What Is Country Music Telling Us?

1155 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Analysis of country music

Country music, for many of its listeners, is an emotional outlet that allows a comforting companion during times of struggle. When a fan feels depressed, country music is there to support and leave its listener feeling uplifted. A genre with such an impact on its listeners is guaranteed to have a strong influence on their emotional well-being. An unfortunate implication of this relationship stems from the negative habits displayed in a variety of country songs. These negative entries are taken in the same light as their positive counterparts, thus including negative content in the mix of emotion-altering country music. With the influence that the country genre has on its listeners, one can ponder the positive and negative reactions it creates. The negatively-natured country music may contribute unhealthily to the behavior of its listeners in their everyday lives.
Fans of country music are naturally drawn to its inviting melodies and flavorful style. This aspect of the genre contributes to its success and provides an opening for music to portray its message powerfully to its listeners. Morinville indicates that studies conducted “have shown that positive emotions from listening to music were associated with greater emotional well-being” (Morinville 2). Music in general has this effect on listeners, strengthening an emotion and successfully blocking its opposite out of view. Morinville later adds to the analysis that “very few studies have examined the role of music in association with a more stable and global conceptualization of happiness” (2). Music is stated to provide its listeners with happiness and positive emotion, yet cannot be attributed to the grander role of happiness within a person’s life solely through lis...

... middle of paper ...

...6.2 (2012): 187-191. PsycARTICLES. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.
Linde, Dennis. Goodbye Earl. The Dixie Chicks. Monument, 1999. MP3.
Meng-Jinn, Chen, et al. "Music, Substance Use, And Aggression." Journal Of Studies On Alcohol 67.3 (2006): 373-381. Academic Search Complete. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.
Morinville, Amélie, Dave Miranda, and Patrick Gaudreau. "Music Listening Motivation Is Associated With Global Happiness In Canadian Late Adolescents." Psychology Of Aesthetics, Creativity, And The Arts (2013): PsycARTICLES. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.
Snipes, Jeffrey B., and Edward R. Maguire. "Country Music, Suicide, And Spuriousness." Social Forces 74.1 (1995): 327-329. Business Source Complete. Web. 3 Nov. 2013.
"Thoughts On Country Music." Forbes 190.3 (2012): 112. Business Source Complete. Web. 3 Nov. 2013.
Thompson, Chris & Josh Kear. “Before He Cheats”. Carrie Underwood. Artista, 2006. MP3.

Show More
Related

  • Evaluation of Modern Country Versus Oldies Country Music

    596 Words  | 2 Pages

    Times have changed, and along with the times so has country music. American country music lovers have went from Loretta Lynn and Waylon Jennings, just two of the many classic oldies, to Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan, two very appealing country music artists. However, it is not only the tune of the music that has changed, it is the image, the appeal, and overall the type of icons the media is portraying these modern music stars as. Icons such as Lynn and Jennings had identifiable features within their music as well as their appearance that spoke sweet southern belle and rugged twang. Whereas Underwood’s and Bryan’s appeal now is much more sexualized than it was during the oldies. These changes affect the way modern day singers are marketed compared to former country music stars, instead of focusing on talent it is now looks.

    Read More

  • Country Music: From Backwood to Hollywood

    943 Words  | 2 Pages

    For many Americans, country isn’t just a type of music. It’s a lifestyle. From sippin’ sweet tea on the porch, drinking beer at a tailgate or driving a pick up down the backroads, country music has made its way into the hearts and minds of many Americans. It is one of the only truly home grown American art forms. Its relatability and wide appeal has made country music one of the most commercially successful and popular genres in the United States. Using the work of scholars Tichi, Pecknold, and Ellison, I will show how country music grew from its rural southern roots into an integral part of American culture.

    Read More

  • Black Artists in Country Music

    2843 Words  | 6 Pages

    Tichi, Cecilia. High lonesome: the American culture of country music. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. 1994. Print.

    Read More

  • REGGAE AND ZYDECO

    3174 Words  | 7 Pages

    If one were to look back into the world’s history, one would find that an important and consistent element is the world of music. Music has presented itself in various forms throughout its spread and through our identification of its magical realm, people have been fortunate enough to come across a means of relation. Whether it is blues and reggae or rap and pop rock, there is music out there for everyone. Music can serve as a stabilizer for some, a relaxant to others, and to many a form of inspiration.

    Read More

  • Gender Roles In Country Music Lyrics

    1747 Words  | 4 Pages

    There are many instances of degrading and misogynistic lyrics in country music, both historically and contemporarily. There are differences in the lyrics of this genre based on the gender of the artist: gender roles, hypersexuality, and in the resistance or conformity to rigid gender-based stereotypes. The main points of my argument will include how country music lyrics have historically and contemporarily conformed to and defied gender roles and misogynistic stereotypes. This paper will then examine how men are portrayed as sexual oppressors and exploiters to women. As well, I will discuss the lyrical differences between men and women in this genre, including the limiting role of women as objects as opposed to subjects. Next, this essay will address in my paper the unhealthy environment country music lyrics creates for women. Country music lyrics currently and historically portray stereotypical gender roles, and women have limited roles within country music songs as subjects and objects.

