Should music have a message? or should Artists keep their philosophies to themselves, and just entertain? by HunkaFunk on The Pipeline at IndieMusicPeople

Should music have a message? or should Artists keep their philosophies to themselves, and just entertain?
I remember in the sixties, and seventies, that a lot of the lyrics of popular songs (and some not so popular), had a positive message to spread. In a time of social upheaval, and drastic, but necessary social evolution, the music had something important to say, and expound upon. Love, Peace, casting away of enequality, and prejudice. "Come on people now, shine on your brother, everybody get together, and try to love one another right now"-Jesse Colin Young (The Youngbloods). A beatiful sentiment?, is that all it is, or do Artists have a responsibility to try to change the vibe surrounding them, to one of goodness, positive energy, and Love. So much of popular music today, is full of angst, and bitterness toward everyone, and everything, and anything goes, lyrically, irregardless of how it may affect the depressed, or disenfranchised, possibly encouraging acts of desperation, and hate. I believe we all have to take responsibility for the vibe (and Karma), we make reverberate out into the ozone, as we never really know the affect it has, or can have. Maybe we all need to put out a more positive vibe, as world affairs become more desperate, and the need for a social revolution becomes more obvious. Just a thought.
Love and infinite Peace,
T.J. Franklin
HunkaFunk & Rock da Fish

Add Comment

The CODE

4/26/2008 12:37:16 PM

I can't help but try to get some kind of message across!!!

Child of the 60's???

Add Comment

Duane Flock

4/26/2008 12:42:07 PM

All of my lyrics have meaning.............

My problem is I sing them.............

D.

Add Comment

HunkaFunk

4/26/2008 1:04:54 PM

The Code:
( My wife pointed out; you were asking me a question)
I was 10 in 1967, when my stepfather's band The West Coast Natural Gas opened up for Steppenwolf in San Francisco, an I saw Jimi Hendrix play at Sicks stadium in Seattle. So, I am a card carrying "Flower Child", got my card right here... somewhere..?

Duane:
You're one of the "good ones"

Add Comment

the kozy king

4/26/2008 1:19:59 PM

Call me old-fashioned but I've always felt that an artist has the responsibility to promote a better life to his fellow man -- you know, deeper understanding, more compassion, better relationships, respect for life, etc, etc.

As a result I've always hated songs that glorify self-indulgence and there's a lot of them of course. Over the years I guess I've mellowed out somewhat and now I'm happy to do less criticizing and more ignoring.

Still, I generally prefer songs with "meaning." And instrumentals that display originality or a level of skill superior to my own (which would be most of them :-).

Add Comment

kranky king

4/26/2008 1:56:18 PM

Kozy sez: "Call me old-fashioned but I've always felt that an artist has the responsibility to promote a better life to his fellow man -- you know, deeper understanding, more compassion, better relationships, respect for life, etc, etc."

Kranky sez: "I want pizza -- RIGHT NOW!!" (by Hugh Hamilton :-)

Add Comment

The CODE

4/26/2008 2:35:53 PM

TJ - I was 13 in 1967!! Never saw Hendrix 'Live! - my older brother did and reported back - F Awesome he said!?!?!?

I also wore flowers in my hair! (Back then>>>) We are supposed to be the generation that is now in charge - What Happened?!?!?!

Add Comment

Duane Flock

4/26/2008 3:28:53 PM

What Happened?............

I think everybody smoked too many of their flowers.

That's OK cause Bill said he didn't "inhale" ...........although Monica did.
Dubbya is just blowin smoke outta his ass.
Hilary is still looking for the lighter........
Nadar is still trippin' even though he has plenty of Green
Obama has to learn how to "Spin" one up.

I was 11 in 1967 and hung around Haight-Ashbury!

D.

Add Comment

Duane Flock

4/26/2008 3:33:30 PM

Oh yeah, wasn't McCain doin some agent orange or sumpthin?......

