“Famous in a Small Town,” by Miranda Lambert, is a sensational video, not just because of the content of the song, but the video adds so much to the song. Starting the video out in black and white gives a more pastoral feel to the video. The use of black and white also brings the focus to Miranda. Miranda’s choice of clothing also has some significance the simple white dress is almost a symbol of innocence, paired with the cowboy boots, gives a more rustic feel to the look. These simple elements give the video a story line and enhance what Miranda is singing about in the beginning of the song.
The shift to color shows the red carpet that she and her band are playing on and the flashes of paparazzi cameras. She also changes from a dress to a shirt and pants, which creates a more modern feel. The contrast in going from black and white to color also shows a contrast in living in a small town to living in Hollywood.
As she sings about various stories that happened in this small town, the video shows clips of what happened in the various scenarios. This gives a good picture to the viewers of what happens or might happen in a small town. The pictures give a certain flare to the video, with the almost humorous argument scene between the girlfriend and boyfriend, and the pictures of the small town café, all make the story that is going on in the song more real.
Overall I think that this video does a great job of melding content and form. As Miranda sings about going to Nashville, the color shot comes on and makes the surroundings look like she is famous. When she sings about her small town the video goes back to black and white. This makes the video a very effective one because you can get the feel for what Miranda is singing about.
This song rings so true in my life. I grew up in the small town of Atkinson, NE the above picture shows an aerial shot of my town. What you see in this picture is a small town of about twelve hundred residents, this is where I was born and raised. In my town, just like the town in the song, everybody knows everybody and makes it their business to know what everyone else is doing at all times. Gossip can spread like wildfire through a small town like mine, and often does. Most people would be bothered if they were being gossiped about, but in my town you just learn to laugh it off, because most of the things that are said about you are stretched and far from the truth.
The good thing about living in a small town is the feeling of camaraderie that you get. Since everybody knows you and your family, they are all watching out for you and your well being. This security that is offered from a small town is a great comfort to all who live there. Another good thing about living in a small town is being told that your town is a very welcoming community. When someone new moves in there are always members of the community that go over and offer to help them move in, or are bringing them food and trying to help in a variety of ways.
In my town everybody does die famous. There is always someone that knows you or your parents or grandparents, or has heard various stories about you from the town gossips. Some people might not consider this the ideal lifestyle for them and that’s fine. As for me however, I hope to die famous in my small town and that’s enough for me.
