Rhetorical Analysis - "Connection" by OneRepublic by

Introduction: SOAPSTone Analysis

3289701 — 2018-12-14 15:25:27 UTC

The song "Connection" by OneRepublic touches on deep subjects that affect many people in modern society. Ryan Tedder, the lead singer of the band, expressed his desire to reach people on a personal level with this song in an interview with Billboard, in which he stated, "[i]t's about wanting real human connection in a meaningful way, because that's really all that matters" (Seacrest 1). "Connection" speaks of the depressing state of loneliness or, as the song puts it, the feeling of not truly having a lasting "connection" with anyone. Tedder portrays the main character in the music video for "Connection", which takes place in the World Trade Center. The character whom Tedder portrays appears to be lost and rather confused, and perhaps, running from something in his past. He may be a traveler or businessperson, but it is obvious that he is unsure of his surroundings. However, an interview with Tedder revealed that he thinks of himself as the speaker. Describing "Connection" as "one of his most personal", Tedder reveals that the topic of loneliness is something that even he, a famous songwriter and performer, feels occasionally (Seacrest 1). So while the speaker could be anyone who longs for a real emotional relationship with another person, the narrator in this particular case is Ryan Tedder himself. Similarly, the audience could also be those hungry for a real relationship. Symbolism used in the video also suggests that the "Connection" speaks to those who believe their value comes from what others perceive them to be, particularly through social media, and how these vague images cannot replace the value of a true friendship. No matter who is speaking or receiving this message, the somber video backed by a catchy beat and the ample imagery makes the purpose of "Connection" fairly obvious - to find a "connection" and to make others aware that they are not alone in their desire for real friendships.

THESIS for Analysis

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In expressing his need for true companionship, Ryan Tedder uses logos, pathos, and ethos in the lyrics and video of "Connection" to show how empty life really is in the absence of true relationships. By using a great deal of symbolism and imagery, and giving relatable examples of ways we try to replace human companionship with meaningless things, Tedder creates a sound argument that is effective in showing listeners (and viewers) that everyone needs real, personable, and irreplaceable connections in life.

LYRICS Link

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Lyrics Analysis - Ethos

3289701 — 2018-12-16 20:26:09 UTC

Ethos, more commonly known as the appeal to ethics, is "a means of convincing an audience via the authority or credibility of the persuader, be it a notable or experienced figure in the field or even a popular celebrity" (YourDictionary Contributors 1).
The song "Connection" does not utilize a great deal of ethos to convey its message of the importance of having real relationships, but it should be noted that the songwriter and lead singer of this song, Ryan Tedder, believed that this song described the longings that he sometimes felt to have real friendships. This is an example of ethos because Tedder is singing about difficulties that he has experienced in his own life, and he is relating to those who have experienced similar feelings.
There are a few other minor examples of ethos. In the second verse of "Connection", Tedder sings "[b]uy the perfect home and there's a flood in the basement" (please note that there is a mistake in the lyrics video). While this may not seem like a very symbolic expression at first, Tedder is conveying that he has tried to pacify his loneliness with material possessions, and they have never been enough. In some cases, they have even disappointed him. Another example of ethos can be seen in an instance in the second verse. The line "[k]ids from Oklahoma, man we don't waste it" is an example of ethos because Tedder reminds his audience of his humble beginnings in Oklahoma, recounting that even though he didn't chase after riches and fame, he saved what he could in hopes of a better future. However, a few lines later, Tedder sings, "I'm just tryin' to paint the picture for me / Something I could give a d*** about at maybe 40." In these lines, Tedder admits that even though he had initially wanted to accumulate physical wealth, he realized that in the future, material things would be seemingly meaningless and wasteful.

Lyrics Analysis - Pathos

3289701 — 2018-12-16 20:26:32 UTC

Pathos, also known as the appeal to emotion, is "a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response to an impassioned plea or a convincing story" (YourDictionary Contributors 1).
Ryan Tedder frequently uses pathos to convey the importance of real connections to to his audience. Pathos itself is the inspiration for "Connection" as the subject of the song is loneliness.
The first example of pathos can be found in the third line of "Connection". Following a resounding theme of the song, Tedder sings "[s]ent up a flare, I need love and devotion." This line relies heavily on pathos because it shows that the speaker may be able to show loyalty and love to another, but he desperately wants those feelings (i.e. emotions) to be reciprocated.
Additionally, pathos appears in each chorus. The chorus of "Connection" is very simple: the phrase "[c]an I get a connection? Can I get, can I get a connection?" repeated twice. This simple question is full of emotional meaning because each chorus is a plea for companionship that is rooted in emotions such as loneliness, sadness, and hopelessness. By asking for a connection, the speaker is pleading for someone in the audience to provide the love and support that the speaker desperately needs.
Another moment that has emotional meaning occurs in the second verse. This line, "I be ready and willing and able to edit the story," is a great example of pathos because it shows Tedder's desire for a connection and willingness to go out of his way to find one. These actions are once again influenced by pathos, and while they do spawn from loneliness and despair, they also show hope because he believes that the end result would be worth the sacrifice. The third verse also contains similar ideas. "Right now, right now, I'm switching to a new lane / Foot to the floor, man searching for the real thing" also shows Tedder's inspiration to take action and his hope of finding someone with whom he can bond.
The final line of "Connection" features one last appeal to pathos. In a concluding tag, Tedder sings, "Try'na find the old me / Lonely." This lyric shows the characteristics of pathos because Tedder once again reminds the audience of his loneliness and suggests that perhaps the answers to his desperate pleas lie in his past.