Hee Hee

Add Comment

RedRobin

4/26/2008 5:16:18 PM

I don't believe that artists should have to have any responsibility at all. A song's lyrics are certainly an opportunity but only if the artist so wishes and I think it would be wrong and a restriction of freedom of expression if every artist was obliged to have such 'responsibilities'.

I believe strongly that artists should remain free from being obliged to represent politics and/or various causes and that each artist can express absolutely anything they want. All art forms should be allowed to retain such freedom of expression.

Current music is no more full of angst or anger etc than at other times. Do you remember Punk?

Anyway, how many people nowadays want to hear music about social revolution etc? Whose social revolution anyway? It becomes propaganda.

Inequality will never cease to exist - It's human to think that some are more equal than others. It's also human to want to become less equal than others, to stand out.

Prejudice will never cease to exist - It's human to form prior judgements about everything. It's part of our survival mechanism:- The brain is programmed to recognise something before it happens whenever possible (you should be focussed in that way every time you drive a car even). Trying to define prejudice and then legislating about it is, in reality, like p!ssing into the wind. If you're a vegetarian you are probably prejudiced against meat. Why is it that those people who say they love animals so much, always eat their food?

Light and dark, us and them, good and bad, etc - An important balance.

But, feel free to offer music with positive vibes or anything else you believe in. Positive vibes are good - Apart from making people feel good today just by playing one song I sold 10 CD's :-). I felt good making others feel good and I also felt good getting back some of my production costs. My sole intention while playing was to send out positive vibes to reach people's souls - Not a particular song but just a sound sculpture. I played my new Bull Bison horn flute publicly for the first time today.

Add Comment

fly on the wall

4/26/2008 5:51:04 PM

Artists can be anything, positive, negative, political. It's all allowed.

Add Comment

LyinDan

4/26/2008 6:31:15 PM

I believe Barack has admitted to inhaling. So have I.

Occasionally, I consider that I have some sort of imperial wisdom to impart.

Nothing will then stop me, even if I wobble, I mean warble.

Add Comment

kranky king

4/26/2008 7:40:29 PM

I've always said there's nothing like some horny flute-playing Red Robin.

Seriously, man, congrats on selling ten CD's today. That beats my record by ten.

:-)

Add Comment

Conversation Suicide

4/26/2008 8:01:31 PM

Entertainment = MOST definitely.
Politics & Message = Certainly, but not required.

But don't forget, even music with sometimes SILLY lyrics, like The Pixies, still have a subtle political effect and a message of sorts...

FUN & Entertaining & performed with great skill is DEFINITELY a priority, though.

-my thoughts, Phlegm

Add Comment

4/26/2008 8:29:08 PM

I think there are just as many artists giving out moral, social, political and environmental messages...some are obvious and some are subtle.....some are open to individual interpretation and some are contrived. The difference between now and the 1960s maybe is that these are not popular artists and the listeners are more segregated. Hip Hop/rap is probably a genre that, we think, gives a negative depressive view of the world while Folk and Christian create different paradigms...but when you study each group you find untypical messages emerging maybe.

The problem with chart Popular music for me is that even if there IS a message, I wouldn't be able to hear it (physically)....a criticism, by the way, that was laid against 60/70s songs by my parents at the time.

Add Comment

4/26/2008 9:24:54 PM

Let me ( for a moment ) assume that you're right HunkaFunk... who then would dictate the terms of the artist's message... and wouldn't that defeat art in the first place? Is art the messenger or the message ?

Sunshine creates as many shadows as it does light... not to be trite...but damn... shadows are very impotent to me... can't get {insert verb} all the time...boring

And there is nothing worse ( in my ever so deranged onion...opinion...onion...opinion...hmm)... there is nothing worse than some happy {insert another verb and possibly an adjective } f*cker tyrannically imposing positive energy and fun upon you when you're just not in the mood and you just want to go home and cry and rage at your captive audience of decapitated stuffed animals that forgot to applaud you after you had just vulnerably exposed your latest composition full of meaning and a sure fired message to save the world according to my diabolical designs of peace and all they could do was sit there and stare at you me you me... wait... me... with their beady little eyes mocking you...me...you...me...wait...me... with their arrogant and indifferent stuffing !

