Andrew Godwin Music Video Theory

Andrew Godwin says that all music videos feature the same six elements. He said that these elements are

1. All music videos show genre characteristics. Meaning that they all make the viewers aware of their genre though the use of props, colours, costumes etc. in their videos.
2. There is a link between the visuals and lyrics. The message that the artist is trying to convey though the lyrics are often backed up through the narrative throughout the music video. 
3. The visuals and music both have an atmosphere and and tone.The visuals work to reflect those of the music.
4. Because of the artists record label the video will have lots of close up shots of the artist. The artists may even develop a motif, which they will use across much of their work.
5. Music videos will include references to looking (mirrors, stages). This is often used to sexualise women and their bodies. 
6. Often there can be references to other music videos, films, TV shows etc within the music video.

 Lyrics and visuals
Andrew Godwin says that there are three categories we can put music videos into when we analyse the relationship between the lyrics and visual. These three categories are;
Amplified- The director is literally trying to amplify the lyrics into the visual.
Illustrative- This type of video is a video where the visuals to the lyrics are put across very plainly and simply.
Contradictive- These videos show quite a surreal and maybe random visual, Often the video will have no link with the lyrics.

An example of a music video which shows a link between lyrics and visual is 'Playing God' by Paramore



Part of the lyrics is 'Well maybe you should tie me up, so I don't go where you don't want me' Then at several points in the music video (0:58, 1:30, 1:52, 2:19) the rest of the band are shown to have been tied up by Hayley and trapped in a cellar.