Ballad Blog -- Vindicated by Dashboard Confessional

       I chose the song "Vindicated" by Dashboard Confessional as a ballad. The theme of this song can be considered as acting with heroic deeds and quests for honor. The singer desires to do what is right and still be accepted. There are many characteristics of a ballad present in this song. some of these characteristics include: dramatization of a single incident, a strong simple beat, use of refrain repeated regularly, use of a burden, suggesting events, and based on actual events. 

      There is little description throughout the song as to what the singer is talking about. Each person may assume that the meaning of the song varies. As the song begins, it does so abruptly and immediately enters into the chorus. The chorus and verses are organized in a simple manner. After every verse the chorus is directly following. Through the lyrics in this song, it suggests event and actions rather than directly stating them. For example, the line "slipping against the current" suggests being different or choosing something that most people would not choose, and to be an individual. Toward the end of the song, the lines "so let me slip away" are repeated multiple times which is another characteristic of a ballad. Lastly, this song is based on actual events. The song itself could be viewed as no person is perfect but we can reinvent ourselves to make our self better. Another way to view this song is that we are sometimes forced to make decisions and ultimately regret them later even though we know in our hearts that it was the right choice. Both of theses greatly differing view points of this song are realistic circumstances that people must deal with every day.

Vindicated -- Dashboard Confessional

Dashboard Confessional

"Vindicated"

Hope dangles on a string

Like slow spinning redemption

Winding in and winding out

The shine of it has caught my eye

And roped me in

So mesmerizing, so hypnotizing 

I am captivated

[Chorus]

I am Vindicated

I am selfish

I am wrong

I am right

I swear I'm right

I swear I knew it all along

And I am flawed 

But I am cleaning up so well

I am seeing in me now the things you swore you saw yourself

So clear

Like the diamond in your ring

Cut to mirror your intentions

Oversized and overwhelmed

The shine of which has caught my eye

And rendered me so isolated, so motivated

I am certain now that

[Chorus]

So turn

Up the corners of your lips

Part them and feel my finger tips

Trace the moment, fall forever

Defense is paper thin

Just one touch and I'd be in

Too deep now to ever swim against the current

So let me slip away [3x]

So let me slip against the current 

So let me slip away [4x]

[Chorus]

Slight hope

It dangles on a string

Like slow spinning redemption...