The Weeknd is a master of writing seemingly empty pop lyrics that mean something deep when you truly listen to them. He’s got a true gift for giving pop listeners what they want while also leaving an important part of himself in certain songs for his true fans.
In this video, I explain how The Weeknd writes his lyrics and creates something meaningful for his fans. I use the power of spreadsheets to analyze lyrics from House of Balloons, Beauty behind the Madness, and Starboy so that you can truly see the numbers on what his lyrics consist of.
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Disclaimer: The content of this educational video is covered by fair use. My explanations are transformative and add interpretation and analysis to the original work much as happens when I teach poetry in a university classroom. When I explain songs, I use only the lyrics or short clips of the original song or music video and thus have not hurt this song’s salability or provided a market substitute. All copyright claims will be disputed and appealed. Please see me as your ally in my attempt to use a literary perspective to enable fans to better understand and enjoy your wonderful and interesting piece of music.
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you are very detailed. Loved this!
I wonder if they know exactly what you are talking about or if we are over analyzing everything?
You probably don't read any comments from earlier offerings but this video and then breakdown of his music was amazing and insightful. I think it has to be obvious to most Abel fans that he is genius in both songwriting and lyrics but to see the percentages brings the progression into focus. I know I will get bashed for this but most people who are true geniuses are also a bit sideways. If he was average he could never pull off even one of his songs. The price for his genius is pain and pain is the fountain of his inspiration. My heart breaks for him even as I listen to everything I see of his. By the way just bring my opinion into focus, I am probably old enough to be his mother. But unbelievably chill as I am told by my kids. Best wishes to you all and get ready for the ride Abel will take us on if he can just keep from getting gone.
He steals my lyrics
Can you do Bryson tiller
OH MY GOD, you don't have ANYTHING better to do??? The only thing this video tells me is you bored out of your skull. The pop blueprint? I've never heard that before because I don't think an artist makes sure he's following your opinion on how to write a song. If you did this to every pop (99% of them at least) song, your going to find the same stats because they are all about drugs, sex, and wealth. And not necessarily in that order. You didn't need to make this video, because those of us that listen to the music already realized what your Babbling about in this useless video. You counted how many times he said motherfucker?? Get a LIFE!!!!!
I’m a weeknd Stan and I’ll be the first to admit this video should focus more on Max Martin and how helped The Weeknd be able to write songs this way and become a better artist
"casually beds" is my new favorite phrase.
Loved this analysis! ?? Also, would love to see an updated version of this with the lyrical analysis of his After Hours album too ?
I really want this spreadsheet, how do I get it? From Brazil
Good video man
i'm a simple man, I see the spreadsheets, I give them likes !
My head after watching this …
Ghhhggggukajgeywedrrewkkhbvhjiiuygjknvghhjkssaaaiuhgjjdsaaa?
Thank you, very well-put together, very informative
You're soo much underrated ?
so great video
Loft music has MF too, "I'm raw, MF, I'm raw"
I found him from the hills in 6th grade when it was on trending my friend told me he was a good artist and I should watch/listen to it but that’s when I recognized him as a person I knew him because of crew love but at that time I knew just drake I was to young and it was my brothers playlist so I was just vibeing
Please make another video on him with his latest album too.
mate, abel isn't "pop" he has always been R&B
pls also talk about kiss land. its his signature album where its his style in its purest form as an artist. he then alters and adjust it to fit a more pop or contempory r&B format
He's not a god but he's a great artist only god is God.
His lyrics are terrible, pure dogshit
Please do XXXTENTACION
Should be sleeping, but still watching x)
It's about losing inhibitions. Story as old as time. Some of us are so repressed the only way to feel normal is to resort to these measures.
I know my life is sad because seeing that spreadsheet filled me with joy
Are pop songs really that deep, man? Is there like some sort of university that pop singers go to to learn these percentages, numbers, and breakdowns? I mean, wow, man.. I just kind of sounds like the Weeknd's writing and lyrics are being put on the same pedestal as say Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park novel or Stanley Kubrick's 2001 a Space Odyssey in terms of depth and.. IT'S JUST NOT ? you're telling me that the Abel puts all that time and thought and numbers and formulas and critical deep theory into his pop lyrics to that exponentially subliminal degree? Yeah.. Okay lol
I listen to a song just coz its melodies not the lyrics.
Finally secret is revealed at 7:40 LOL
need an update on this video after MDM and After Hours Please!
Does he cowrite his own songs
0:57 was like a jumpscare
Cant feel my face was written by Max Martin.
Anyway he is great artist and talented, thank you for this.
This is brilliant. You’re absolutely right. The key element he includes that draws us in and helps us to identify with him is his vulnerability.
Lil peep
How do u use music vodeis wothout getting banned for copirating? Is youtube ok with that?
He had a song called Kissland on Kissland that was 7 mins long with 2 beats that's work together thru a bridge
Great anylisys . Helped a lot.
I motherfucking love this analysis 🙂
I have a question is he more of a r&b artist or a pop artist