The Bee Gees: Song Analysis

My song discussion will be, “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?” by The Bee Gees in comparison to the remake of the song by Al Green. Now, although the song has the same title, both song writers presented it differently. The song was first written in 1971 by the Bee Gees and was the first single on their LP Trafaglar. “How Can You MendA Broken Heart” was a big hit single for the Bee Gees reaching number 1 on the chart. A year later in 1972, the song was remade by Al Green on his famous album, Let’s Stay Together. In listening to both songs, it is apparent that the song tells of a man who has recently had his heart broken. The song is a desperate plea to regain the love of the person who recently broke their heart.
Although the song‘s title, …show more content…
Pain and sorrow is already evident to the listener. The lines expressed speak of a simpler time where there is innocence, freedom and happiness. The line, “never see tomorrow” speaks of surprise, unexpected and disappointment. The line, “I was never told about the sorrow”, expresses culture shock or unprepared for what lied ahead. Although the lyrics portray one story of emotion the deliverance and tempo tell of a different story. The sound was upbeat, pop music with an acoustic guitar and drums. The singing does not express much emotion. It seems like the Bee Gees were just singing the song and not feeling its message. Therefore the raw emotion in the lyrics could not be transferred through their vocals. However, chord progressions were and still today so fresh and unique. The Bee Gees were definitely spectacular song writers. I do not believe or have not heard a single artist in contemporary music today who can come close to their compositional skills, definitely a lost art …show more content…
The song’s beginning sounds like a guitar and organ, and then followed by a drum and what sounds like a violin. In this version, Al is more soulful with his singing which expressed the raw emotion within the lyrics presented as personal. Al sings in a soft tone as well but in a more pleading and agonizing tone. Al adds a line that said ", although my clothes are all wet tell me". This line has the appearance of a cleansing or some sort of redemption of the pain and sorrow felt by love. The emotions portrayed in the song felt like closing of eyes, passion and empathy. In this version he even added female vocalist who added a new feeling of soul. Listening to his version, there also seems to be a transition in his delivery. With the organ, female background singers and rifts that Al makes towards the end of the song, it almost feels as if this version is taking a gospel twist. Al Green sings it beautifully, and the string arrangement is tasteful and as minimal with the studio band which is understated. But the song is extended to the point where its mellowness becomes a kind of slow nod into unconsciousness, and what started out sounding like sweet soul music leaves a burnt metal

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