i'm with you

(Avril Lavigne, The Matrix)

(M. Gerrard, B. Benante, A. Lavigne)

I included both of these songs in the same section because they were both co
written by Avril Lavigne, and they demonstrate a great example of using similar
writing styles in separate songs.

Even though "Break Away" was recorded impressively by Kelly Clarkson, the
common thread is Avril's writing, which has caught the attention of the music
industry in a big way lately. The key thing to listen for in these songs is the
structure of the melodies. The verses are made up of mostly shorter notes and
phrases, then the pre chorus introduces some longer notes, acting as a bridge
to the choruses, which use a lot of long and drawn out syllables. That contrast
elevates the chorus by adding more drama to it. If you look at each chorus, you
can see the technique used:

"I'm With You": Da-----mn co------ld ni-----ght"
           1------------ 2---------- 3----------

"Break Away":   Bre-----ak    A--------wa------y"
           1-----------   2--------- 3----------

Notice how the three long syllables are used in each one. Drawing the notes
out like that place more importance on the words themselves, and that's where
the clever lyrics really get a chance to work. After a series of short notes (in the
verses), the long notes in the chorus are much more effective. This technique
works really well in both songs, and it shows how you can balance and phrasing
can make or "break" a song.

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