There are many agents of popular culture through which the messages, themes, and symbols of popular culture are produced and consumed. Media is an essential agent of popular culture, and within it, music is one mode of the production and consumption of popular culture. The music of the 1960s marked a key period of transition in the United States as themes of social problems and dissidence started to fill the radio waves. This paper will explore the issue of wars as depicted in music today.
Notably, most songs about music since the year 2000 have been inspired by the attacks that occurred on the twin towers, also known as the 9/11 attacks ( Garofalo, 2007 ). Following the attacks, the musicians prioritized national security over other issues such as love in music and sought to condemn the war. Other than just releasing single songs, the musicians conducted live concerts where they performed anti-war songs. In comparing two of the hit songs released during that period, namely the “Concert for New York City,” and “America: A Tribute to Heroes," a clear trajectory of the role of music in condemning war is evident.
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In the “America: A Tribute to Heroes”, event, a host of top musicians performed including the Dixie Chicks, Sting, Paul Simon, Limp Bizkit, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Faith Hill, Sheryl Crowe, and Wyclef Jean, among others ( Garofalo, 2007 ). The musicians depicted the evil behind the attacks which in one way or another prompted the US government to commission soldiers to invade Afghanistan in search for those responsible. Similarly, the performance of “Wanted Dead or Alive,” by Bon Jovi called for the arrest of the former leader of the Al-Qaida terror group, Osama Bin Laden.
Other than concerts, single songs were released during the period following 9/11 attacks. In his song, “Love’s in Need of Love today,” Stevie Wonder, 2001 reproves and condemns all who "hate in the name of God or Allah." Similarly, John Lennon in his song "Imagine," invokes and envisions a world without countries or religions hence no reason for war. It is indeed his call for love and unity among all nations to realize global peace. On the contrary, Darryl Worley, 2002 in his song, "Have you forgotten," states that some things are worth fighting for. In fact, he challenges those preaching for peace to remember the terror of seeing "your homeland under fire." He mentions all the losses suffered during the 9/11 attack such as the deaths in Pennsylvania field, the Pentagon, and the twin towers. He ends the song concerning the soldiers who were on a war in Iraq giving them tribute for remembering, "Just what they're fighting for."
Another musician by the name Alan Jackson, 2003 advocates for love in his song, “Where were you." In the chorus of the song, he states that "you know the difference in Iraq and Iran," highlighting the war that was going on in the said countries. He concludes the chorus, stating that, "But I know Jesus, and I talk about God, faith, hope, and love are some good things he gave us, and the greatest is love." Throughout the other verses, he brings out the adverse effects of war with heroes dying while carrying out their mandate. His conjurors a clear picture of the aftermath of 9/11 with mentions of black smoke and the rubble that manifested in the attacks. However, he implores the listeners to "look at yourself and what matters" with a final reminder that, “the greatest is love."
Lee Greenwood, 2003 in his song, "God Bless the USA," he shows that despite losses encountered in wars, the flag remains to remind us that freedom cannot be taken away by terrorism attacks. He praises the heroes who died in fighting for freedom as the ones who gave him the right to freedom. Moreover, implies that he will stand with them in defense of the freedom they fought for. His message can thus be aimed at triggering action against all threats to freedom in the USA, with the reason of loving the nation. He implores listeners to stand up in defense of their nation willingly. On his part, Robert Kelly, 2004 released a song named, "the heart of a soldier," around the period of 9/11 attacks. In the song, he praises the soldiers for taking a frontline role in leading the way out of darkness. He praises them for their readiness to die for the sake of their nation, stating that, "our flag was still there, all because you decided to care." The praise for soldiers depicts a direct call for resilience in times of war and attacks with emphasis that it takes a soldier's, heart.
All in all, one of the controversial songs about war is Neil Young, 2002, song, “Let’s Roll,” which he sings in honor of the passengers aboard Flight 93 for their bravery in fighting the hijackers. However, he criticizes the administration that was in place, making a mockery of it by stating, “We’re going’ after Satan on the wings of a Dove,” It seems remarkable that despite the turmoil at the time of the attacks, the musician could afford to mock the administration. However, the challenge, when taken positively seeks to ensure that America does not fall into unprecedented attacks like in the 9/11 incident.
In conclusion, the music industry has seen a lot of effort targeted at enlightening the society about war issues. Notably, almost every genre of music is represented in the theme of war with some of the most popular musicians releasing hit songs on war.
References
Garofalo, R. (2007). Pop Goes to War, 2001-2004: US Popular Music after 9/11.”. Music in the post-9/11 world , 3-26.
Greenwood, L. (2003). “ God bless the USA ." Retrieved on March 8, 2017, from http://www.hearya.com/2010/08/23/10-best-modern-day-war-songs/
Kelly, R. (2004). “The Heart of a Soldier”. Retrieved on March 8, 2017 from http://billchapin.net/allthecitylights/2012/01/playlist-14-anti-war-songs-for-the-21st-century/
Worley, D. (2002). “ Have you forgotten ?" Retrieved on March 8, 2017, from http://www.houstonpress.com/music/top-8-post-2000-soldier-songs-6520104
Wonder, S. (2001). “ Love’s in Need of Love Today ". Retrieved on March 8, 2017, from
http://billchapin.net/allthecitylights/2012/01/playlist-14-anti-war-songs-for-the-21st-century/
Young, N. (2006). “ Let’s Roll” Retrieved on March 8, 2017, from http://www.metalstorm.net/forum/topic.php?topic_id=9545
