Strong Songs

"Killing Me Softly With His Song," as sung by Lauryn Hill, Roberta Flack, & Lori Lieberman

Aug 11, 2023
Guest
Roberta Flack
Guest
Lauryn Hill
Guest
Lori Lieberman
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ANECDOTE

Lieberman's Concert Inspiration

  • Lori Lieberman was deeply moved by Don McLean's 1971 concert, inspiring her to write poetry that became the basis for the song.
  • This personal experience sparked the creation of "Killing Me Softly with His Song."
INSIGHT

Major-Minor Dynamics Shape Song

  • The song circulates between A flat major and its relative minor, F minor, creating a familiar, logical progression.
  • This back-and-forth shapes the song's emotive peaks and valleys, contributing to its timeless feel.
INSIGHT

Rhythmic Displacement Energizes Chorus

  • The chorus uses repetition with rhythmic displacement to keep it dynamic and engaging.
  • This clever phrasing prevents the song from feeling repetitive despite repeated lyrics.
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