{"id":4409,"date":"2015-04-20T10:30:08","date_gmt":"2015-04-20T15:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/?page_id=4409"},"modified":"2015-04-20T10:30:08","modified_gmt":"2015-04-20T15:30:08","slug":"brand-new-man","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/music\/greatest-hits-collection-1997\/brand-new-man\/","title":{"rendered":"&#8220;Brand New Man&#8221;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Written by Jordanne Mickle. 15 April 2015.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Brooks &amp; Dunn - Brand New Man (Official Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zR_477WqAE4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Brooks &amp; Dunn both used their songwriting skills for \u201cBrand New Man\u201d, a verse-chorus style song. Their skills proved to be helpful when incorporating figures of speech. The use of the verse-chorus style is perfect for storytelling, with the verses telling the story and the chorus repeating the main message or theme of the song. \u201cBrand New Man\u201d tells the story of a man who was living a reckless life which involved \u201cburn[ing] beer joints down\u201d and as far as relationships were concerned, the narrator would \u201clove \u2018em [women] and leave \u2018em\u201d. All of this was his lifestyle before he met the woman in the song. After the narrator met her, he was \u201cbaptized\u201d and now leads this new lifestyle where he was \u201cborn to love again\u201d. \u00a0Between the verses and the multiple repetitions of the chorus, it is evident that this song is about how people can change others by showing them love. I really like that the song is titled \u201cBrand New Man\u201d, because in both of their careers, Brooks &amp; Dunn are headed in a new direction. When recording \u201cBrand New Man\u201d, Brooks &amp; Dunn did not use any of the studio musicians other artists were using. They took a chance on some newer players, as part of their search for a \u201cfresh\u201d, \u201cunique\u201d, and \u201cspecial\u201d sound (Price). These \u201cbrand new men\u201d were creating a \u201cbrand new band\u201d.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-medium wp-image-4410 alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2015\/04\/brooks-and-dunn-photo-300x228.jpg\" alt=\"brooks and dunn photo\" width=\"300\" height=\"228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2015\/04\/brooks-and-dunn-photo-300x228.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2015\/04\/brooks-and-dunn-photo.jpg 453w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Their use of figurative language is incredibly strong in this song. The song utilizes euphemism, alludes to Biblical references, and uses idiom. \u201cI saw the light\u201d is a euphemism for dying. In this sense, it is being used to say how the narrator\u2019s previous reckless way of living is dead. And now that he has been \u201cbaptized\u201d, he will change his ways. Baptism is big in Christianity. It symbolizes giving up your old sinful ways, to live for Jesus. \u201cFire in your touch and the flame in your eyes\u201d is talking about how the narrator views this woman, passionate. \u201cI was a rolling stone\u201d is an idiom. By describing himself using this idiom, most people understand that the narrator is someone who does not want to settle down in one place for a long time. Brooks &amp; Dunn did not have to write this song using figurative language, however it was a smart move to showcase their songwriting skills in their debut song. Another smart move was using these idioms in particular. \u201cI Saw the Light\u201d was a Hank Williams song. Hank was known for leading a reckless lifestyle just as with the subject of \u201cBrand New Man\u201d. \u201cLike a Rolling Stone\u201d is a Bob Dylan song. By nodding to both of these artists, Brooks &amp; Dunn are subtly telling their audience that they know country music and are paying respect to these huge names.<\/p>\n<p>Another important aspect of this song is the delivery, or performance. In the music video, the duo are both dressed nice for the concert portion of the video. Both wear a button down collared shirt. And while Brooks sports a vest and cowboy hat, Dunn dons a nice jacket. In the desert and bar scenes they lose the nice jacket and coat, and replace them with a denim jacket, a leather jacket, and sunglasses. This could be a subtle nod to the neo-traditional style that George Strait was leading at the time, while still living up to the simple style of apparel in the country music genre. The woman in the video wears a white dress. White typically is a symbol for purity and new beginnings. The woman in the song seems pure of heart and she does offer a new beginning for the narrator. The locations in the music video are important as well. The concert scenes nod at the fact that this was Brooks &amp; Dunn\u2019s first debut and they want the concert in the music video to look like a fun experience so people would go to their actual concerts. The bar scenes exhibit how the narrator was living before he met the woman. And the desert scenes show that the duo are just good ol\u2019 country boys and satisfy the outdoors trope of country music. Even though the song itself and the music video are two entities, I believe that the music video only adds to the main idea of the song. The dancing woman and Dunn\u2019s turn for \u201cyou turned my life around\u201d are goofy, however I think that just comes with the 1990s music video hijinks and adds to the fact that Brooks &amp; Dunn would most likely not have gained the popularity they did if they tried to make it in the business today.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBrand New Man\u201d was Brooks &amp; Dunn\u2019s first single to become a number one on the country charts. It was the first song that the two had written together, with the help of Don Cook, the same day the duo was created by Arista recording company. When asked what their hopes and goals were for their first record, Brooks replied \u201cwe were wanting a gold record and a No.1, but I don\u2019t think either one of us thought that was a real goal as much as a dream\u201d (Price). Dunn adds that \u201cA gold record was an issue of survival more than anything. That\u2019s what we had to do to be able to re-up for the second record\u201d (Price). At the time of release, the pressure of the record\u2019s ability of success rested upon Brooks &amp; Dunn. Luckily for the duo, over time the record would be certified platinum six times. Ronnie Dunn recalls being on a plane when American Airlines announced over the speaker that the song had hit number one, and once he and Kix Brooks landed in New Mexico received a standing ovation (CMIL). Overall, \u201cBrand New Man\u201d was the debut of an excellent duo who set out to prove that they could produce something \u201cnew\u201d in the country music genre. It was a combination of exquisite songwriting and an explosive performance which brought this song to the popularity it deserves.