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Metaphors we live by the war metaphor
Metaphors we live by the war metaphor
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Constant or Changing Conditions That Lead to Rejection or Embracement of Continuity or Change in Lyric Trends Who would have ever predicted that the traditional 1915 song, America, I Love You (Reublin, 2004) would become Anti-Flag¡¦s North America Sucks by the year 1998? Or 1775¡¦s The King¡¦s Regulars (History in a Song, 2004) become 2001¡¦s Son of a Bush? Since the American Revolution of 1775 to present-day September 11th attacks and United States¡¦ war with Iraq, artists have taken advantage of their freedom of expression during conflicts by incorporating their own philosophies into their lyrics. When central themes of these wartime lyrics are analzed in chronological order, they show patterns that reflect the dichotomy of continuity and change. When considering the American Revolution, Civil War, World Wars I and II, Vietnam War, September 11th attacks, and the war with Iraq, some lyric themes changed throughout history along with changing conditions, thus innovation overriding tradition, while other lyrics trends have remained throughout history due to several conditions remaining constant. The changing and continuing conditions are what make society embrace or reject change or continuity. Changing conditions from the past leading embracement of change in lyrics-- Lyric trends present in the past that are not present today exist due to changes of influencing conditions throughout history. Examples consist of the rejection of continuity or embracement of change from patriotic lyrics during the American Revolution, Civil War, and the World Wars, to anti-war, anti-Bush, and anti-capitalism during the Vietnam War and war with Iraq. A condition during the American Revolution and Civil War was that the purpose of war ... ... middle of paper ... ... changing will be washed out, while other trends whose influencing conditions have remained throughout history and are still here presently will remain in the future. Considering the rate war has been rejected form the Vietnam war to today, pro-war patriotic themes will be washed out. Based on the new conditions of anti-government the future will reach larger extremes. The beginning of the movement is evident already, for example, war is connecting to the government due to rumors that Bush will loose the elections this time for not firing the Secretary of Defense after recent photographs from the prison of Iraq soldiers were exposed. Considering the constant continuity of human nature, which will remain constant as long as society remains human, pleas for peace when war has reached intolerable limits and post-war recovery themes will continue.
During the 1960s and the early 1970s, music reflected the political and social changes that America was undergoing at the time. Some of these major changes included the African-American civil rights movement and the conflict over America’s role in the Vietnam War. During these hard times, people turned to music for hope, peace, happiness and answers.
Several even try to connect their music to the feelings of their audience. Some of the songs including, Jailhouse Rock, Good Vibrations, Purple Haze and Stayin’ Alive try to use women as the meaning of their songs. In addition, they are used to clarify the point in films of their time and influence an environmental change. Slowly, building into innovative ways to portray music that fits the era they were in. Each song was able to readjust the perception of war and help those forget the scary outcomes war was bringing. Therefore, music adapted by connecting the people as one to their era and providing them a tune that minimized their
To the persistent individual, though, there is a body of music in existence that merits regard. It is powerful music written by the youth of America, youngsters who did have a stake in the Vietnam War. There can be little question about the origins of the power which American protest music conveyed: those who wrote such music lived each day with the real knowledge that they were losing friends in, and could possibly be forced themselves to go to, Vietnam. One such group, Creedence Clearwater Revival, made its contribution to this genre near the end of the Vietnam War.
Lyric analysis – Lyric analysis is a popular music therapy method, defined as the expansion from existing song or lyrics to any broader use. Sometimes two songs are chosen, and patients are asked to compare both the similarities and differences in musical style, timbre, lyrical content, levels of emotion, kind of emotions, and ways of expressing those emotions. Songs mark many solid memories from important life events, and the music may improve a person’s ability to look back over their life. Either with patient preferred music or songs that address topics to focus on, lyric analysis may be used to facilitate life review and reminiscence.
After many of World War II’s harmful effects, the 1950s served as a period of time of musical change that reflected the dynamic of society as well as the traditional norms and values. Many factors contributed to this transformation. For example, the civil rights movement heightened many racial tensions, and the music produced consequently manifested this tension in itself. Rock-n-roll and R&B music universalized music typically associated with African-Americans, and many African-American musicians gained fame; however, as with any relatively-widespread success, there were many musicians as well who missed their opportunities due to the same racial segregation. While “radical” genres such as R&B and rock-n-roll laid the foundation for music future forms of music, the standard pop, jazz, and country music adhered to traditional values, and thus continued to maintain popularity amidst phenomena such as the Elvis craze.
