Textual Analysis of Music Video Use Somebody by Kings of Leon

Mise-en-Scene

The opening shots show a fast moving montage of many cuts. There are a variety of different shots included for different reasons. There are shots of cities showing vibrant night life, bright lights, a hive of activity which we would associate with the stereotypical life of a rock star.

There are shots of aeroplanes and motorways signifying travelling. This again is stereotypical of our idea of a rock star, connoting travelling on tour.

These are interspersed with shots of the band. The shots are of live performances of the band, playing their own music. There are close ups of the band and their instruments. The reality of the shots gives an authenticity to the video. The audience is able to relate to the band. Excerpts from real performances are stereotypical of rock genre videos.

When the singer sings the words “You know that I could use somebody “, he looks up to the sky. He is pleading with God.

In all the close up shots he is looking at the camera connoting sincerity.

There is a montage of shots which show the band all together relaxing and preparing for the show. They are doing things we would all do. This gives them a reality and we realise they are just like us. We become familiar with their personalities.

The Kings of Leon logo is visible which means we can immediately recognise the band.

The crowd waving and enjoying themselves is stereotypical of rock genre videos.

At the end, the shots of band members with women, kissing, symbolises the meaning of the song. Everyone needs someone to love. 

Sound

The track starts from the beginning of the video. It has the strong, hard beat of rock that we would associate with rock music. There is no diegetic sound of the band members talking or of them having a good time, the video’s sound is made entirely of the non-diegetic music and the lip-synching.

Camera

The initial shots are a montage of shots. The camera pans over the scenes, including long shots and bird’s eye view shots. The shots fade in and out.

There are also close up shots of the lead singer miming to the song. The close up shots give him a reality and the audience can relate to him. We realise this character is a very important part of the band.

There is a shot of the man with the woman. It is a very short, brief shot which shows this episode is in the past.

Narrative

The song tells of a longing to cuddle someone while feeling lonely on the road. It tries to portray the singers as people who are capable of feeling lonely. It goes against the stereotypical view of band members drinking and partying and having fun in every town and city they visit. It portrays the more realistic and lonely side to the rock star's life.

Titling

There are no titles used throughout the video.