Tell me I don't know when I'm eating ketchup OK cause I know ketchup...

Add Comment

Jack Heinicke

4/26/2008 10:22:11 PM

All music (even instrumentals) have a message.
Even "Louie, Louie"
HAH!

Add Comment

srm

4/26/2008 10:39:27 PM

"Tell me I don't know when I'm eating ketchup OK cause I know ketchup... "

....I think I love you, Anjuli.

Add Comment

srm

4/27/2008 12:59:59 AM

...(sheepishly) Sorry. I like those 90 degree turns in the logic freeway- they give me concussions (almost as good as smoking henbane).

Add Comment

4/27/2008 9:53:28 AM

srm...let's run away together ... I'll bring my spatula and you can bring a ski mask and a blow horn because we will definitely be needing that xoxoxo i feel an Air Supply song coming on, those love-song writing munchkins of delight... their sacred sound forever exposed yes the ever loving hermaphrodite music of Aiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Sup supple supply ahhhhh spatulaaah If I only had one drop of ketchup left I would share it with you srm my babushka my mysterious under cover agent of 90 degree acrobatic affections my swordfish trombone record gathering dust in pristine condition my kwisatz haderach of iac my henbane hero from beyond the ethers of forbidden treasures my dumpling
( all this just for a smile that I will never see ) thanks srm your sense of humor and your enigmatic presence is divine......whew....I need a bath now...duckie bubbles

Add Comment

Kevin White

4/27/2008 10:07:57 AM

Reminds me of the three people crossing the desert, each told to bring one item to help. One showed with water, the second a basket of food, the third with a car door.

The two with food and water looked quizzically at the third, inquiring what use a car door would be crossing the desert?

"I figure if it gets too hot, we can roll down the window!"

------------------------------

Meanwhile, back at the topic ....

------------------------------

Artists can (and do) say whatever the heck they want, whenever they want, however they want. The only exceptional to that rule is applying for federal funding for the arts. If you do, no swearing, and songs about butterflies or daisies are preferred.

Add Comment

srm

4/27/2008 1:37:02 PM

Ah, Anjuli. (singing) "I'm all out of ketchup. I'm so lost without it..." I'm feeling the lug (right at the base of my skull). I'll bring the condiments, myself. I'll even bring a hatchback door (it lets in more aaiiirrrr- Morey knows I need some to the brain; living on ether fumes makes my voice sound funny).

Add Comment

Nerol

4/27/2008 2:21:49 PM

Should you put on your right shoe first, or your left?

In other words, do what works for you.

Add Comment

2mental

4/27/2008 2:46:02 PM

Good point! however, the message in the sixties sparked an entire revolution...but i wouldnt quite say that the message was positive, happy and uplifting. In fact thats a far stretch from the truth. don't forget that drugs, sex, and rebellion played a huge part in that time period...in fact it shifted the American culture. you see we as artist today may write with rage, bitterness, depression and anger but by doing so it takes us to that essence of life in general. we may deliver a certain message with anger and ambition but that message in itself will trancend (only if its from the heart) or elevate the minds of those who indulge in it. In a sense it'll help our youth realize that life isnt full of roses and happy endings..real shit goes down regardless of how you look at it. if we were to preach about happiness and pink roses with loli pop fields all the time i think it would sooner or later become a cop out....lol, in fact more than likely sooner. you see its on us as artist to expose the truth and help our generation evolve through both positive and negative vibes...with pleasure there wouldnt be pain...and so forth. it's on us to expose a message...and yes we our obligated as our artists to stay true to that very message we deliver.

Add Comment

satch

4/27/2008 3:18:07 PM

or did the revolution spark the message?

Add Comment

Nerol

4/27/2008 3:31:04 PM

Yeah, the summer of love and flower power all came to a crashing halt with Charles Manson and Altamont.