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 480px\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 60px\" width=\"66\">Time<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"162\">Form<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"186\">Listening cues<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 220px\" width=\"210\">Discussion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 60px\" width=\"66\">0:00<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"162\">Chorus<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"186\">\u201cI saw the light\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 220px\" width=\"210\">The song begins with a drum sound then immediately Brooks &amp; Dunn begin their chorus accompanied by guitar chords. Beginning with the chorus really drills the idea of how much the narrator has changed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 60px\" width=\"66\">0:14<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"162\">Instrumental interlude<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"186\">Steel guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 220px\" width=\"210\">The interlude gives the listeners a break to prepare to listen to the first verse of the song.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 60px\" width=\"66\">0:19<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"162\">Verse 1<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"186\">\u201cWell the whole town\u2019s talking\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 220px\" width=\"210\">Dunn starts the first verse with his honky-tonk twang. The first verse introduces the narrator as someone who was very free, but iterates that the path they were on led to \u201cyou\u201d.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 60px\" width=\"66\">0:34<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"162\">Verse 2<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"186\">\u201cI used to have a wild side\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 220px\" width=\"210\">Dunn sings of the narrator who was very reckless until he met this woman.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 60px\" width=\"66\">0:49<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"162\">Chorus<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"186\">\u201cOh I saw the light\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 220px\" width=\"210\">Brooks &amp; Dunn sing the chorus together. Again the chorus is much louder and upbeat compared to the verses, symbolizing how this was a big change in the narrator\u2019s life.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 60px\" width=\"66\">1:03<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"162\">Instrumental interlude<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"186\">Steel guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 220px\" width=\"210\">After listening to two verses and a strong chorus, the song gives another brief break to the listeners to prepare for more verses.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 60px\" width=\"66\">1:09<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"162\">Verse 3<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"186\">\u201cI used to love \u2018em and leave \u2018em..\u201d<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 220px\" width=\"210\">This verse sung by Dunn again focuses on how the narrator treated relationships previous to meeting this woman.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 60px\" width=\"66\">1:23<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"162\">Verse 4<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"186\">\u201cBaby me and you together\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 220px\" width=\"210\">This verse is different than the others, because rather than focusing on the past, this verse talks about the previous state of relationship between the narrator and the woman. It also mentions of the future.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 60px\" width=\"66\">1:39<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"162\">Chorus<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"186\">\u201cYeah I saw the light\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 220px\" width=\"210\">After focusing on the present and future of the relationship, the duo reiterates how the narrator\u2019s life has changed for the better.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 60px\" width=\"66\">1:54<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"162\">Instrumental break<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"186\">Electric guitar<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 220px\" width=\"210\">This part in the song gives Kix Brooks a little bit of the limelight. Since he only joins in on the chorus of many songs, including this one, he can sometimes be seen as a backup singer. Him playing the electric guitar lets the audience know that he is still there and important to the overall sound.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 60px\" width=\"66\">2:09<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"162\">Chorus<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"186\">\u201cOh I saw the light\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 220px\" width=\"210\">The chorus repeats to state again how the narrator has changed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 60px\" width=\"66\">2:24<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"162\">Chorus<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"186\">\u201cYeah I saw the light\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 220px\" width=\"210\">The repetition of the chorus gives a feeling that the narrator is happy where he now is and never plans on going back to his previous reckless lifestyle.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 60px\" width=\"66\">2:40<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"162\">Outro<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 100px\" width=\"186\">\u201cYeah I\u2019m born to love again\u2026\u201d<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 220px\" width=\"210\">A focus on these two lines emphasizes how it was love that changed this man to who he is now.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Works Cited<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&#8220;Brooks &amp; Dunn Recall Favorite Memories.&#8221; Countrymusicislove.com. N.p., 22 Apr. 2010. Web. 8 Apr. 2015. &lt;http:\/\/www.countrymusicislove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/09\/brooks-dunn-countrymusicislove.jpg&gt;.<\/li>\n<li>Price, Deborah E. &#8220;The Billboard Interview Brooks &amp; Dunn.&#8221; Billboard 21 June 2003: B-2&#8211;B-17. Print.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Written by Jordanne Mickle. 15 April 2015. Brooks &amp; Dunn both used their songwriting skills for \u201cBrand New Man\u201d, a verse-chorus style song. Their skills proved to be helpful when incorporating figures of speech. The use of the verse-chorus style &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/music\/greatest-hits-collection-1997\/brand-new-man\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":55,"featured_media":0,"parent":4033,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4409","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4409","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/55"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4409"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4409\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4507,"href":"https:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4409\/revisions\/4507"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4033"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}