I'm sure many of you have already heard of the deeply tragic Sandy Hook mass shooting. I can't even imagine what would make someone do something so cruel, along with a sane state of mind. While I could rant for hours on this topic alone, I'm changing the angle to correlate with current music.
After the shooting, there was a blatant decrease in the amount of people listening to certain songs. Some of these very songs were "Die Young" by Ke$ha and "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People.
I interviewed a few Whyvillians on their beliefs and listening habits about music below.
Bibi4evr: Do you feel that songs should be broken down and taken for literal meaning? Why or why not?
AngieCow: I don't think so. In society today, there are so many different opinions on any topic, so it's better to just take things lightly. You're bound to find something you don't agree with. Just enjoy the song for the music, save yourself the effort of being offended. Music isn't something you can always take literally.
Vancyon: I believe that all forms of prose should be analyzed, but the only problem is that things can be taken in ways that the original writer had not intended. On the other hand, this can amplify one's enjoyment of the song.
Bibi4evr: Do you personally listen to songs for their lyrics? If so, why? And if not, what do you listen for?
AngieCow: No. I tend to listen to the melody instead of the message.
Vancyon: No, I do not. In fact, I often listen to songs in different languages, since Enya is my favorite singer. I've never been able to remember lyrics that well, and sometimes only realize years later the actual meaning of the song.
Bibi4evr: Do you think music should fit into what's appropriate to society? Why or why not?
AngieCow: Music artists should be allowed to sing about anything without having to be suppressed and bound to society's norms. After all, isn't music all about expressing yourself?
Vancyon: Music has always pushed the boundaries of society, but I oppose the marketing of sensual imagery, it is extremely inappropriate and has no place in every corner of our lives. Also, I oppose excessive profanity and violence in songs. I think it's desensitized us as a society. Of course, I believe that people should be able to listen to this sort of thing if they choose to, it's just that it often gets shoved in our faces.
Bibi4evr: Would you listen to songs even if they mention ideas that you don't agree with?
AngieCow: Sure, if the song is well-structured. Besides, it's important to understand the logic behind other's opinions before blatantly disagreeing with them. If you can't accept ideas you don't like, you're going to have a bad time.
Vancyon: I probably wouldn't notice until years later what it would actually mean, but if it was blatantly obvious, I probably would not. I usually stick to a core group of musicians, and don't seek out new music.
I personally, don't find myself looking into lyrics too much, and am fine with a general message of the song. I also feel that an artist's songs should not be affected by society, based on personal interpretation of the song.
What are your beliefs?
Author's Note: Thank you to both of the insightful responses from the interviewees.