Add Comment

Vincenzo Pandolfi

4/27/2008 4:16:19 PM

The world is a wonderfully diverse place and so are the people in it. I believe that everyone sees and is affected by things differently. As artists anything we create has to be a reflection of some feeling, otherwise we would not have the need to express it.

Music as a form of art can express emotions without needing any lyrics. When we add lyrics to a piece of music or the other way round, we tend to add specificity to our expression.

Hopefully our creation evokes similar feelings in the person receiving it, thus establishing some communication between the creator and the listener. If it does we have successfully used our craft as a means of communication and established a connection with the listener.

I believe that all music has a message, otherwise it would not exist!!

Vincenzo

Add Comment

Vincenzo Pandolfi

4/27/2008 4:17:03 PM

Add Comment

Jo Ellen

4/27/2008 4:25:48 PM

I think we are always sending a message into our environment (verbal & non-verbal). I think writing, recording, and uploading a lyrical or instrumental piece is enough to establish intention on our part to assert our "vibe" (if you will) into our environment. How much we decide to control that message or take responsibility for it depends on our personal convictions. Good topic.

Add Comment

SILVERWOODSTUDIO

4/27/2008 6:03:15 PM

----if an unwritten song is like a blank canvas, there are no rules----

are there responsibilities? For each of us that would depend on our relative state of mind at the time?

Most of our songs come from another place-----and often there are subliminal messages----

we call ketchup ---tomato source (sauce) in NZ! ------but we call a car door, a car door!!

So I guess one persons message can be interpreted by the listener any way they like------------- cos we all believe our own realities at the time?

Remember Barry MaGuires song "Eve of Destruction"-----it was banned in New Zealand!!!

Some people just like to go shopping!

Add Comment

kranky king

4/27/2008 7:10:10 PM

A few of you seem to be saying that an artist can say anything they want in their art.

What a naive statement!

I guess child porn, snuff movies and hate propoganda is all fine then if it's called art.

The reality is that EVERYONE has some form of ethical system going on in their heads so how can everything be OK? Who decides what's right and wrong -- you? me? some stranger?

It's just so you don't have to admit that eventually you have to submit to some rules, some where, some time -- like everybody else.

Maybe I could just give you a good slap and call it living theatre instead of assault. If all artistic expression is allowed.

Add Comment

Larry W Johnson_

4/27/2008 8:20:56 PM

...heya kranky kang...dat would be 'UlTiMATE FighTING'... or 'bitch-slap'?....or....
uh....i fergot my message. heh

Add Comment

kranky king

4/28/2008 5:36:35 AM

I dunno Larry, there's so many ways to express oneself! :-)

Add Comment

Kevin White

4/28/2008 7:22:37 AM

It isn't up to the artist to call their creations anything ...

An artist isn't entitled to identify their work as art. Such labels (art, crap, porn) are for the receiving end to apply.

So, yes, anyone can do anything or say anything or create anything they wish. (I do agree that there SHOULD be a guiding moral imperative - but it doesn't always happen)

If it's a crime, they'll get what they deserve.

If it's art, they won't.

:-D

Add Comment

The CODE

4/28/2008 9:21:23 AM

Hey KK - agree with your sentiments about trash!!!

Best to keep the message in the 'Positive Vibes' category I think

Add Comment

Helmut Licht

4/28/2008 11:02:17 AM

Hey Franklin - good question. Here is my take:
There are two types of song writers: The rectors and the (for lack of a better word) initiators.
The reactors will look at a situation and comment on it by sympathizing, complaining, criticizing or whatever best fits their personality.
The initiators, rather than reacting or resigning to an existing situation, will set a mood of their own, positive or negative, again depending on how they feel and what they are trying to achieve.
Writers will be writers. WE, the audience, can choose whom we want to listen to and we can decide what we write about, and, like a magnet, we will attract and are attracted to those who are in tune with us.
The sun doesn't care who enjoys its rays, it simply shines. The writer should not be too concerned who listens - but should just write. Let the chips fall where they may :)
Have a great day!
Helmut

Add Comment

4/28/2008 1:46:14 PM

"A few of you seem to be saying that an artist can say anything they want in their art. What a naive statement! I guess child porn, snuff movies and hate propaganda is all fine then if it's called art."

