How To Analyze "That's When" By Tonex: A Masterclass In Songwriting

Komey 10 Sep 2024

A lyric is a set of words that are sung in a song. Lyrics can be simple or complex, and they can express a wide range of emotions, from love and joy to sadness and anger. For example, the lyrics to the song "That's When" by Tonex tell the story of a love that is lost and then found again.

Lyrics are important because they help to convey the meaning of a song. They can also be used to tell a story, create a mood, or simply provide a catchy melody. Throughout history, lyrics have played a vital role in the development of music. From the ancient Greek poets who wrote the lyrics for their plays to the modern-day singer-songwriters who write lyrics for their own songs, lyrics have been used to express the human experience in all its complexity.

In this article, we will explore the different elements of lyrics, discuss the importance of lyrics in music, and provide tips for writing your own lyrics.

Lyrics

Lyrics are an essential part of any song. They convey the meaning of the song, create a mood, and tell a story. Without lyrics, a song would be nothing more than a melody.

Meaning
Mood
Story
Emotion
Theme
Rhyme
Meter
Form

These elements work together to create a cohesive and meaningful song. For example, the lyrics to the song "That's When" by Tonex tell the story of a love that is lost and then found again. The lyrics are full of emotion and longing, and they perfectly capture the feeling of falling in love again after a period of heartbreak. The lyrics are also very well-written, with a strong sense of rhythm and rhyme. Overall, the lyrics to "That's When" are a perfect example of how lyrics can be used to create a powerful and moving song.

Meaning

The meaning of a song is what it is trying to say. This can be a simple message, such as a love song, or it can be a more complex story or idea. The meaning of a song can be conveyed through the lyrics, the music, or both.

Literal Meaning: This is the most basic level of meaning, and it refers to the words themselves and their literal meaning. For example, the literal meaning of the lyrics "I love you" is that the singer is expressing their love for someone.
Figurative Meaning: This is a more complex level of meaning, and it involves using words in a non-literal way to create a deeper meaning. For example, the figurative meaning of the lyrics "I'm on top of the world" could be that the singer is feeling very happy and successful.
Emotional Meaning: This level of meaning refers to the emotions that are conveyed through the song. For example, the emotional meaning of the lyrics "I'm so lonely" could be that the singer is feeling sad and isolated.
Thematic Meaning: This level of meaning refers to the broader message or theme that the song is trying to convey. For example, the thematic meaning of the song "What a Wonderful World" could be that the world is a beautiful place, despite all the challenges that we face.

The meaning of a song is often subjective, and it can vary from person to person. However, by understanding the different levels of meaning, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the song and its message.

Mood

Mood is a crucial aspect of any song, and it plays a significant role in conveying the overall message and emotion. In the song "That's When" by Tonex, the mood is one of longing and regret, as the singer reflects on a lost love.

Tempo: The tempo of a song can have a big impact on its mood. A slow tempo can create a more somber and reflective mood, while a faster tempo can create a more upbeat and energetic mood. In "That's When," the slow tempo contributes to the song's overall mood of longing and regret.
Key: The key of a song can also affect its mood. Major keys are typically associated with happier and more upbeat moods, while minor keys are typically associated with sadder and more somber moods. "That's When" is written in a minor key, which helps to create the song's mood of longing and regret.
Instrumentation: The instrumentation of a song can also play a role in creating its mood. Different instruments can evoke different emotions, and the combination of instruments can create a unique and specific mood. In "That's When," the use of piano and strings helps to create the song's mood of longing and regret.
Lyrics: The lyrics of a song are obviously one of the most important factors in creating its mood. The words that are used, and the way that they are put together, can create a wide range of moods. In "That's When," the lyrics about lost love and regret contribute to the song's overall mood of longing and regret.

The mood of a song is a complex and multifaceted thing, and it is created by the combination of many different factors. By understanding the different elements that contribute to mood, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the music that we listen to.

Story

A story is a narrative that tells a sequence of events. Stories can be true or fictional, and they can be told in many different ways. In the context of lyrics, a story is often used to convey the meaning of the song. The story can be about anything, from a personal experience to a historical event.

In the song "That's When" by Tonex, the story is about a lost love. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has lost the love of his life and is struggling to move on. The story is told in a very personal and emotional way, and it is clear that the singer is deeply affected by the loss.

Stories are an important part of lyrics because they can help to convey the meaning of the song in a more engaging and memorable way. A well-written story can help to create a connection between the singer and the listener, and it can make the song more meaningful and impactful.

In addition to conveying the meaning of the song, stories can also be used to create a mood or atmosphere. For example, a song with a sad story can create a feeling of sadness or longing, while a song with a happy story can create a feeling of joy or hope. Stories can also be used to teach lessons or to explore different perspectives.

Overall, stories are a powerful tool that can be used to convey meaning, create a mood, and teach lessons. They are an essential part of lyrics, and they can help to make songs more engaging, memorable, and meaningful.

Emotion

Emotion is a critical component of lyrics. It is what gives songs their power to move us, to make us feel something deep inside. Without emotion, lyrics would be nothing more than words on a page. They would not have the ability to touch our hearts or to change our lives.

The song "That's When" by Tonex is a perfect example of how emotion can be used to create a powerful and moving song. The lyrics tell the story of a lost love, and they are full of emotion and longing. The singer's pain is palpable, and it is impossible to listen to the song without feeling something yourself.

The emotion in "That's When" is not just limited to the lyrics. It is also present in the music itself. The slow tempo and the minor key create a sense of sadness and longing that perfectly complements the lyrics. The song's instrumentation is also very effective, with the use of strings and piano adding to the overall emotional impact.

