Politics in Music

Nancy Ponder

As everyone knows, music is a very powerful tool. It inspires ideas, memories, and a number of emotions in the listener. Music can make a person think about ideas that they never thought of, and good music can bring change. The best singers in history are, in fact, a representation of a particular time or idea of that time. Because of this, most artists use their music to share an idea or cause that they believe in. Often times the message that they are trying to convey is a political one.

Throughout time there have been many artists who are influential simply because of their music. Any good artist understands that music is not merely comprised of a nice beat, but good lyrics and a message that has conviction. People like Marvin Gaye, Tracy Chapman, and Bob Dylan were aware of this concept and because of that they were able to spread their message and actually make others think about the way the world was at the same time. When fans hear Gil Scott-Heron say, “The revolution will not be televised”, or John Lennon singing, “Just give peace a chance,” people are actually provoked to think about those statements and possibly act on them.

Music is also a powerful method of sending a message, because it can reach people who might otherwise not pay attention to politics or social issues. For those who do not read the newspaper or watch the day’s events on television, music is a source of information. Music can make these people socially aware and they are enlightened by the lyrics in a song by their favorite artist. That song can introduce a new idea to them and even possibly make the person want to find out more about it.

Music also plays a significant role in the awareness of teens. Many teenagers do not read the newspaper, or even watch the news on television. However, most teens do have a favorite artist or band. They may only buy the CD for one song, but after hearing a song with a political message, there is a feeling of enlightenment or awareness. Music is one of the ultimate ways to reach anyone, particularly a teenager, and when an important message is put over a catchy sound the result is nothing short of a phenomenon.

No matter how powerful a message through music may be, the sad fact is that our generation is deprived of these. The days of James Taylor and Bob Marley spreading their message of change and social awareness are long gone. This generation is missing out on the privilege of having artists such as these who made an effort to bring change, instead of focusing only on what benefits them. Perhaps it is because our generation is too comfortable with the current status of society, or maybe it is because they think there is nothing left to sing about that involves change.

Music cannot be underestimated in its powers of persuasion. It is one of the most amazing things in this world fact that it moves people. Socially conscious music is important. Regardless of whether or not the music is political, the most important factor is that it has meaning to the listener.