Kranky King, it's anjuli here, and I am doing my best to understand you and I think I kinda see where you are coming from but it's all so fear based and then of course I start getting frightened myself. In fact, your post now makes it hard to maintain a sense of humor at all in context... I just really think you might want to take a step back and perhaps review what you are saying ? Not to be condescending, but we have laws for such things. Usually those that perpetuate the criminal activities that you are referring to are trying to keep it a secret because they don't want to go to jail ? And those that are singing and creating of the pleasures and joys of killing and raping and child molesting and so forth well then they are just helping the FBI to know where to look... aren't they?

You know, I don't like even the sound of hatred within myself or others... but unfortunately; hatred is a part of our reality and a part of how we love : (
All too often we use our love to destroy each other as much as our hate... and the more terrifying scenario to our evolution is to have a few people come along and dictate who can express what and how and when and that can go on and on and on... As long as we have criminals we will have laws... and artists and non artists alike are all expected to adhere to those laws. However; if those laws become oppressive and criminal in nature... lets hope the expression of freedom can get through and break a few of those laws for the good of all mankind.
You might want to consider that most artists are still expected to pay taxes on their earnings while religion is free and clear. Many of us find religion to be damaging and oppressive in many ways but we can't go stopping that message either.

Add Comment

srm

4/28/2008 1:53:09 PM

Now I know.

Add Comment

The CODE

4/28/2008 2:29:17 PM

Anjuli - Good words!!!

Liking the cut of your jib!!!

ATB!!!

Add Comment

SILVERWOODSTUDIO

4/28/2008 4:13:38 PM

Yeah !! Yeah!! Yeah!!

Who said that?

What did they mean?

Were they talking about molestation?

It's all in the mind of the "Reciever" I think?

Add Comment

2mental

4/28/2008 4:14:45 PM

"all that is good in life"....not quite satch. however, i do understand where your coming from. in essence if we were to sing about everything thats good in life...we would in a sense cop out to the social trend. the important aspect to being an artist is that we have the ability to reflect real life and translate it into a lyrical stanza. real life is not "all good"...regardless of how you see it. but its the message that lets people know we all struggle the same but no matter what you gotta keep your head up and stay strong cause the sun shines in the darkness even if you cant see it yet. the problem is that some artists glorify these tribulations as if its "cool" when really we should be exposing it as a message rather than exposing it in a shallow tone. yes, every individual lives by a certain set of moralities...however artistic expression in a sense is "freedom"...once we walk in that area theres no limit to what we can achieve. dont get it twisted though...some may step into some shit thats way to deep for their own well being. yes, living your life as an artist can be quite dangerous.

Add Comment

Jo Ellen

4/28/2008 4:23:16 PM

Kranky King: Within the context of music it is reasonable to assert that pretty much any topic is fair game for free expression as long as it remains within a hypothetical or general context (for particularly sensitive topics/and hey, not every topic is popular). I would have to agree that some forms of art like photography if they are used to exploit vulnerable individuals are not allowed or condoned in many societies- I certainly was not thinking in this direction when discussing the freedom of art. The bottom line for me, is that I can disagree with the messages that other artists send out (intentionally or unintentionally), but I can appreciate the freedom for each of us to do so. Not every message or choice is beneficial for the growth and development I seek for my life. As far as my own convictions about right and wrong go, I let my music speak for me (because I choose to control my message). In blogs, I try to speak for myself and "hear" others. I clearly believe in right and wrong, but my beliefs also force me to recognize that I can interact peaceably with others and attempt to gain understanding. And hey, I'm the first to admit that my "vibe" needs to be adjusted every now and then cause it just plain stinks. I certainly don't have a corner on moral perfection, but I know which direction to look . Much respect, Jo.

