and made for general, public consumption.
There’s nothing better than musical culture available for the masses! :)
Cheers and thank God for music!
- M.