Lyrics Analysis - Logos

3289701 — 2018-12-16 20:26:48 UTC

Logos, the term used to describe to the appeal to logic, is "a way of persuading an audience with reason, using facts and figures" (YourDictionary Contributors 1). In "Connection", Ryan Tedder uses a few lines of logos to further encourage audiences to be receptive to his message. In fact, the very first lines of "Connection" can be classified as logos.
"These days my waves get lost in the ocean / Seven billion swimmers, man I'm going through the motions" - these first lines of the song "Connection" can easily be analyzed using logos. By using a numerical and factual figure to describe the number of "swimmers" in the "ocean", Tedder is effective in reminding his audience of how easy it is for people to lose their unique identities when there are so many others that they are constantly being compared to.
Another example of logos that Tedder uses throughout "Connection" is the nagging thought that he should go back to his roots and reconnect with the people from his past. "Maybe I should try to find the old me / Take me to the places and the people that know me" are examples of lines in which he reasons that he would be more successful in finding friendships if he tried to connect with people who already knew him. The final line of the song, "Try'na find the old me / Lonely," signals that he indeed wants to reconnect with his past, but listeners are reminded that real friends can be found in new acquaintances, too. "Meet somebody else, sometimes ain't no shame" is one such line. By incorporating this idea into "Connection", Tedder reminds audiences that while steady friendships can be cultivated from old acquaintances, meeting a new person can also lead to a wonderful relationship.

VIDEO Link Reference

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Unedited "Connection" Music Video

Video Analysis - Ethos

3289701 — 2018-12-16 20:27:30 UTC

Ryan Tedder uses symbolism, exceptions to stereotypes, and a portrayal of his own experiences through acting to relay the message that despite being able to communicate easily via social medias, people are truly very disconnected and lonely.

Video Analysis - Pathos

3289701 — 2018-12-16 20:28:00 UTC

Tedder and OneRepublic use a combination of facial expressions, meaningful actions, and coloration to confer the messages found in "Connection" through logos. By using these particular methods, Tedder reveals how desperate people can become for a true friendship and examines how people who are aware of their self-worth respond when cast off.

Video Analysis - Logos

3289701 — 2018-12-16 20:28:10 UTC

Tedder and OneRepublic use symbolism and emotion to link messages found in "Connection" to problems that plague modern culture. Tedder's chosen symbolism is effective is communicating how foolish it is to place the importance of technology before that of people and encourages the audience to move out of their comfort zone and meet new people.

Conclusion

3289701 — 2018-12-16 20:28:16 UTC

The lyrics and music video of OneRepublic's song "Connection" are effective in conveying Ryan Tedder's message through the use of various persuasive techniques. Ryan Tedder, songwriter and lead singer of the band, uses ethos, pathos, and logos to convey his messages through symbolism, emotion, past experiences, and relatable examples. The lyrics are especially effective in reminding us of how lonely we are without any real friendships, and coupled with the video, exposes how our addictions to technology may be an obstacle that keeps us from reaching out to others. Tedder is very effective in conveying these messages and I believe that his work is capable of inspiring us to fix these issues in our lives.

Works Cited

3289701 — 2018-12-16 20:28:37 UTC

"Connection (Lyrics)." Perf. OneRepublic. Prod. Unique Vibes. Youtube, 2018. Online Video. 18 December 2018. .

"Connection." Perf. OneRepublic. Prod. OneRepublic VEVO. YouTube, 2018. Online Video. 18 December 2018. .

Seacrest, Ryan. "Why OneRepublic's Song "Connection is One of Ryan Tedder's Most Personal." OnAir with Ryan Seacrest. Premiere Networks, Inc., 9 July 2018. Web. 16 December 2018. .

YourDictionary Contributors. "Examples of Ethos, Logos, and Pathos". 2018. LoveToKnow Corp. Web. 2018. .

Video Analysis - Pathos (part 2)

3289701 — 2018-12-17 03:11:14 UTC