Add Comment

LyinDan

4/28/2008 4:51:21 PM

anjuli, now you've got another suitor. I know you're thrilled with that, and all.

Anyway, I agree with larree. Surprise!

Add Comment

Kevin White

4/28/2008 5:31:13 PM

Yes.

Artists should entertain.

Or any message intended is moot.

... just answering the direct question ...

Now, back to the discussion, Jane ... you ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Add Comment

4/28/2008 5:34:23 PM

I'm thrilled am I ? Well, I must admit... it is refreshing ( being the miserable curmudgeon that I am) to have experienced a moment of tenderness, I think? Quite frankly, I'm a bit confused and completely in touch with my unlovable nature. But, thank you Lyin Dan... you might be surprised to find out what thrills me... and perhaps a little grossed out. xXx

Add Comment

LyinDan

4/28/2008 5:36:55 PM

Ohhhhhhhhhhh, no ma'am.

Add Comment

Kevin White

4/28/2008 5:44:32 PM

This thread is suddenly fogging from the steam ...

Add Comment

Bob Elliott

4/28/2008 7:09:31 PM

Songs with a message are generally silly. Home recordists are often badly afflicted with this idea they have a message to deliver, but homebodies are not the only ones with message problems.

A lot of the meaningful stuff can't be summed. There's just a poem, there's just a song. That's what is being said.

Messages make you roll your eyes. You can see 'em coming...

Add Comment

JOHN FRY

4/28/2008 7:18:52 PM

Have you ever been to Disneyland,and rode the ride, It's a Small World? They play this very possitive, upbeat, happy song thoughout the ride. When you finish the ride and get off, you want to hurt people. Bad! A World small, or otherwise, with "just" possitive message songs would turn us all into closeted homicidel maniacs. We need the dark stuff, not just to relate to. But cauge who we are as people."Oh that guys sick, I'm not that bad, thank goodness." or "I'm not alone,I'm not a freak" If all songs were possitive. I think it would be ultimatly depressing. "

Add Comment

2mental

4/28/2008 7:26:16 PM

well put Jon. now as for the other response a message is something powerful...doesnt have to be positive in order to be effective. you'll find that the artist that expose a message in their music are eternal as poets and true musicians. just an example...rage against the machine, nas, 2pac, stp, nirvana, pink floyd, jimmy hendrix, the beatles, the temptations, bone, public enemy, krs one, the doors.....music is the key to promote spiritual growth and thought progression...in other words, evolution. without music and without the message we as a society would be in bewildered planet. than again im sure we would find another means to express ourselves.

Add Comment

4/28/2008 7:27:10 PM

John no longer needs the weirding module

many of the issues in my own life could have been avoided had I just avoided that ride all together

Add Comment

Jo Ellen

4/28/2008 7:28:40 PM

John,
I hear what you are saying and I agree that lollipop thinking is not any more productive than constant negativity. My attempt at honest art is to mesh reality with solutions. It definitely is a process and I sing about that too. Some songs just need to be heard to connect with initial frustrations of everyday life.

Add Comment

kranky king

4/28/2008 8:15:28 PM

I read everyone's post since my last ball-busting comment including Anjuli's which I had to scroll through to finish but I am very proud of myself because I just got blasted in another blog for admitting that I don't read long posts even if they are aimed at me.

My only point is that a person is a fool to say that ANYTHING should be allowed in art. No restrictions, absolute artistic freedom, blah, blah, blah...

"People who believe in freedom are f---ing idiots, everybody has to play by somebody's rules." Told to me by a man who went to jail after beating another guy so bad it was six months before the guy could be brought into court ON A STRETCHER to testify. I suggest we all heed this bit of wisdom.

