Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits: Unveiling the Persona Behind Their Voices
Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits are two iconic artists known for their unique approaches to storytelling through music. Each uses persona to express themes, emotions, and narratives in ways that resonate deeply with listeners.
Exploring Persona in Music
Bruce Springsteen has mentioned that some of his lyrics, possibly in “Born in the USA,” are delivered from a character’s perspective. This artistic strategy allows him to convey complex emotions while distancing himself from the narrative. It serves as a disguise, enabling him to explore themes that might be deeply personal or societal without direct representation.
Tom Waits, on the other hand, employs a theatrical vocal style paired with evocative language. His songs often feel like soliloquies, where the character he portrays adds a layer of drama and authenticity. This approach can create a visceral experience, pulling listeners into the world he crafts. While some may find his style distracting, many appreciate how it enhances the narrative’s impact.
The Role of Trauma in Writing
Writers often navigate personal trauma through creative expression. A recent session at the 2021 Catamaran Writers Retreat featured a discussion on this topic. A young writer shared her perspective, indicating that not all writers are compelled to write from trauma; sometimes, the love for storytelling drives them.
During the retreat, poet Patrice Vecchione suggested that writers uncomfortable with depicting traumatic experiences could explore writing in the third person. This method allows for emotional distance and can grant permission to access and articulate painful experiences through the lens of another character.
Creative Writing Exercises
John Gardner, a novelist, introduced an exercise designed to help writers escape their confined perspectives. He encouraged students to describe a barn that had witnessed a murder. By shifting the narrative focus to an inanimate object, writers could eliminate their self-consciousness and uncover deeper, more dramatic storytelling opportunities. Gardner referred to this approach as “tricking the barn into revealing its secrets.”
Conclusion
Both Springsteen and Waits showcase the power of persona in their work. Through unique storytelling techniques, they engage their audiences on a profound level. The exploration of distance in writing, whether through character or object, allows artists to express complex emotions and truths in innovative ways, reflecting the diverse experiences of humanity.
