Paparazzi

    The video I have chosen to analyze is Lady Gaga's Paparazzi. I believe this song falls into the broad category of Pop music. I guess time flies, because while I consider this to be a modern video it's already 2 years old. The lyrics are interesting, and the video is quite a spectacle. The lyrics taken on their won could be considered just another catchy song about romance, but when taken in with the video, it really can be considered a commentary on the music industry in its current state.

Not sure what it means

But this photo of us

It don't have a price

Ready for those flashing lights

...

I'm your biggest fan

I'll follow you until you love me


 
The lyrics here could be taken to chasing fame, as she is ready to stop being a member of the crowd, and become the object of people's attention. She's going to be persistent in her attempt to achieve fame, much like paparazzi hound celebrities 24 hours a day.

This message seems to become more clear with the video, which starts with her attempted murder, with the boyfriend representing the music industry. It has used her, and feeling that it got all it needed out of her, they're ready to dispose of her and move on to the next object of affection. However, she retaliates against this and murders her boyfriend, which once again gives her musical freedom.


 

This reflects some of Lady Gaga's real life experiences with record labels, as her first label deal with Interscope, which primarily wanted her writing songs for other artists, also wanted her to tone down her music and image. Instead she signed with Geffen records, and this then launched her career to new heights.

Of course, artists rebelling against perceived suppression by record labels is not new. The axiom that there is nothing new is shown to be true here, the Madonna video Express Yourself visits many of these same themes, with music being suppressed for the masses, while the owners of the music enjoy their own sophisticated music that they refuse to share.