From personal politics to global perspectives: A rhetorical critique of the songs of Jackson Browne

William Robert Bettler, Purdue University

Abstract

This study analyzes the rhetorical impact of popular songwriting through the works of Jackson Browne. The central argument advanced is that audiences receive symbolic medicine from the songs to which they listen. This “medicine” provides entertainment, but it also contributes to bringing meaning and structure to people's lives. The primary texts for this analysis are the recorded works of Jackson Browne from 1972 until 1991. This study will consider both the musical and the lyrical content of these works. Over the course of this body of songs, and the stories told therein, Jackson Browne asserts a songwriting style, just as certain thematic patterns emerge, and particular narrative choices recur. By categorizing the themes and narratives of Browne's songs across his entire career, this study will offer a critique of the rhetorical impact of Browne's songcraft. This critique benefits from the theoretical foundation of Kenneth Burke's concepts of “form” and “sociological criticism.” By using Burke's sociological criticism, this study discovers that Browne's style has evolved from expressing the anxiety of youth, charting the challenges of engaging the adult world, and finally searching for justice in several areas of life. These three storylines form the basic organization of the study and represent the three creative eras of Browne's songwriting career. But despite this evolution through three stylistic eras, themes of movement, freedom, and fitful dreaming recur, as does Browne's use of a first-person narrator. Browne's use of a narrative voice to communicate recurring themes forms the basis for his songwriting style. These themes provide valuable meaning and medicine for audiences, and they are the basis for understanding the rhetorical impact of Browne's songs.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Burks, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Communication|Music

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