What happened to the songs that saved my life? Music was once a way of art that transcended barriers and uplifted listeners with its healing words. Now it is a tool that gains its producers a “quick buck” with ease, using its catchy beats, degrading lyrics, and lack of substance to top the charts. Meaningful songs have, unfortunately, become an endangered species.
In generations past CD players held precious discs that told stories to young and old. Though some stories have always been darker than others, music used to contain an element that soothed the beast. My entire childhood was spent captivated by sound and wishing upon stars that I could one day create sounds of my own.
I grew up in a broken home. I, like many children now, was lonely, and looked to idols to shape my life. My idols were faceless, but always knew the right words to sing. Each band I listened to was different, experimenting with new sounds and textures. Their word choice was like an intricate tapestry that fit together. Though songs were in general verse-chorus-verse, the format never hindered their purposes. Bands told me that I could “learn to fly.” Musicians would share stories of their lives with me. Their words were a gift of hope for a brighter future. With lyrics like “hold on when you feel like letting go,” I knew that life would one day provide opportunity to strive for something greater. I knew that I wasn’t condemned to fall in line with the unfortunate ways of the world. I knew I could give back to music what it had given to me. Music served as an outlet and a chance to be different.
But the majority of music today is “just another brick in the wall.” It’s saddening to admit, but an alarming amount of songs today are about sex, drugs, violence, or nothing at all, just a carrying beat. This used to be the counter-culture. Now it is our culture.
Many songs are predictable with the same message stated in a different way.
Preaching that: “Money is key. Women are...