HERE'S THE POSITIVE IMPLICATION of my whole diatribe:

As artists we are free to try to lift up the human race in artistic ways. Yes the songs can be about bad things (as most of mine are) but I maintain that a true artist will always feel a need to bring about GOOD with art no matter what it is. If you are trying to bring about EVIL with your art then don't expect to be treated like an artist.

So to answer your question, HunkaFunk -- yes, we always do have a message and yes, it should be a blessing to people not a curse.

(I hope that wasn't so long that someone has to scroll :-)

Add Comment

Black Velvet Lace

4/28/2008 8:29:20 PM

"do Artists have a responsibility to try to change the vibe surrounding them, to one of goodness, positive energy, and Love. So much of popular music today, is full of angst, and bitterness toward everyone, and everything, and anything goes, lyrically, irregardless of how it may affect the depressed, or disenfranchised, possibly encouraging acts of desperation, and hate."

As a former flower child I recall some of the music *way back when* to also be filled with angst/bitterness/anger.. but from my (sometimes paltry) memory, it was due to a huge dissatisfaction with *the establishment*, whereas nowadays it just seems to *be*. Case in point, compare the last Woodstock with the first. While both devolved into a wild ride, the former's was an expression of *free love* (albeit soaked in adolescent irresponsibility, drugs and mud) while the latter's was an expression of *sheer violence* (fans burned down the concession stands the last day). Maybe because I grew up in the sex/drugs/rock 'n roll culture of the late 60s/early 70s, I was more shocked by the violence.

~Lace~

Add Comment

Jo Ellen

4/28/2008 8:42:49 PM

Lace,
I think there is a definite difference in the level of violence in our society in general. Unfortunately, too, I think this is an example of how the language of violence (which is a personal freedom) becomes an act of violence (which is not a freedom). Jo

Add Comment

Conversation Suicide

4/29/2008 10:32:32 PM

Hmmmmm... Did you see Schindler's List? A very VIOLENT film, but a GREAT example (although a bit too long) of the MANY times that ART portraying violence can ACTUALLY speak for it's antithesis. This is true in music too. That's the BEST violence we like to do in our tunes, that actually makes a statement to the contrary.

Trust me, there is a VERY important place for violent lyrical content in music/art & film... and it's NOT to hurt others, but to make a statement that is ANTI-Hate Crime & PRO-life & love.

-Phlegm of the sometimes violent imagery provoking Conversation Suicide

Add Comment

4/30/2008 1:41:17 PM

I believe it just depnds on the song - that may sound trite but true.
Sometimes a song is written just to make someone tap their foot or forget their troubles.
But when a meaning needs to be expressed and can be conveyed by being attached to the "silence between the notes" - it has to come out!
Dave

Add Comment

Merwolf

4/30/2008 2:42:23 PM

I think you have to follow your muse. It's more often the case that I don't know how a song is going to finish or what it's ultimately about prior to writing it. As said previously in this thread, it's often dictated by the music or what your feelings are at the time of putting lyrics down. On the listening side, it's so subjective - it's all about emotional involvement. We create our own individual meaning. God knows I've written stuff over the years that people have told me they really connect with and I've thought that it was just throw away garbage!

There's room for all types of music - I'm currently making 'non-cerebral' songs that are simply about the good old fashioned joy of picking up an axe and rockin' out. If it puts a smile on a face then it's job done. I think that fun is often an element that is missing from music.

Right, I think that's more than enough nonsense from me! Good topic, though. MW

Add Comment

Kevin White

4/30/2008 4:47:13 PM

Sometimes someone hits a nerve so elemental, it elicits an involuntary visceral response.

"It's a small world"

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ... snort, snort ... wipes tear from eye ...

Soooo true ...

The "intention to commit harm" effect, though, really takes solid hold after it's replayed in one's head for an entire week. Even singing the national anthem, a supposed cure-all for the syndrome, can't remove the constant replay.

I subtitle the tune "Walt's Revenge" ... the dark side of the Disney experience.

We now run as fast as we can by that ride before the song can reinfect us.

:-D

Kev-

Add Comment