Ryanne Flory

Professor Rebecca Morean

ENG 1201

25 March 2021

Analyzing Visual Texts

“And I’m givin’ it my all, but I’m not the guy you're taking home.” This is a quote in

both versions of the song.This quote is one of the most important lyrics in each song. It

is important because it is sung in the precise movement of the music video that Robyn

lets out all of her desperation, frustration, and sadness. In both of the songs, this quote

relates to the heart break each of the artist feels while watching their former partner be

with someone else. The two music video versions of “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn

portray very similar feelings, however, the second version, by Calum Scott, uses a more

heart broken approach, rather than an angry approach, like Robyn’s version.

Robyn’s version of “Dancing On My Own” came out in April of 2010. Many

people referred to this song as a “sad banger”. In this music video, it features Robyn at

a busy club where the entire video takes place. Throughout the video it shows Robyn

watching her ex kissing another person. This song demonstrates the heart breaking

feeling of watching your ex move on, through anger and frustration. The claim of the

song is expressing feelings of sadness through anger and loneliness. Although this is a

love song and the lyrics portray sadness, the music is very upbeat. Throughout the

video, Robyn shows more anger and frustration than sadness. The story of this song

can be relatable for so many people. The audience for this song are people that can

relate to it and feel sad about a former partner being with someone else or someone
dealing with heartbreak. This song portrays pathos throughout the entire video because

it is very emotional.

Calum Scott’s version of “Dancing On My Own” came out in 2016. The story

behind this version is the same as Robyn's. The only difference is that the point of views

are switched. Calum is watching his former partner move on with someone else. Calum

used this song to express all kinds of emotions. Therefore, I think the audience of his

version could be anyone. The biggest difference between these two versions is the

music style. While Robyn's version also portrays sadness, she shows through upbeat

music and anger. Calum's version is expressed through sadness and loneliness and not

anger, with the music also being very slow. The video was filmed in an open area with

many people all dressed in white. The audience's are the same for both versions of the

song. This song also portrays pathos by being very emotional.

Both versions of “Dancing On Your Own” have the same message. The message

explains the feelings of heartbreak and sadness when you see your former partner

moving on with someone else. Robyn’s version of the song was written strictly about

heartbreak and while including feelings of anger and frustration. The main difference

between the 2 versions is the emotion that is being demonstrated. While Robyn’s

version of the song showed frustration and desperation, Calum Scott’s version strictly

demonstrated sadness and heartbreak. This is clear while watching the videos. Another

difference is that Robyn used this song to relate her feelings to and to ultimately help

her get over the heartbreak she endured. Calum Scott used this song to help him find

himself by using his emotions while singing the song.

“Robyn - Dancing On My Own (Lyrics) ‘I'm in the Corner Watching You Kiss Her.’” YouTube, 14

May 2020, youtu.be/rPdg4MuPNNg.

CalumScottVEVO. “Calum Scott - Dancing On My Own.” YouTube, YouTube, 14 June 2016,

www.youtube.com/watch?v=q31tGyBJhRY.

Holden, Steve. “Dancing On My Own: The Story behind Robyn's 2010 'Sad Banger'.” BBC

News, BBC, 31 May 2020, www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-52817969.