Music Video Decision: Cage

Last class, Cat and I met with Mrs. Stoklosa to discuss our progress. There were many aspects of the project that we talked about, but one major aspect stood out: the music video. As the major component of the project, the music video is an integral part of our grade and the overall music campaign. However, since both Cat and I have been busy researching the music industry and building Em’s brand, the music video had taken a backseat.

Nevertheless, we still discussed it and were torn between two of Em’s songs, “Cage” and “I’ll Be Fine". These are two of Em’s favorite songs, and they were both great options to choose from. However, “Cage” has a heavier beat and is more about the internal struggle of the mind, while “I’ll Be Fine” is a slower song that encompasses parts of each of the songs of the album in it. While Cat preferred to do “I’ll Be Fine”, I was leaning towards “Cage”. Yet by the end of the meeting with Mrs. Stoklosa, Cat and I decided on doing “Cage” since its stronger beats and lyrics would allow us to do some cool editing and a clear storyline.

                                                                         An excerpt of Em performing the acoustic version of "Cage"

Here are the lyrics to the song for our music video, “Cage”:

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Voices surround me, it's harder to breathe
there is no escape, my head is killing me 
i stand in my cage in silence and fear 
for the demons of darkness have driven me here

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will tear me apart
most of the monsters in my head only scare me in the dark 

I'm trapped inside a cage
I'm like a deadly machine 
My heart is locked in chains 
My mind is a disease
Can you
Can you save my soul?
Can you
Can you save my soul?

People are watching, they think that i'm insane
I see them, they're talking, do they know i'm not okay?
Shadows are screaming that i am alone 
I hope it's all a dream, i'm out here on my own

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will tear me apart
Most of the monsters in my head only scare me in the dark 

I'm trapped inside a cage
I'm like a deadly machine 
My heart is locked in chains 
My mind is a disease
Can you
Can you save my soul?
Can you
Can you save my soul?

Deep inside
Where nothing's fine
I've lost my mind
Oh, deep inside 
Where nothing's fine
I've lost my mind

I'm trapped inside a cage
I'm like a deadly machine 
My heart is locked in chains 
My mind is a disease
Can you
Can you save my soul?
Can you

Can you save my soul?

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As you can see from the lyrics, this song is very much a psychological struggle of being trapped inside one’s mind. Since the song follows a story, we want most of the visuals to correlate with the words of the song. Since “Cage” was the first song that Em wrote from the album, it holds a very personal place in her heart, which is why Cat and I want to include her into the creative process of the video as much as possible. In the next week, Cat and I will be exchanging ideas about the music video and hopefully come up with a storyboard by the beginning of the following week.

Until next time,
-Isa