- - - -
A N A L Y S I S O F T H E
B A T M A N T H E M E S O N G
BY CRAIG SHIELDS
- - - -
First verse: Batman
This first verse serves as our introduction to the song and subsequently to its object of praise, Batman. Singularly declarative in nature, it forms a stark contrast to the existing body of modern praise music (where here we have the singular utterance "Batman" as opposed to "Praise Batman"). This first verse also establishes Batman as one entity with an apparent, singular purpose.
Second verse: Batman
The repetitive nature of the chosen music combines with this very first repetition of the singular declarative from the first verse to give us the idea of consistency: that Batman is constant in nature and consistent throughout his existence. This being both the second verse and also the second invocation of Batman introduces the theme of duality: duality of the universe and the duality within Batman. Duality is here reinforced with the intonation of this verse, it being identical to the previous verse.
Third verse: Batman
A rise of intonation—a change in pitch of this verse to that which is higher than the previous two—conveys the idea of a natural ascension to that which is higher in nature: the image of "Bat" man in flight. Batman is seen here as rising above the common material concerns of man and into the ethereal realm of higher thought. A third verse also invokes the power of three, the universal trinity of body, mind, and spirit represented at once in the singularity of Batman.
Fourth verse: Batman
A return to the intonation of the first and second verses—a fall in pitch from the previous verse—represents the cyclical nature of the existence of Batman. Batman is not immune to the powers of the universe and must bend at the whims of a higher power. Here Batman is depicted in a purely human sense, subject to all the chaos, turmoil, and struggle of mortal existence.
Chorus: Batman, Batman, Batman (repeated once)
An intonation of the highest order is reached with the first cadence of this chorus. This highest level illustrates the danger that Batman faces in battling extreme forces and also indicates the possibility that Batman may be given to overindulgence in his use of power. The chorus goes on, repeating the previous tonal cycle in descending order, once again illuminating the cyclical nature of the life of Batman. Repetition of this chorus merely reinforces the potential energies, both positive and negative, contained within Batman.
Last verse: Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Batman
A final triumphant restatement of all that which this song represents is here encapsulated in a brilliant point of exclamation. Forceful and at the same time plainly stated, we here are shown Batman in full, unvarnished truth. Full of aspiration, yet subject to the pitfalls of mortal life, Batman simply is.
OTHER McSWEENEY'S FEATURES:
- - - -
An Open Letter to the Gentleman that Almost Killed Me the Other Day
I Will Stretch Out Mine Glove Upon Judah By Leonard Pierce
American Dance Crazes That Never Became American Dance Crazes By Ryan Boudinot
A Brief History of Helium to Be Read Aloud with the Aid of Helium By Justin Dullum
Short Imagined Monologues: The Giant's Son By Markov Manalo
Red dot denotes content that is new today.
Black dot denotes newish content.