Influence and Music

Everyday problems are common, and as humans, we are bred to overcome obstacles in order to be healthy. However, music is one of the most effective methods for resolving the issues. Not only music, but good music from talented writers of songs and lyrics, is what helps us get through difficult times. Vietnam War marked the 1970s as a decade. However, “Imagine,” a song by John Lennon, was utilized in the anti-war movement. Rage Against the Machine made the decision to write the song Killing in the Name during a crucial period in American history in the 1990s. The event was the beating of Rodney King, a black motorist, by four white LAPD officers in March 1991. In the early 2000’s decade, America received a greatest terrorist blow whereby the many citizens lost their lives, injured, and homes were broken. The fateful event occurred on September 11. In the 1960’s decade, women were fighting for equality concerning rights, pay, and even control of their bodies. It is at this time that Lesley Gore who was seventeen years at the time wrote the hit “You Don’t Own Me” in 1964. In the 1980’s decade, the world was shaken by the bombing case in Lockerbie whereby many people died and a song entitle “Where is my Mind?” was written by The Pixies. Every decade worldwide when issues arise, different musicians usually come up to pass a message to the people through their music to overcome the. However, some become anthems while others reach only a few people depending on the intensity of the message. Good music is eternal, and with the help of technology and social media, we can listen to songs that even were sung 100 years ago as they drive us to a positive side of life.

1970’s issue: Vietnam War ending- Song, Imagine by John Lennon

In 1970’s, the decade was characterized by Vietnam War. However, John Lennon being a popular musician and the founder of Beatles decided to write a song that he could use to communicate to people in joining him in the anti-war campaign movement. Lennon used the powerful lyrics in his song to express his views against the unending war that occurred during the 1960’s and 1970’s. During the end times of the Beatles and last ten years of his life, Lennon together with his second wife, Yoko Ono, decided to write songs that preach peace to the world. Among the songs they wrote was the famous “Imagine” that was aimed at bringing to an end of Vietnam War. The song continues to inspire people worldwide until now to promote world peace even in the modern Israel and Palestine conflict.

How the artist used his lyrics in messaging

The fundamental concept employed in the song by Lennon is to promote world peace. It consists of all aspects, which could separate us from one another from religion, nationalities, and possessions. Many people can continue behaving well with other no matter the differences they may have. However, due to greed, some differences that actually should not make them have conflicts do make them fight one another. Let’s start analyzing the lyrics in the famous Imagine song.

In the first verse, Lennon tried to express the notion of heaven, hell, religion, and life after death (“JOHN LENNON LYRICS - Imagine”, 2017). Many people believe heaven is above the sky, that God lives there and it is where good people who did good deeds here on earth go to while those who did bad deeds go to hell. Truly, religion is supposed to teach us how to behave toward each other with love without conflicts. Nevertheless, some individuals might religion in their way thus radical against other people who do not believe in what they believe the same way. The situation is the reason for holy wars that continue to even happen in Israel and Palestine. Lennon tries to make people understand that what if they tend to think and live in a world with those beliefs that some lead to holy wars due to different views of religion how they would just live in peace (Please see Appendix A).

In the second verse, Lennon mentions the idea of countries and nationalities that divide people. He tries to explain that without countries, the world and all people will be united as one without the struggle for boundaries and claiming to belong to different countries. Vietnam War dwelt on the fight for different countries to regain their resources, boundaries, and to protect its people. Without divisions and very self-belonging to one world, universal peace can be achieved quickly.

In the chorus, John Lennon wanted all of us to join him in thinking the same for the world full of peace and unity to be achieved (Please see Appendix A).

Technology and social media influence to the listener’s

The song at the time was not popular, but after the death of the rock star up to now the song has become more popular, and many artists have covered it in preaching world peace. The technology and current social media have helped the message of the song to reach many people due to various covers posted on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, Itunes, and other music sites.

