Media Example #1 Paranoia in B Flat Major

I keep tellin' myself that it'll be fine

You can't make everybody happy all of the time

I found myself in a place that I never been

A place that I thought that I could never be

There's people looking back at me

I keep having this dream, I'm at a party

There's people throwing drinks

And screaming telling me that I don't belong

Lately life's been the same

I find this comfortable place

With all my friends then

My friends start telling me

That I've always been wrong

And I'm so tired of being wrong

There was a time I could move there was a time I could breathe

The crowded spaces filled with angry faces

It didn't once cross my mind

With paranoia on my heels

Will you love me still

When we awake and see that the sanity has gone from my eyes?

I got secrets from you, you got secrets from me

Because you're so worried about what I'm gonna to think,

Well I'm worried too

But if love is a game, girl, then you're gonna win

I'll spend the rest of my life bringing victory in

If you want me to

1. What about this media do you like? What don't you like? Show us your favorite and least favorite parts of each and explain why.

Paranoia…: I like the willingness to share insecurity. This song expresses my feeling that other people harbor impressions of me that could suddenly appear at any time. The title of the song-Paranoia-expresses my awareness that people actually don’t feel this way and my insecurity exists within myself. It’s like a paradox.

2. Describe why you think one of the examples represents your identity.

Paranoia: The line about being in a party and people suddenly screaming that the speaker does not belong resonates with me. I get anxious in social settings and the fear of angry rejection is real. At the same time, I am fully aware that this is not a rational fear. I have this exact dream from time to time.

4. Is the media you presented representative of the world you live in? In what ways is it real to your world and experiences? In what ways is it not real to your world and experiences?

The awareness that real fears of social rejection and isolation are actually paranoia is real to me. The line in ”Paranoia…”. I don’t really long to be “cool” or imitate another’s culture in order to be cool.

5. What statement do you feel the art or artist is trying to make? Why do you feel they would express themselves in this way?

Paranoia: The artist is reminding us that fear of rejection can keep us from experiencing what the world has to offer. The line about two lovers who keep secret who they really are is really sad. It explores the notion that no one is 100% honest no matter how close the relationship.

What is the essential nature of the speaker?

What is the significance of the title?

If you could give the speaker some advice, what would it be?

Think about the lyrics. Then finish this sentence in 3 different ways: I wonder…

What is the main conflict the speaker must face?