The following songs are songs about change - about revolution. I choose to look at this theme in popular music because we live in a time now where we have been promised change and awaiting the revolution. I feel these songs remind us the idealism of revolution, and ultimately its reality.
First, I will start with a very obvious one: The Beatles - "Revolution"
A few lines from the lyrics:
"You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world."
"But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out"
"Don't you know it's gonna be all right"
I feel this song is talking about how leaders have gone back on their word by not fully supporting or following through with what they advocate for.
Second, I'd like to look at Gill Scott-Heron's "The Revolution Will Not be Televised" (a personal favorite of mine. Note: the video is a memorial to Che Guevara)
A few lyrics:
"You will not be able to stay home, brother.
You will not be able to plug in, turn on and cop out."
"The revolution will not be televised.
The revolution will not be brought to you by Xerox
In 4 parts without commercial interruptions."
"The revolution will be no re-run brothers;
The revolution will be live."
This song is talking about how you need to be a part of a revolution in order for it to happen. Also, it is talking about the reality of revolution, that it's not a fad, it won't make you sexy, and it's not something to be entertained by. The revolution is something to be a part of and fight for.
Next, I'd like to look at Rage Against the Machine's "Take the Power Back" (Audio Only)
A few lyrics:
"In the right light, study becomes insight
But the system that dissed us
Teaches us to read and right"
"Holes in our spirit causin' tears and fears
One-sided stories for years and years and years
I'm inferior? Who's inferior?"
"We gotta take the power back"
"No more lies"
This song discusses the issues as to why there needs to be change - all power is institutionalized.
Last, I want to take a look at Tracy Chapman's "Talkin About a Revoluion" (audio and slide show)
Some lines from the song:
"Don't you know
They're talkin' about a revolution
It's sounds like a whisper"
"Wasting time in the unemployment lines
Sitting around waiting for a promotion"
"And finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin'about revolution"
This song discusses how the talk of revolution is just that, talk. In order for a revolution to happen, people need to be active and a part of the revolution. Instead, this song says people just wait around.
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These songs all clearly talk about change. They remind us that in order for change to happen, we must be a part of it. Waiting around for something to happen, for the TV to tell you what to do, or relying on those in power to change things will only allow revolution to be a discussion and not an event. Change is something people want, but in order for the change to happen it has to be made. I think these songs remind us of that, but again they only continue the conversation about revolution. In order for change to happen we must take that inspiration from these songs and do something about it. Music won't make change; people make change.
"This is the end..."
15 years ago
Abi,
ReplyDeleteI really like the "Revolution" theme you chose! If you use this in a classroom, I think this can be a way for students to explore different ideas/themes for their writing/poetry writing. You could get them to try to think and then act globally with their writing by looking at some of these artists.
On the flip side, you mention that these songs only continue the conversation about revolution without doing much about it, and i totally agree. This also brings up interesting points about the media's influence. Why is it able to influence in other ways with our beliefs and attitudes and appearance, but not so much in this matter? What might be the reasons for that? Is that okay?....
Abi,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kim; I, too, love the "revolution" theme. It also seems like you too (in a good way of course). I think that this is a great way to inform students that some rules are meant to be broken. Rules are a great starting point, but sometimes they serve as a gateway to the optimal option. I sometimes don't think that teachers provoke inquiry enough (I know none of us in the English Ed cohort will be these teachers). BUT, these teachers DO exist. It shows students that they shouldn't automatically latch on to a belief or idea without questioning it. That's what change is all about right? Nice work Abi and I hope to see you before I leave.