SUMMATIVE TASK 1 – Investigating (CRITERION A)

Provide responses to the points below:

1. Choose a song by an artist that addresses any social or global issue. Note: You may consider
both local and/or global contexts.

Chosen song: Josh Ritter - Henrietta, Indiana

Issue: How people suffer because of small town factories are forced to shut down because of million
dollar companies gaining more popularity even amongst smaller sub-urban areas. This leads to
multiple blue - collar workers losing their jobs.

2. Gather relevant information on the context of your chosen song. Please consider the guiding
questions given below for your research. Note: You may gather your researched data in the form of
PPT, Canva, Google Slides or simply a Word doc. (Ai)

Guiding questions for research:

· Who created the song?

-​ "Henrietta, Indiana" is a song by American singer-songwriter Josh Ritter. Joshua B. Ritter is

· When was the song created?

-​ The song was featured on his eighth studio album, Sermon on the Rocks, released on
October 16, 2015.

· What was the purpose of creating the song?

-​ The song narrates the story of a mill town that has lost its jobs, depicting a place of
intoxication and bad faith. Ritter sings, "Blessed be the poor—your treasure is on high,"
highlighting themes of economic hardship and disillusionment. In an interview Ritter
mentioned that "Henrietta, Indiana" captures the deep, unhappy desperation he senses from
many people when he visits his hometown.

· What was the impact of the song on the audience?

-​ The song resonated with listeners who related to its themes of economic hardship and lost
dreams. Many fans appreciated Ritter’s storytelling ability and his use of vivid imagery to
depict struggles familiar to those in post-industrial communities.

· What is the genre of the chosen music piece?

-​ The song falls under the folk rock and Americana genres, blending elements of traditional
folk storytelling with the energy of rock music. It features rich instrumentation and
evocative lyrics, hallmarks of these genres.
· How is the genre connected to the unit SOI: Artistic expressions inspire protest and social
mobilization?

-​ Folk rock and Americana have historically been used as platforms for social commentary
and protest. These genres often address real-world issues such as economic inequality,
war, and injustice. Through compelling storytelling, Henrietta, Indiana raises awareness of
economic struggles, aligning with the idea that music can inspire reflection, dialogue, and
social change.

Note: Please justify your thoughts / opinion by defining the features of the genre.

3. Listen to your chosen music piece carefully (over-and-over again) and make a list of the
elements you think have been applied in the piece.

-​ Instrumentation - There is clear instrumentation near the beginning and in the chorus with
the electric guitar and drums being the most prominent. Subtle sounds of bass guitar
instruments can be heard in verses and background. Josh Ritter commonly uses an acoustic
guitar which is also heard in the music video.
-​ Lyrics :
-​ There are lyrics used in the song to tell the story itself. Though the lyrics in this specific
album are mostly based on religious themes. The lyrics here also talk about how when
people are under economic pressure they blindly follow religion. As they believe it’s the only
thing they can turn to.

- The lyrics in verse 1 talks about how they went into economic pressure and how many
people were affected.The lyrics in verse 1 talk about how they went into economic pressure
and how many people were affected. They highlight the desperation and the search for
solace in religion as a coping mechanism. The chorus reinforces this theme, emphasizing
the collective struggle and the hope for a better future.

The lyrics of the chorus in Henrietta, Indiana paint a striking image of a wild, reckless
character with "a devil in his eye", suggesting someone driven by impulse, danger, or
rebellion. The phrase "like a thorn in the paw" evokes a sense of irritation or persistent
trouble, implying that this character is both troubled and troublesome. "Disregard for the law"
reinforces a theme of lawlessness and defiance, indicating that the person is unwilling to
follow societal rules or constraints. Finally, "disappointment to the Lord on high" suggests a
moral downfall, as if the character’s actions have led them to be forsaken or judged harshly.

