Tactic: A plan or procedure designed to further progress toward a goal.
A covert tactic is, obviously, a secret one. Also please note that a covert tactic can have good or bad intentions.
One might do something covertly tactical in an effort to do someone a favor, like sneakily prepare gourmet low-cal meals for a person who needs to lose weight, while making sure that they don’t seem low-cal. Or one may intend harm and lead someone into a trap with bad advice – disguised as good.
Here’s a theoretical song example: “Polka Dots Are All the Rage in Paris!”
Polka dots are all the rage in Paris
Men are simply drooling and staring
You must look great to attract the perfect mate
This is what the jet set is wearing
Throughout this cheery romp, Sue encourages Brenda to wear something to the Big Party that Sue knows will look ridiculous and make a complete fool of Brenda. (Sue is not the friend she appears to be.)
How about a covertly tactical song in the form of a duet? In the well-known Christmas standard, “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” a guy tries to get a girl to stay the night, while she coyly objects. As you can see, even a “manipulative” song can be cute, romantic and sweet.
She: I really can’t stay…
He: But baby it’s cold outside!
She: I’ve got to go ‘way…
He: But baby it’s cold outside!
She: This evening has been… (He: So lucky that you dropped in!)
She: So very nice… (He: I’ll hold your hands, they’re just like ice!)
In my classes discussion of this subject has brought to life some pleasingly unexpected songs. When the opportunity arises in a scene or show, a “song as covert tactic” can be a neat option to pull out of the hat.
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