University of Michigan: Institute for Humanities Fellowship Application

CH_Writing SampleDownload

Example 1: Gaelynn Lea in concert

Example 2: Gaelynn Lea, I Wait, Youtube, 2018.


Verse 1

Can you see me

Way in the back here?

I’ve been waitin’

I’ve been waitin’ in line

It’s been a long time

Can’t get no service

Still I’m hopin’

I am hopin’ for a sign

Pre-Chorus 1

That one day things will change

And we can finally take our place

That history won’t forget us

Or try to minimize our pain

Chorus

And so I wait

And so I wait

Verse 2

Did you know that

When I get angry

I breathe fire

I could burn this place down?

You may not realize

All of the small ways

I am not welcome

But just take a look around

Pre-Chorus 2

Still everybody knows

That you need a place to go

And livin’ isn’t easy

If you incinerate your home

Chorus

And so I stay

And so I stay

Bridge

I may seem angry

So please forgive me

But I am still not free

In this society

How long must we keep fighting

For our right to be living?

Wrongs overdue for righting

We’re a bit too forgiving

Verse 3

So when you hear them

Make claims of progress

Take a good look

And see who isn’t there

We need a seat now

At the table

So please invite us

Or don’t pretend to care

Example 3: “I Wait” Lyrics, by Gaelynn Lea



Example 4: Melodic rhythm of first phrases of Verse 1 and Pre-chorus 1

Example 5: Traditional Verse-Chorus form, not in reference to a specific song

Example 6: Verse-Chorus form as seen in “I Wait” by Gaelynn Lea

Example 7: Gaelynn Lea, I Wait 🗽 Performed by Gaelynn Lea, Youtube, 2021.


Example 8: Instrument positions of violinist (Joshua Bell), cellist (Yo-Yo Ma), and Gaelynn Lea

Example 9: German vs. French string bass bow grip

Example 10: Bowing arm and fingerboard

Example 11: Lea’s left foot position

Example 12a: Wave gesture (verse)
Example 12b: Wave gesture (pre-chorus)

Example 13: Body movement when breathing