Example Analysis Alternative musician Hozier’s music video for his song Cherry Wine gives the viewer a window into the life of a domestic abuse victim in the moments before and after an altercation with their lover. The lyrics of the song itself appear to be from the perspective of a person who is physically abused by a female partner. The video explores the same topic, but a female abuse victim and male abuser have been chosen to represent the issue. The song and video both revolve around the literal and figurative nature of “violent love” either in theory or in literal physical violence. The couple are drunk off of one another, and drunk off of the alcohol that we witness them sharing. “Open hand or closed fist would be fine. / Blood is red and sweet as cherry wine”, gives way to vivid violent imagery that matches this idea of drunken-ness and alcohol, as well as the violent love that results from it. We see the abuse victim in multiple close-up shots as she removes her makeup to reveal a dark bruise, which is a symbol for the good times providing a mask for her suffering – she appears to hide the pain not only from others but herself. Her lover is even quick to hide the proof of his abuse figuratively, but also literally when he covers her bruise with her hair. The kittens on the couch are a common symbol for innocence – as are any baby animals – which the victim has lost the first time she has suffered abuse at the hands of her lover. The realistic setting and characters make the message all the more jarring for the viewer, despite male-on-female abuse being the most common form of domestic abuse portrayed in the media. It is clear that Hozier has used the song and video as a platform to deliver a message about domestic violence, and the message is driven home by the charity/support group for abuse victims referenced at the end.

Good Analysis Checklist Clear writing (is your analysis easy to follow?) Elevated vocabulary Organized paragraphs Try to make a clear ending and beginning to your analysis Grammar & Spelling Use elements on chart handout – include these categories! Lyrics Compared to Video Specific, direct examples from lyrics and video Media-related terminology