Scene from the musical Chicago: Razzle Dazzle
I never fully understood what this song “Give ‘em the ol’ Razzle Dazzle” from the musical Chicago was about until recently. Here are some of the lyrics:
Give 'em the old razzle dazzle
Razzle Dazzle 'em
Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it
And the reaction will be passionate
Give 'em the old hocus pocus
Bead and feather 'em
How can they see with sequins in their eyes?
Give 'em the old Razzle Dazzle
Razzle dazzle 'em
Show 'em the first rate sorcerer you are
Long as you keep 'em way off balance
How can they spot you've got no talent
These words betray the tactics used in the entertainment industry to make actors, singers and other entertainers more appealing to their audience. Usually intended to distract people from a lack of real talent the ol’ razzle dazzle is a scheme that always seems to work. Elaborate costumes, dance numbers and stage effects that make the entertainer seem so much larger than life that no one notices that he or she isn’t really that talented. Thinking of this made me wonder if this was also a tactic used in the literary world?
While in today’s writing world there is a wealth of talented writers, but only a chosen few have been able to rise above the fray. I thought of the expression to “never judge a book by its cover”. These are words of wisdom applied to every other aspect of our lives except when it comes to actual books. More and more efforts are made to design book jackets with elaborate illustrations on glossy covers that are designed to catch the eye of its potential reader. Isn’t that a bit of the razzle dazzle? I can say this because I am personally guilty of being drawn in by the book cover, but later being disappointed by the actual contents.
Interestingly though, many of the books considered classics were written well before this tactic was employed. An original copy of a book written in the 1800s would have nothing added to the design of the book cover. No glossy images or glittery titles to draw you in. Most were just dark book covers with nothing but the title and the authors name printed on the binding. Yet, many of those books are still some of the most highly read and sought after books today. Why? Because such books made such a lasting impression on its audience that word-of-mouth advertising put these books in the hands of more readers.
I relate these thoughts to my own future hopes of becoming a published author, would I be willing to give em the ol' razzle dazzle just to see my book widely distributed in print?
When writing for children, I am aware that there has to be a degree of visual appeal to attract them to my book Children are usually drawn in by the illustrations, as they should be. But, I am reminded of the most beloved books of my own childhood. I hardly remember what they looked like, but what has stayed with me though is the stories. Their words remain imprinted in my memory. As a parent, I still seek these very books out to share with my children. I want my book to have that affect on people. So as a writer, I think I’ll leave the ol’ razzle dazzle to the entertainers and try to let good writing that touches the readers heart prevail.
Give ‘Em the Ol’ Razzle Dazzle
Scene from the musical Chicago: Razzle Dazzle
I never fully understood what this song “Give ‘em the ol’ Razzle Dazzle” from the musical Chicago was about until recently. Here are some of the lyrics:
Give 'em the old razzle dazzle
Razzle Dazzle 'em
Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it
And the reaction will be passionate
Give 'em the old hocus pocus
Bead and feather 'em
How can they see with sequins in their eyes?
Give 'em the old Razzle Dazzle
Razzle dazzle 'em
Show 'em the first rate sorcerer you are
Long as you keep 'em way off balance
How can they spot you've got no talent
These words betray the tactics used in the entertainment industry to make actors, singers and other entertainers more appealing to their audience. Usually intended to distract people from a lack of real talent the ol’ razzle dazzle is a scheme that always seems to work. Elaborate costumes, dance numbers and stage effects that make the entertainer seem so much larger than life that no one notices that he or she isn’t really that talented. Thinking of this made me wonder if this was also a tactic used in the literary world?
While in today’s writing world there is a wealth of talented writers, but only a chosen few have been able to rise above the fray. I thought of the expression to “never judge a book by its cover”. These are words of wisdom applied to every other aspect of our lives except when it comes to actual books. More and more efforts are made to design book jackets with elaborate illustrations on glossy covers that are designed to catch the eye of its potential reader. Isn’t that a bit of the razzle dazzle? I can say this because I am personally guilty of being drawn in by the book cover, but later being disappointed by the actual contents.
Interestingly though, many of the books considered classics were written well before this tactic was employed. An original copy of a book written in the 1800s would have nothing added to the design of the book cover. No glossy images or glittery titles to draw you in. Most were just dark book covers with nothing but the title and the authors name printed on the binding. Yet, many of those books are still some of the most highly read and sought after books today. Why? Because such books made such a lasting impression on its audience that word-of-mouth advertising put these books in the hands of more readers.
I relate these thoughts to my own future hopes of becoming a published author, would I be willing to give em the ol' razzle dazzle just to see my book widely distributed in print?
When writing for children, I am aware that there has to be a degree of visual appeal to attract them to my book Children are usually drawn in by the illustrations, as they should be. But, I am reminded of the most beloved books of my own childhood. I hardly remember what they looked like, but what has stayed with me though is the stories. Their words remain imprinted in my memory. As a parent, I still seek these very books out to share with my children. I want my book to have that affect on people. So as a writer, I think I’ll leave the ol’ razzle dazzle to the entertainers and try to let good writing that touches the readers heart prevail.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