1990’s issue: Rodney King Police brutality- Killing in the name by Rage against the Machine

In the 1990’s decade, Rage against the machine decided to write a song entitled Killing in the Name at an important point I American history. The event was the beating of Rodney King, a black motorist, by four white LAPD officers in March 1991. The whole incident was captured live on CCTV footage and enraged everyone (Hughes, 2011). The event led to the popularization of the song Killing in the Name by the rap-metal heads since their songs rallied against all societal and political injustices. They joined the protest rally, which was also fan motivated thus joining hands with them to fight for justice.

How the group used their lyrics in messaging

The song was produced on a large venomous polemic note with burning gaze on what the rap-metal heads viewed as never ending racism in the United States agencies (“Rage Against the Machine – Killing In The Name”, 2017). In the outro, they repeat demanding lines that give listeners the opinion to stand for what they believe in life. The song and lyrics represented the power of speech, which everyone has and the band got the inspiration from Malcolm X who was vocal about discrimination and unfair practices in the American society (Please see Appendix B).

Technology and social media influence to the listener’s

The song after being released in November as the first track became an anthem in the Rodney King’s protest thus being banned in many stations while video censored by MTV. However, in Europe, it continued receiving massive airplay and in Radio 1 in the UK where it climbed the charts to number 2. Even though it was banned in America, it drew the eagerness of the citizens who bought their tickets and album since it addressed the issues they were facing. It led to the acquittal of officers involved in King’s case by the jury in court that April. The song helped in addressing the issue of racism in America despite being impossible to eradicate the vice.

2000’s issue: 9/11- Rush of blood to the head by Coldplay

In the early 2000’s decade, America received a greatest terrorism blow whereby the many citizens lost their lives, injured, and homes were broken. The fateful event occurred on September 11. The incident drew a lot of reaction from everyone around the world with heartfelt messages consoling Americans. Coldplay rewrote their album entitled “A Rush of Blood to the Head” to provide emotional support to the victims and their fans.

How the band used their lyrics in messaging

They scrapped most of the songs that were supposed to be on their final album and replaced them with the ones that had good lyrics relating to the incident like In My Place, A Rush Of Blood To The Head, God Put A Smile Upon Your Face, A Warning Sign, Amsterdamí, and Politickí. The song “Politick” was completed in the week of 9/11 and talks about the mortality of human beings.

The lyrics and meaning of a verse in the song ”A Rush Of Blood To The Head”

The band members in the second verse try to show the use of impulsivity in a relationship (“Coldplay – A Rush of Blood to the Head”, 2017). They try to explain how it is vital for people to tell the ones they like about their feelings because they never know what may happen the next moment (Please see Appendix C).

Technology and social media influence to the listener’s

Technology helped the Brit poppers to undo some of the songs they had included in the album in a short period and write songs that provided emotional support to the victims of the 9/11 thus giving them strength to overcome their pain and sorrows. The album was not an anthem at the time of release but helped victims in overcoming their sorrows.

1980’s issue: Lockerbie bombing-Where is my mind? The Pixies

In the 1980’s decade, the world was shaken by the bombing case in Lockerbie whereby a New York-bound Pan Am Flight 103 killed all the 259 crewmembers and passengers along with 11 individuals on the ground in 1988. Libyan government later claimed responsibility. However, during the same year, Pixies front man Black Francis wrote the song “Where is My Mind?”, which explains how people get confused with no answers when faced with great challenges that they do not understand how they occurred.

How the band used their lyrics in messaging

These lines try to explain how humans tend to lose their mind when faced with significant challenges that they are not used to in life (“PIXIES LYRICS - Where is My Mind”, 2017). In first verse, the band uses metaphors in explaining life events that we find hard to explain (Please see Appendix D). Death is inevitable, however, how the suitcase that had bomb enter the plane continue to remain a mystery and what the songwriter tries to state is what were the people who made the bomb thinking when they were killing all those people. For the sake of humanity, where was their mind?

1960’s issue: Birth control pill approved by FDA- Song, You don’t own me by Lesley Gore

In the 1960’s decade, women were fighting for equality regarding rights, pay, and even control of their bodies. It is at this time that Lesley Gore who was seventeen years at the time wrote the hit “You Don’t Own Me” in 1964.