The emotion in "That's When" is not just a matter of personal taste. It is also a matter of science. Studies have shown that music can have a powerful effect on our emotions. Music can make us happy, sad, angry, or relaxed. It can even change our heart rate and blood pressure.

Theme

In the context of ""source"": "https://genius.com/Tonex-thats-when-lyrics","", the theme refers to an underlying message or idea that runs through the lyrics and gives them a deeper meaning. It is often expressed through symbolism, metaphor, or other literary devices.

Love and Loss:
The song "That's When" is about a love that has been lost. The singer reflects on the pain of losing someone they love and the longing to have them back.
Regret:
The singer also expresses regret over things they said or did that may have contributed to the loss of their love. They wish they could go back and change the past.
Hope:
Despite the pain and regret, the singer still has hope for the future. They believe that one day they will find love again and that their pain will eventually subside.
The Power of Memory:
The song also explores the power of memory. The singer's memories of their lost love are both a source of pain and a source of comfort. They can't help but remember the good times, but they also can't escape the pain of the loss.

These are just a few of the themes that can be found in the lyrics to "That's When." By understanding the themes of a song, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its meaning and message.

Rhyme

Rhyme is a literary device that involves the use of words with similar or identical sounds. In the context of ""source"": "https://genius.com/Tonex-thats-when-lyrics","", rhyme is used to create a sense of rhythm and flow, and to make the lyrics more memorable and enjoyable to listen to. For example, in the chorus of the song "That's When" by Tonex, the following rhyme scheme is used:

That's when I knewThat I was falling for youAnd I knew that IWould never let you go

The use of rhyme in this example helps to create a catchy and memorable melody, and it also makes thes easier to sing along to.Rhyme is not a critical component of ""source"": "https://genius.com/Tonex-thats-when-lyrics","", but it is a common and effective technique that can be used to enhance the overall quality of a song. When used effectively, rhyme can help to create a more pleasing and memorable listening experience.Understanding the role of rhyme in ""source"": "https://genius.com/Tonex-thats-when-lyrics"," can help us to appreciate the craft and skill involved in songwriting. It can also help us to write our own songs, and to better understand and enjoy the songs that we listen to.

Meter

Meter is a fundamental aspect of poetry and music, and it plays a vital role in the structure and rhythm of a song. In the context of ""source"": "https://genius.com/Tonex-thats-when-lyrics","", meter refers to the regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in the lyrics. This pattern creates a sense of rhythm and flow, and it can be used to create a variety of different effects, from a simple and straightforward beat to a more complex and sophisticated rhythm.

In the song "That's When" by Tonex, the meter is primarily based on a pattern of alternating stressed and unstressed syllables. This pattern is known as iambic tetrameter, and it is a common meter used in English poetry and songwriting. For example, the first line of the chorus follows this pattern:

That's when I knew

The regular meter of the lyrics helps to create a sense of rhythm and flow, and it makes the song more enjoyable to listen to. It also helps to emphasize certain words and phrases, and it can be used to create a variety of different moods and atmospheres.

Meter is not a critical component of ""source"": "https://genius.com/Tonex-thats-when-lyrics","", but it is a common and effective technique that can be used to enhance the overall quality of a song. When used effectively, meter can help to create a more pleasing and memorable listening experience. Understanding the role of meter in ""source"": "https://genius.com/Tonex-thats-when-lyrics"," can help us to appreciate the craft and skill involved in songwriting. It can also help us to write our own songs, and to better understand and enjoy the songs that we listen to.

Form

Form is an essential aspect of any creative work, including ""source"": "https://genius.com/Tonex-thats-when-lyrics","". It refers to the structure and organization of the work, and it can have a significant impact on its overall meaning and impact. In the context of ""source"": "https://genius.com/Tonex-thats-when-lyrics","", form plays a crucial role in conveying the song's message and creating a memorable listening experience.

Verse-Chorus Form:
The most common form in popular music, verse-chorus form consists of alternating verses and choruses. The verses typically introduce new information or tell a story, while the chorus provides a memorable and catchy hook. ""That's When"" follows this form, with two verses and a chorus.
Stanza and Line Structure:
The song's lyrics are organized into stanzas, which are groups of lines. The stanzas in ""That's When"" are typically four lines long, and they follow a consistent rhyme scheme. This structure helps to create a sense of unity and coherence.
Bridge:
A bridge is a section of a song that provides a contrast to the verse and chorus. It often introduces new musical or lyrical ideas, and it can help to build tension or suspense. ""That's When"" includes a bridge that provides a reflective and introspective moment in the song.
Outro:
The outro is the final section of a song, and it typically provides a sense of closure or resolution. The outro in ""That's When"" repeats the chorus, but with a slightly different arrangement, creating a sense of finality and leaving the listener with a lasting impression.

These are just a few of the formal elements that contribute to the overall impact of ""source"": "https://genius.com/Tonex-thats-when-lyrics","". By understanding the form of a song, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its structure, organization, and meaning.

In exploring ""source"": "https://genius.com/Tonex-thats-when-lyrics","", this article has shed light on the intricate interplay of various elements that contribute to the song's profound impact. Key insights gained include an understanding of how meaning, mood, story, emotion, theme, rhyme, meter, and form work together to create a cohesive and meaningful work of art. These elements are interconnected, with each contributing to the overall message and emotional resonance of the song.

The song's poignant exploration of love, loss, and longing, coupled with its skillful use of literary devices and musical techniques, underscores the power of music to evoke deep emotions and convey complex narratives. ""That's When"" serves as a testament to the enduring significance of songwriting as a medium for expressing the human experience. As listeners, we are invited to delve into the song's lyrical and musical tapestry, finding solace, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of our own emotions.