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When discussing 1973 and protest songs, Questlove asks “Can music truly change minds?” How would you answer that question? Can you think of a specific song you believe has the power to change minds?
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David
2 years ago
No. “We shall overcome” is a protest song, but little seems to change as a result of it being sung rather than as a result of democratic pressure put on by those in the group singing it.
alayna
2 years ago
alayna.abravanel1@gmail.comit can change their minds and to remind them about the taste of music andsingig and dancing to some type of rock jazz hip hop rap R&B the wave country music and grammy music awards 2022
Debordant
2 years ago
The lyrics of a song with a moving melody may solidify or strengthen the listener’s resolve regarding an issue or a relationship, which technically ( I guess) is a change.
I completely agree with the first part of your statement: music and lyrics absolutely strengthens resolve , as evidenced especially by “protest music” through the years. But I don’t think it changes anyone’s mind as much as it confirms existing beliefs.
April
2 years ago
Music amplifies emotion that is already there and creates community.
jtope
2 years ago
Yes. I absolutely believe music can change lives. Think of Marvin Gaye’s black and war protest songs like “What’s going on?” And Bob Dylan’s “The times they are a changing”
GMom
2 years ago
I think minds change music first. Songs like “Amazing Grace” was penned by individuals having a moral crisis. Then the song changes
minds. For example, soldiers can be made to march into bloody senseless wars by stirring drum & bugle corps but during the Civil War both sides halted briefly when Amazing Grace was played.
This is an excellent point and examples. Martial music, particularly, can instill feelings of pride and patriotism — even to the point of sending soldiers to certain death — but I’m still not sure it changes anyone’s mind.
No. “We shall overcome” is a protest song, but little seems to change as a result of it being sung rather than as a result of democratic pressure put on by those in the group singing it.
alayna.abravanel1@gmail.comit can change their minds and to remind them about the taste of music andsingig and dancing to some type of rock jazz hip hop rap R&B the wave country music and grammy music awards 2022
The lyrics of a song with a moving melody may solidify or strengthen the listener’s resolve regarding an issue or a relationship, which technically ( I guess) is a change.
I completely agree with the first part of your statement: music and lyrics absolutely strengthens resolve , as evidenced especially by “protest music” through the years. But I don’t think it changes anyone’s mind as much as it confirms existing beliefs.
Music amplifies emotion that is already there and creates community.
Yes. I absolutely believe music can change lives. Think of Marvin Gaye’s black and war protest songs like “What’s going on?” And Bob Dylan’s “The times they are a changing”
I think minds change music first. Songs like “Amazing Grace” was penned by individuals having a moral crisis. Then the song changes
minds. For example, soldiers can be made to march into bloody senseless wars by stirring drum & bugle corps but during the Civil War both sides halted briefly when Amazing Grace was played.
This is an excellent point and examples. Martial music, particularly, can instill feelings of pride and patriotism — even to the point of sending soldiers to certain death — but I’m still not sure it changes anyone’s mind.