    Read More

  • Country Music

    2119 Words  | 5 Pages

    The debate whether commercialism has stripped country music of its authenticity is one that requires further examination into who ultimately holds the power. The sometimes-drastic changes made in music leaves people questioning the tastes of consumers when in fact they are the bystanders of an overpowering industry. Fans are people who buy the albums, go to concerts, and request songs on the radio, not the execs that market the music, and yet their opinions/tastes aren’t taken into consideration. Fans carry a lot of clout in regards to what they define as commercialism gone wrong and acceptable country music. Despite what may seem fair, those who are financially invested in its success drive the commercialization of music.

    Read More

  • Rhythm In Music Therapy

    1237 Words  | 3 Pages

    Music produces both emotional and physical responses (Clair & Memmott, 2008). It aids and improves social interaction, and provides effective communication and emotional expression. Music stimulates associations and triggers reminiscence. When experiencing recent inactivity, discomfort, and changes in

    Read More

  • Informative Speech: The Development Of Country Music

    888 Words  | 2 Pages

    The lyrics of country music reflect people’s lives as times changed. According to "Poetry For The People: Country Music And American Social Change", published by Southern Quarterly in Ebsco Host, country music depicted “the white, Protestant and working-class Southerner”, “addressed their pain, their dreams struggles, beliefs and moral dilemma”.

    Read More

  • Pop Country Music Analysis

    989 Words  | 2 Pages

    After a rough day, when people come home from work, they need something that will make their day better. Any music helps to release people from their everyday lives. For some it is like going on vacation, or a home away from home. It not only gives strength, hope, but it helps relieves stress. Music is essential to everyday life in this world. People have become what they listen to. “The most important requirement of popular music is that is must appeal to a large number of people” (Yudkin 284). Pop country music is one of America’s favorite genre’s to listen to. Its roots began in rural America. Looking back, country music has drastically evolved and changed moving away from its original sound. Pop country is what has taken over much of the country genre. The joining of country and pop began in

    Read More

  • Rap is Crap

    592 Words  | 2 Pages

    Is music powerful enough to incite antisocial and violent behavior? According Johnson, Jackson and Gatto’s study on the deleterious effects of exposure to rap music, subjects in the violent exposure conditions (rap music) expressed greater acceptance of violence. Subjects in the violent exposure condition also reported a higher probability that they would engage in violence (Johnson). Music plays an i...

    Read More

  • Negative Effects Of Rock Music

    1278 Words  | 3 Pages

    Studies have demonstrated that certain sorts of rock music can heighten feelings. This means youth and adolescents who are inclined to negative, fierce, or depressive contemplations are more prone to have these sentiments (and follow up on them). By the same accord, youngsters who are characteristically content and happy are more averse to have the negative verses in specific tunes influence them in any capacity. To them, it’s simply entertainment (Kwan,

    Read More

  • An Analysis Of Country Music, By Rascal Flatt

    1115 Words  | 3 Pages

    Country Music is everywhere. It may come blaring from a neighbor’s house, blasting the radio from a car or truck, or even playing quietly in a restaurant; but why exactly is Country Music so popular for people to listen to? When it comes to Country Music, the lyrics comes straight from the artist`s hearts where people can relate to them; the rhythm and beat are unique to the specific song, and the artist knows exactly how to tell a perfect story in the song.

    Read More

  • The Effect of Music on Psychology and Behavior

    2701 Words  | 6 Pages

    There have always been discussions of the effects music has on ones behavior, and how it’s related to Psychology. The truth has never really been verified among common knowledge, but it’s usually something that intrigues people. They say heavy metal and rap can make teenagers violent, sad and depressing music can make teenagers sad and depressed, and some say it’s best to listen to classical music when doing schoolwork because it makes your brain more active. There have been many people that reported how music has effects on their behavior. It can lift their mood, “fuel the fire” when they’re angry, or even make it easier for them to fall asleep. People never really get the chance to research the actual science of music, and how it changes people attitudes.

    Read More

  • Music and Deviant Behavior

    1614 Words  | 4 Pages

    Often times throughout history and in today’s world, music along with lyrics of songs and musical artists are blamed for deviant behavior in adolescents and teenagers. Some argue that subcultures are created because of artists and their music which leads to groups of young adults taking part in deviant behavior, while others argue the opposite; that the behavior leads the person to listen to the music. There is also concern about the effect that music videos have on the behaviors of the listeners of music throughout all genres. Although there is not much extended research on music and the effect it has on its listeners there is plenty of speculation, theories, and minor studies.

    Read More

  • How Music Affects Us?

    1751 Words  | 4 Pages

    ...al of Pesonalities“Adolescents' music preferences and personality characteristics” Mar2008, Vol. 22 Issue 2, p109-130. 22p

    Read More

More about What Is Country Music Telling Us?

Open Document