Lesley Gore song outlines the various factors that women in relationships faced like lack of freedom of expression, lack of freedom of association, and being seen as inferior. Those factors are well discussed below.

In first verse, Gore points out how in a relationship men treat them as one of their many play toys and are not allowed to go out with other boys as men go out with numerous girlfriends (Please see Appendix E). She tries to explain how women are mistreated by men who cheat on them with other women while they are not allowed to do the same due to societal expectations on them. For instance, if they do, they will be called names like prostitutes or loose women. She sought the opportunity for equality concerning freedom of association and treated with respect.

In the second verse, she explains how men treat ladies when they go out (Please see Appendix E). Women accompany men to places to be used for show offs and their beauty but not to voice their opinion. She tries to explain how they should treat each other equally in making decisions and loved instead of being placed on display.

The technology helped in spreading her message whereby her song received many air plays thus empowering many women and encouraged them to start standing up for their rights. The song became an anthem for women who faced poor treatment from women, and it is still being used by modern women especially in 2012, where most women were against Mitt Romney’s policy that suggested gender inequality.

References

JOHN LENNON LYRICS - Imagine. (2017). Azlyrics.com. Retrieved 25 February 2017, from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/johnlennon/imagine.html

PIXIES LYRICS - Where is My Mind. (2017). Azlyrics.com. Retrieved 25 February 2017, from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/pixies/whereismymind.htmL

Coldplay – A Rush of Blood to the Head. (2017). Genius. Retrieved 25 February 2017, from https://genius.com/Coldplay-a-rush-of-blood-to-the-head-lyrics

Rage Against the Machine – Killing In The Name. (2017). Genius. Retrieved 25 February 2017, from https://genius.com/Rage-against-the-machine-killing-in-the-name-lyrics

Lesley Gore - You Don’t Own Me Lyrics | MetroLyrics. (2017). Metrolyrics.com. Retrieved 25 February 2017, from http://www.metrolyrics.com/you-dont-own-me-lyrics-lesley-gore.html

Appendix A-John Lennon, Imagine Lyrics

Imagine there’s no heaven, It’s easy if you try No hell below us, above us only sky Imagine all the people, Living for today.

Imagine there’s no countries, It isn’t hard to do Nothing to kill or die for, And no religion too Imagine all the people, Living life in peace.

You may say I’m a dreamer, But I’m not the only one I hope someday you’ll join us, And the world will be as one Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger, A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people, Sharing all the world.

You may say I’m a dreamer, But I’m not the only one I hope someday you’ll join us, And the world will live as one

Appendix B- Rage Against the Machine, Killing in the Name of…Lyrics

[Hook]

Killing in the name of...

[Verse 1]

Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses

Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses

Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses

Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses

[Hook]

Ugh!

Killing in the name of...

Killing in the name of...

[Pre-Chorus 1]

Now you do what they told ya

Now you do what they told ya

Now you do what they told ya

Now you do what they told ya

And now you do what they told ya

And now you do what they told ya

And now you do what they told ya

And now you do what they told ya

And now you do what they told ya

And now you do what they told ya

And now you do what they told ya

But now you do what they told ya!!

Well now you do what they told ya!!

[Chorus]

Those who died are justified, for wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites

You justify those that died, by wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites

Those who died are justified, for wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites

You justify those that died, by wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites

[Verse 1]

Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses

Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses

Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses

Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses

[Hook]

Ugh!

Killing in the name of...

Killing in the name of...

[Pre-Chorus 2]

Now you do what they told ya

Now you do what they told ya

Now you do what they told ya

Now you do what they told ya

And now you do what they told ya

(Now you’re under control) And now you do what they told ya

(Now you’re under control) And now you do what they told ya

(Now you’re under control) And now you do what they told ya

(Now you’re under control) And now you do what they told ya

(Now you’re under control) And now you do what they told ya

(Now you’re under control) And now you do what they told ya

(NOW YOU’RE UNDER CONTROL!)

