For this last reflection I chose to write about Pink’s Just Give Me A Reason. I have always really loved this song, and am a big Pink fan. I also really love the band Fun and the lead singer is featured on this song which is just another reason why I think this song is so great. The song is about two people who were in love but are clearly falling out of it. Pink’s part describes their relationship in the beginning, and how perfect it once was. When Nat comes in, he is oblivious to what she is saying. He thinks their relationship is fine but as the song continues he realizes what she is trying to say. Through the story of the song they describe how there is space between them which used to full of there love. But they both want their love to be strong again and leaves off with them having hope that they can “learn to love again.” I think the song is about second chances and not give up when things get hard, and it has a great message behind it.
I like how the song starts off with the two singers taking turns with singing and telling both sides of the story. Then at the end they both sing and pass the melody back and forth with really rich harmonies that pull on all the heartstrings. The song is melodically very powerful that makes the already powerful lyrics even more meaningful. I love how at the end the song finishes with just the piano playing the melody that they were singing throughout the song, and it also begins the same way. It makes the song become almost like a circle that is completed at the end. I write a lot of my own music and try to do that same technique with some of my song/pieces. It makes to piece of music seem very complete and fulfilled.
I think the song is very different than a lot of the music Pink produces. She is a very strong woman and her songs always exude that strength. This song is definitely a lot more vulnerable than her other music. It is also a duet which is something that is different for both artists.
I recommend this song to anyone who likes a song that gives them the feels. I’m sure most people have already heard it though because it was all over the radio not too long ago. Thankfully, I still consider it a really great tune even though it was well over-played.
Lyrics: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/pink/justgivemeareason.html
Nicely done! Stella also commented on the “dueling lyrics” in her post (as well as some great backstory) and Marissa commented on the same musical device in a different song. For what it is worth, I also think this song would be far less powerful without the duet. It’s good solid work by Pink but the duet truly seals the deal.
For me the phrase “we’re not broken, just bent” sticks with me…
Good post Kayla!
I wrote a reflection on this song too and I am also a big fan of Pink. I love the saying that “We are not broken just bent and we can learn to love again”, which expresses the idea of not giving up on love easily. The music and lyrics integrate together to make this song more powerful and meaningful.
I really like this song too! The meaning is actually quite clear on this song as you pointed out, but the fact that it is such a great duet really makes the meaning of this song more vivid. Its really great!
I must say, I not a big pink fan, but I love this song so much! I think it’s probably because Nate was singing in it too but man I was obsessed with this song for the longest time. The harmonies in it are beautiful – such an emotional song.