11) Britney Spears, “Why Should I Be Sad,” verse 1, prechorus, chorus
From Blackout (2007), written by Pharrell Williams and Britney Spears
Audio: Youtube (0:01–0:49)
[Verse 1]
They couldn't believe I did it, but I was so committed
My life was so restricted for you (For you)
I just dove inside it blind, couldn't see what swam inside
Thought that'd be romantic for you
[Verse 2]
Exchanged my vows and said it all, on the ledge prepared to fall
Even screaming "damn it" for you (Remember?)
My friends said you would play me, but I just said they're crazy
While I was crying frantic, was it true?
[Chorus]
Why should I be sad? Heaven knows
From the stupid freaking things that you do (Stupid freaking things)
Why should I get mad? Feel sad? Who knows?
Let's just take it all as a sign that we're through (Goodbye)
14) Shawn Mendes, “Treat You Better,” chorus
From Illuminate (2016), written by Shawn Mendes, Teddy Geiger, and Scott Harris
Audio: YouTube (0:56–1:21)
Harmonic Rhythm:
| B♭m| A♭| G♭|D♭| (x4)
B♭m A♭
I know I can treat you better
G♭ D♭
Than he can
B♭m A♭ G♭ D♭
And any girl like you deserves a gentleman
B♭m
Tell me why are we wasting time
A♭
On all on your wasted cryin'
G♭ D♭
When you should be with me instead
B♭m A♭
I know I can treat you better
G♭
Better than he can
Paula Maust, Expanding the Music Theory Canon: Period and Sentence
Garreth Broesche, "Repository of Period and Sentence Examples" (29-page handout)
Diverse Music Theory Examples: Periods and Sentences
Music By Women: Explore the Database (Click on the Form Filter on the left and search by phrase type.)
Yale Musical Examples Database: See the "Form" tab at the bottom.