Keep on Tryin'

 "Keep on Tryin'" - Poco

This assignment was a toughy because it turns out there are a lot of songs about jealousy, lust, and betrayal. I found one that was a little less violent, but still relates a great message evident in Othello. "Keep on Tryin'," by Poco, a band from like the 60s, but their song's message is still relevant. Anyways, the song is about a person who is "full of doubt" and who "just can't let it be." The singer states they want to "confide in all that is true." But, if that person "keeps comin' back for more," the other person will "keep on tryin.'" I think this really mirrors Desdemona's relationship with Othello. This is like this couple's situation because theirs involves doubt, infidelity, and a lack of trust, mostly on Othello's part. When Iago plants a seed of doubt in Othello, he begins to worry if Desdemona has cheated on him with Cassio, and slowly but surely, he is convinced she is a whore. Desdemona, on the other hand, claims innocence throughout the play, and she is right to do so. Staying loyal and honest throughout the story, she even goes so far as to tell Emilia she killed herself when Othello smothers her. Her devotion is fueled by her true love for Othello, despite his doubt and accusations. And because of this love, Desdemona continuously tried to convince Othello of her integrity (Act V), and she overlooks his vengeful actions even to the end of her life. So, because she "keeps on tryin,'" as well as the fact that she "lays it on the line to find a way to get on home to you [Othello]," she upholds her reputation as one of the few good guys and one of my favorite characters.

The original, from the 1970s, was in pretty bad condition, so here's a high-quality with a guy on a horse. :)                                                                         

 

Just because there are too many songs, and I had too many ideas, here are a few songs I think fit nicely with some of the characters:

Othello: Rumour Has It- Adele/ Love the Way You Lie- Eminem

Desdemona: I Will Always Love You- Whitney Houston

Iago- S&M- Rihanna/ Circus- Britney Spears

Emilia- Feeling Good- Jennifer Hudson/ Believe- Cher

Cassio- Hurricane Drunk- Florence + the Machine

Roderigo- Glamorous- Fergie

Montano- I Need a Doctor- Eminem