

Visual images do something to a person’s understanding that words simply can’t. There is more room for interpretation of pictures than there is for that of words which makes analyzing frames from the video “Shake me Down” by Cage the Elephant open to multiple arguments. One image that encompasses the message of the song in the music video is when we see an older man in rugged clothing embracing a woman in the dark of night while Chinese lanterns are released into the air. Each aspect of the image contributes to an argument that can be made of the image. It can be argued that the image in conjunction with the title “Shake me Down” can be used to display an example of hope in a desperate time, this is important to recognize because not only can images have multiple interpretations but also that there is no one correct meaning. As humans we are accustomed to making opinions based off first impressions. The same can be said for images, one can gather a lot of information by simply looking at a picture. The frame chosen represents the music video by Cage the Elephant with its use of colors, placement of subjects and connotations of images that are already familiar to the reader.

Colors have always been used in literature to describe images and give the reader a feeling to associate with. Our connotations of certain colors can affect what we think about when we see images with these colors. Some of these colors included in the video’s frame are black, grey, and a glowing yellow. The connotations of black and grey include images of darkness or sadness, sometimes we even associate depression with these colors. On the other hand, glowing yellow can be seen as a happy and hopeful color. We associate the sun’s color with that of hope and a fire of rebirth. These colors only strengthen the argument that the image portrays hope in a previously dark and damned state. The man’s appearance creates an effect of a tiredness and depression, that is until he comes in contact with the woman. During this moment which is caught in our frame we see the man’s face illuminate in both happiness and astonishment. This shows the light in a previously dark situation while the darkness of the sky is being illuminated by the hopeful yellow light of the Chinese lanterns. 

The title of an image holds the first and only words associated with the picture so they hold a strong meaning and can be used to argue the interpretation of the image. When one hears the words “Shake me Down” the thought of being physically shaken might come to mind. It could be argued that the band meant for these words to leave the feeling of something being taken away like ones hope. To be shaken down to the ground and robbed of hope or happiness, and even in those circumstances to find a reason to get back up. This idea is supported by the image especially when the subject’s face is emphasized. The pure look of disbelief and joy makes the viewer think the women is the man’s sweet release from his previously awful depression. The words sung during this frame of the video were, “I’ll keep my eyes fixed on the sun” which can signify hope in themselves. When having your eyes fixed on something you maintain a goal, in this situation the goal is fixed on the sun, meaning a brighter future.

Music videos can give a song a narrower field for interpretation, but they also help to display the message the artist wanted to get across. When looking at only one frame from a video one must pay more attention to details given in the image. Obvious things are noted like color and character, but what about less specific things like the angle of the photo. The image that describes the video “Shake me down” by cage the elephant best is a “medium shot” which means it is taken from above the subject’s knees and includes part of the scenes background. The director may have chosen this angle to signify the importance of all the aspects included. Not only do we see the two people involved in the image but also the background and the lanterns in the sky. It can be argued that the setting of night gives a connotation of mystery along with the position of the woman’s body. She is turned away slightly from the camera which makes the viewer question her expression, hence a mystery. In spite of her position, the man’s look of astonishment over powers any significance the woman’s body would have had. The position of the man’s hands on the woman in combination with the reaction on his face leaves the feeling of disbelief and can be argued to foreshadow hope. 

When looking back at any piece of literature there can be any number of ways to interpret its meaning. An argument can be made with any supporting details used as evidence, in this case the main aspects of reference are the colors used, the positions of characters, and the previous connotations of images we are already familiar with. The song “Shake me Down” by Cage the Elephant holds a powerful message on its own, but with the music video in addition we see a physical example of the message the artists were trying to accomplish. The image of a rugged depressed man embracing a woman in the illuminated night sky gives a certain feeling to the viewer. The combination of light and dark and the view we get of the subject’s face urges the argument that Cage the Elephant wrote this song to give a message of hope to its audience. This argued message is important to consider because not only can there be many different ways to look at this frame, but also because each interpretation is valid and important to understand in order to hold a well-rounded argument. 