-​ Texture - The texture is thin as there are only 2 noticeable instruments in the music. This
causes little dynamic and texture in the instrument.Homophonic Texture – The song
primarily follows a homophonic texture, where the lead vocal carries the melody while the
instruments provide harmonic and rhythmic support. This makes the lyrics stand out,
reinforcing the song’s narrative. Layering of Instruments – The texture is enriched by a
combination of electric and acoustic guitars, drums, bass, and subtle keyboard elements.
These layers build intensity as the song progresses, creating a full and immersive sound.
Gradual Build-Up – The song starts with a relatively sparse texture, featuring a steady
 rhythm and a focus on vocals. As the song progresses, additional instrumental layers (such
as electric guitar and percussion) create a denser, more energetic texture, mirroring the
growing tension in the lyrics. Contrast Between Sections – There are moments where the
instrumentation thins out, allowing for dynamic contrast between verses and choruses. This
variation in texture helps emphasize key lyrical moments, keeping the listener engaged. Raw
and Gritty Sound – The slightly rough, unpolished quality of the instruments and vocals adds
to the earthy and urgent texture of the song, enhancing its folk rock and Americana roots.
-​ Tempo - The tempo of Henrietta, Indiana is 86 BPM (beats per minute), which creates a
moderate but driving pace that adds to the song's sense of urgency and tension. This tempo
is fast enough to maintain energy and movement but not so quick that it loses its storytelling
focus. It allows the song to feel steady and relentless, mirroring the themes of unrest and
recklessness in the lyrics. The controlled speed also gives space for the vocal delivery to
emphasize key phrases, making the narrative more impactful.
-​ Structure - The structure of Henrietta, Indiana follows a typical verse-chorus format but with
dynamic shifts that enhance its storytelling. It begins with an intro that sets the tone,
followed by verses that introduce the song's characters and themes. The chorus is a
high-energy, repeated section that reinforces the song’s message with vivid imagery and
heightened intensity. This pattern of alternating verses and choruses continues, building
tension as the song progresses. There may be a bridge or instrumental break that offers
contrast before leading into a final chorus, emphasizing the song's chaotic and rebellious
themes. The song concludes with an outro that either fades out or ends abruptly, leaving a
lasting impression of the energy and unrest described throughout.
-​ Chords - The song "Henrietta, Indiana" by Josh Ritter is played with a capo on the 3rd fret,
utilizing chords such as Am, C/G, G, F, Dm, Am/G, and Am/F. The chord progression in the
verses typically follows Am – C/G – G – F, while the chorus features Dm – G – Am – Am/G –
F. This progression provides a somber and reflective tone, complementing the song's
narrative about economic hardship and personal struggle. The use of a capo allows for
chord voicings that add to the song's melancholic atmosphere.

4. Write a note, which describes the application of at least five musical elements that made your
chosen song effective. (Aii)

Please find below the list of musical elements for your reference.

1.​ Lyrics
2.​ Chords
3.​ Instrumentation – choice of instruments appropriate for the music piece
4.​ Tempo – Speed of music
5.​ Song rendition
6.​ Texture – no. of instruments applied
7.​ Dynamics – loudness or quietness of the music
8.​ Structure – various sections of the song
9.​ Rhythm applied
 10.​Pitch – application of high or low pitch to evoke the emotion through the music piece

Josh Ritter’s Henrietta, Indiana is an effective song due to its masterful use of several musical
elements that enhance its storytelling and emotional impact.

1.​ Lyrics – The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a reckless and chaotic character, using
powerful imagery and symbolism to convey themes of lawlessness and desperation. The
repeated phrases in the chorus emphasize the emotional turmoil and unrest.
2.​ Chords – The song’s chord progression, featuring Am, C/G, G, F, Dm, Am/G, and Am/F,
establishes a somber yet driving tone. The minor-heavy progression complements the dark
themes of the song, enhancing its emotional weight.
3.​ Tempo – At 86 BPM, the tempo creates a sense of urgency and movement without rushing
the storytelling. This moderate pace allows the lyrics to be delivered with intensity while
maintaining a steady rhythm that drives the song forward.
4.​ Instrumentation – The mix of electric and acoustic guitars, bass, and drums creates a
textured, layered sound that captures the song’s rebellious energy. The raw, gritty quality of
the instruments aligns with the folk rock and Americana influences, reinforcing the song’s
mood.
5.​ Structure – The song follows a verse-chorus format, with alternating sections that build
tension and intensity. The verses set up the story, while the chorus explodes with energy,
reinforcing the themes of lawlessness and unrest. This structured contrast keeps the listener
engaged and enhances the song’s impact.