Songs evoke all kinds of emotions in people whether it is intended or not. Almost all songs have catchy beats, rhythms, lyrics and now music videos to reach the proper target audience. Today, the top billboard songs rarely feature songs that express a critical social perspective or envision a better, more just world. Many times the definition of lyrical phrases are a mystery to the audience and it is often left up to the listener’s imagination to determine what those lyrics mean. On occasion, some artists come out with songs that blatantly express feelings of particular issues occurring at the time.
One song that first came to mind when starting this assignment was the song “Where is the Love” by the Black Eyed Peas. This song was released in 2003 and the lyrics touch deep with many of its listeners. Since this song was released very shortly after the War of Terrorism began, it’s safe to say this song addresses many of those issues. The main message conveyed in this song has to do with race and class inequalities and how everyone, regardless of these issues, should come together and show love for one another. My favorite part of the song is when they address the media and how it plays a big factor in the way people think and act.
“…wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria
Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinema
Yo’, whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness in equality”
Although this song was released in 1988, before I was even born, “Man In the Mirror” by Michael Jackson is a song that sparked social change in his listeners. Basically, Michael Jackson’s lyrics describe making a change in yourself first and then to make the world a better place. People shouldn’t be selfish because others around the world are suffering from hunger and other issues. It’s is really important to change yourself before you try and change other people.
After interviewing my parents, I had a wide range of songs that they regarded as one that sparked social change in its listeners. In particular, I found that most of the songs my dad mentioned had a lot to do with the Vietnam War. Having fought in the Vietnam War, he was very familiar with songs that stood up for change on this matter. One of his favorite songs is “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield. The song was released in 1966 and describes conflicts between authority figures and the protestors of the war. His lyrics describe the lines the war was creating between people and everyone should stop and looks what’s happening because of this conflict.
Another song that my parents relate closely to social change is the song “Blowing in the Wind” by Bob Dylan which was released in 1963. The song, although not directly saying so, is about peace and freedoms. The answer is just blowing in the wind and we need to find it..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgFz3tZYg-M
-Sara Robinson