Artist express themselves through many different outlets. Some expressing through paintings or structures, but some also do it through songs or videos. Creedence Clearwater Revival, a band from the 60s and 70s, spoke through their songs. Several of their songs were based off of the Vietnam War. One of these songs spoke of the drafting of young men into the military called “Fortunate Son”.
its own we will see a slight change in history’s value of warfare and hardship as war turns into a
Political issues such as the war on terrorism is evoked as an issue throughout the song. American was divided “All across the alien nation” when troops were sent to Iraq to search for weapons of mass destruction. Metaphorical language was used to explore the issue. Audience positioning from techniques indorse concerns with a country divided and positions them to feel the need to cooperate and sort things out other than civil unrest and debate.
Music is an outlet to all aspects of life and culture is a significant way of forming people and the way they live. Although not always seen directly culture has an overbearing influence on the music that is produced and made popular. The political Climate of the early seventies was full of fire with issues such as Vietnam and constant protest throughout the county. Later in the 70’s the end of the Vietnamese conflict brought the rise of the Watergate scandal and Iran Contra. These issues swept headlines and ingrained people’s thoughts. Social issues also played a big role in the developing culture of the seventies. Protests and constant outbreaks about gay rights and women’s rights seemed to overtake the country in storm. Later in the Decade the social climate changed to a celebration of the Past and a can-do attitude. Political and Social climates had an overbearing influence on the attitude that was being developed throughout the seventies. This climate was also transparent in the music world of this decade. In the early 70’s music lyrics were being created that were representative of the popular method of protest and social change. Music is a common way of expression and during this time artist and groups took the most of their popular music by expressing viewpoints on present issues. In the mid to late seventies the birth of new styles that broke from the old seemed to dominate the music industry. These new types of music ranged from disco to television pop. The music of the decade represented the culture and was greatly influenced by events and beliefs of the 70’s. At this time in American history, music and life became closely nit. In the late 1970’s, national issues settl...
Many people hail “The Star Spangled Banner” as the greatest piece of American music. The audiences of America’s national anthem seem, instinctively, eager to express their respect by embracing the notion to remove their hats and stand up. However, not many people ponder over the question of what “The Star Spangled Banner” truly means. What does it mean? Why does it deserve so much reverence and honor? What exceptional difference allows it to prevail over the masterpieces of prominent composers like Mozart and Beethoven? The answer is fairly simple. “The Star Spangled Banner” symbolizes America’s perseverance, its set of moral laws and ethics, and its history that constitutes what America truly means.
Music can be traced back into human history to prehistoric eras. To this day archeologists uncover fragments of ancient instruments as well as tablets with carved lyrics buried alongside prominent leaders and highly influential people. This serves as a testament to the importance and power of music, as well as its influence in society. Over its many years of existence, music’s powerful invocation of feelings has allowed it to evolve and serve many purposes, one being inspiring change. American journalist and author Hunter S. Thompson once said, “Music has always been a matter of energy to me, a question of fuel. Sentimental people call it inspiration, but what they really mean is fuel.” This fuel is the very things that powers the influence of Rock ‘n’ Roll on American society, that author Glenn C. Altschuler writes about in his book, “All Shook Up – How Rock ‘n’ Roll Changed America.” Between 1945 and 1965 Rock ‘n’ Roll transformed American society and culture by helping to ease racial integration and launch a sexual revolution while most importantly developing an intergenerational identity.
The 1960’s was a time of war and fear for the United States and many people were turning their accusations towards the government. “Masters of War” was written by Bob Dylan in late 1962 and early 1963. The focus of this song is a protest against the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis that was happening during the early 1960’s. The song is protesting on the American government having its citizens live in fear of a constant attack and hiding behind their shroud, unaffected by anything that would happen to the people. It shook the nation with its fierce and angry tone against the “military industrial complex.” Dylan’s lyrics stated that it was not contained by declaring a pointless war and not taking responsibility for the problems it was causing. “Masters of War” is a powerful song against the government and the military. The protest song “Masters of War” by Bob Dylan highlights how the looming aspect of the Cold War affected the people of the United States and demonstrates Dylan’s view on the governments involved.
Hip Hop and Rap music from the latest decades indicated slavery as well as the emancipation with the purpose of making people conscious about the similarities in the American society between the past and the present. Slavery contributed in the creation and the advancement of Rap music.
The genre of pop rock has taken the music industry by storm, giving record companies enormous amounts of power and endless financial success along with a way to reproduce it. Owing its popularity to the “light” nature and simplistic, yet catchy melodies, pop music is one of the broadest genres. There’s no way of clearly defining parameters as to what distinguishes a pop music song from other genres. This is largely due to the genre's’ reliance on popularity. Pop music has taken many forms over the decades, keeping characteristics through each generation it passes through.
In Robert Palmer's article “What pop lyrics say to us today”, he explains that music has been much the same for many years.