AND NOW YOU DO WHAT THEY TOLD YA!

[Chorus x2]

Those who died are justified, for wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites

You justify those that died, by wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites

Those who died are justified, for wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites

You justify those that died by wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites

Come on!

[Guitar Solo]

Ugh!

Yeah!

Come on!

Ugh!

[Outro]

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me (x16)

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!

Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!

MOTHER-FUCKER!!!!!!!!!!

UGH!!

Appendix C- Rush of blood to the head by Coldplay lyrics

[Verse 1]

He said I’m gonna buy this place and burn it down

I’m gonna put it six feet underground

He said I’m gonna buy this place and watch it fall

Stand here beside me baby in the crumbling walls

Oh, I’m gonna buy this place and start a fire

Stand here until I fill all your heart’s desires

Because I’m gonna buy this place and see it burn

And do back the things it did to you in return

Oo-oh, Oo-oh

Oo-oh, Oo-oh

Said I’m gonna buy a gun and start a war

If you can tell me something worth fighting for

Oh, and I’m gonna buy this place that’s what I said

Blame it upon a rush of blood to the head

[Hook]

Honey, all the movements you’ve started to make

See me crumble and fall on my face

And I know the mistakes that I made

See it all disappear without a trace

And they call as they beckon you on

They said start as you mean to go on

Start as you mean to go on

[Verse 2]

He said I’m gonna buy this place and see it go

Stand here beside me baby, watch the orange glow

Some will laugh and some just sit and cry

But you just sit down there and you wonder why

So I’m gonna buy a gun and start a war

If you can tell me something worth fighting for

And I’m gonna buy this place, that’s what I said

Blame it upon a rush of blood to the head

Oh, to the head, oh

[Hook]

Honey, all the movements you’ve started to make

See me crumble and fall on my face

And I know the mistakes that I made

See it all disappear without a trace

And they call as they beckon you on

They said start as you mean to go on

As you mean to go on

As you mean to go on

[Outro]

So meet me by the bridge

Oh, meet me by the lane

When am I going to see

That pretty face again

Meet me on the road

Meet me where I said

Blame it all upon

A rush of blood to the head

Appendix D- Where is my mind? The Pixies

Oh - stop

With your feet on the air and your head on the ground

Try this trick and spin it, yeah

Your head will collapse

But there’s nothing in it

And you’ll ask yourself

Where is my mind? [3x]

Way out in the water

See it swimmin’

I was swimmin’ in the Caribbean

Animals were hiding behind the rock

Except the little fish

But they told me, he swears

Tryin’ to talk to me, to me, to me.

Where is my mind? [3x]

Way out in the water

See it swimmin’

With your feet on the air and your head on the ground

Try this trick and spin it, yeah

Your head will collapse

If there’s nothing in it

And you’ll ask yourself

Where is my mind? [3x]

Way out in the water

See it swimmin’

Oh

With your feet on the air and your head on the ground

Oh

Try this trick and spin it, yeah

Oh

Oh

Appendix E- You don’t own me Lyrics by Lesley Gore

You don’t own me

I’m not just one of your many toys

You don’t own me

Don’t say I can’t go with other boys

And don’t tell me what to do

Don’t tell me what to say

And please, when I go out with you

Don’t put me on display ’cause

You don’t own me

Don’t try to change me in any way

You don’t own me

Don’t tie me down ’cause I’d never stay

I don’t tell you what to say

I don’t tell you what to do

So just let me be myself

That’s all I ask of you

I’m young, and I love to be young

I’m free, and I love to be free

To live my life the way I want

To say and do whatever I please

And don’t tell me what to do

Oh, don’t tell me what to say

And please, when I go out with you

Don’t put me on display

I don’t tell you what to say

Oh, don’t tell you what to do

So just let me be myself

That’s all I ask of you

I’m young, and I love to be young

I’m free, and I love to be free

To live