Music and the Fictive Dream- Taylor Davis

I was extremely excited for this specific blog because I LOVE musicals AND I'm getting married in October and our first dance is going to be to a song from High School Musical 3. I almost immediately thought of this song but ultimately decided to focus elsewhere. 

The song that I decided on, I feel has a deeper meaning to it than the other and I really respect that. 

The piece of work that I chose that tells a story with a beautiful soundtrack is The Greatest Showman. This movie and production tell such an amazing story that is loved by many, including my kids and the students I teach. 



History and Background
"This is Me" is a breakout song from the 2017 musical film, The Greatest Showman, performed by Keala Settle and the ensemble cast, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. It was released as the lead single from the soundtrack on December 8, 2017, and rapidly became a global hit. The song hit the top ten in multiple countries (1). The song also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for both an academy award and a grammy (2). 

Role in The Greatest Showman
In The Greatest Showman, the song “This Is Me” is the big moment where the outsiders finally show their feelings and accept who they are, bringing together the main message of their story. The song is performed by the "freak show" performers as they finally embrace themselves and refuse to hide from the world's judgement. It arrives at a turning point where self-acceptance shifts from being whispered hope to a resounding declaration. Its soaring chorus underscores the idea that individually is as valuable as conformity is stifling. 

The song's placement gives the voice to those traditionally silenced in both the film's context and symbolically, in society at large. The film allows for values that deepen the narrative's emotional impact as well as move the audience to reflect on those themes personally. 



Social Commentary
"This Is Me" functions as a social commentary on prejudice, stigma, and identity. Within the sonic world of the musical, the characters perform a song of resistance. They reject being dismissed and instead proclaim their presence with strength and pride. 

In a broader perspective, the song resonates with movements against discrimination and encourages listeners to find empowerment in self-acceptance. Its universal message has made it an anthem for many people with the words "I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I'm meant to be, this is me." This reflects the ongoing cultural importance of artistic works that challenge norms and give voice to historically marginalized identities. 

Musical Analysis
Two musical elements stand out to me dramatically in the piece- melody and texture. 

The melody begins in a lower register that shows the character's vulnerability. As the song progresses, the higher pitched and rising melodic line paints a picture of the emotional ascent from silence to screaming self-affirmations. Personally, I feel like this gradual rise feels extremely empowering and rewarding. 

The texture shifts in this song between solo pieces and full cast. Early moments highlight the individual struggles and allow for individual expression. As the song reaches peak, it becomes richer and layered with harmonies and vocals from the whole ensemble. This layering transforms the song from a personal struggle to a shared resilience and strength. This reinforces the film's theme that identity is both individual and communal. In my opinion, it feels triumphant and like a strong stand of self-worth. 




Works Cited
(1) “This Is Me.” aCharts.co, https://acharts.co/song/111161. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
(2) “The Greatest Showman - Awards.” FilmAffinity, https://www.filmaffinity.com/us/movie-awards.php?movie-id=739284. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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