Vietnam War Popular Music Analysis

Music is often considered “the universal language.” Throughout, history it has symbolized love, brought people together, and has been the cornerstone of many lives. In the 1950s, a new form of music entered American mass culture that drastically changed the culture of the United States (U.S.): rock music. In the U.S., it began as Rock ‘n’ Roll, a originally “black” music genre that was then taken and promulgated by white Americans. Post WWII, many Americans—especially teenagers—struggled with the newfound societal conformity and normalcy, and rock provided them a form of retaliation. From its beginning, Rock united the younger generation of Americans, stirring up a sense of community amongst teenagers and troubling many adults by their actions—heightening

Music has a dynamic ability of influencing emotions, from mood regulation to rumination and self-expression. The presence of political and social messages in popular music is frequently seen across cultures, in particular focusing on social issues and racism (Back, 2000, 127). This paper attempted to explore the political and social messages in popular music, more specifically it investigated the relationship between Soul music and civil rights movements in the United States.

Music is an art form and source of power. Many forms of music reflect culture and society, as well as, containing political content and social message. Music as social change has been highlighted throughout the 20th century. In the 1960s the United States saw political and socially oriented folk music discussing the Vietnam War and other social issues. In Jamaica during the 1970s and 1980s reggae developed out of the Ghetto’s of Trench town and expressed the social unrest of the poor and the need to over-through the oppressors. The 1980’s brought the newest development in social and political music, the emergence of hip-hop and rap. This urban musical art form that was developed in New

Since the Constitution of the United States was written, Americans have practiced their right to freedom of speech as a way to express their point of view on issues facing the country. Over time, voicing one’s opinion went from outspoken newspaper articles to large rallies, and during the Vietnam War, music was a prevalent tool in aiding the protests. Allowing political messages to be shared nationally, the music had touched the lives of the younger generation. Author Jerome L. Rodnitzky explains in his journal, “The Sixties between the Microgrooves: Using Folk and Protest Music to Understand American History, 1963-1973”, how music was “trying to be all things

Popular music is often one of the best lenses we have through which to view our own cultural orientation. Many of the artistic and experimental shifts in popular music have mirrored changes in our own society. For instance, the emergence of Elvis Presley as a public figure would signal the start of a sexual revolution and the growth in visibility of a rebellious youth culture. Similarly, the folk and psychedelic music of the 1960s was closely entangled with the Civil Rights, anti-war and social protest movements. In this regard, we can view popular music as an artifact through which to better understand the time and place in which it is produced. In light of this, the state of popular music today may suggest troubling things about our society.

Throughout history music has been used as a method of communication and protest. This trend spiked particularly during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and is shown throughout the decades with different groups or genres to continue in increasing popularity throughout the decades (Candaele). One particular song that portrays this is “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” written and sung by Billy Joel. “We Didn’t Start the Fire” exemplifies a popular song taking a stance against contemporary social issues in 1960s-1980s America, particularly involvement in the Cold War.

Artists have throughout history conveyed their thoughts, experiences, and opinions through their songs, whether these were for better or worse. In 1970, an artist by the name of Edwin Starr released his song, “War.” In 1971, Marvin Gaye released his song, “What’s Going On.” In 1965, P.F. Sloan released his song, “Eve of Destruction.” In 1963, Bob Dylan released his song, “Blowing in the Wind.” The artists wrote, recorded, and released these songs with the purpose to express their feelings of dislike against war, especially the Vietnam War and the racial wars occurring within America concurrently. The four songs listed above were all around the same era of time and were written, recorded, and inspired by the major events that occurred in

Throughout all the anti-war protests and marches during the Vietnam War, it is interesting to note the changes in the music of that time. From the beginning of the war, where support and loyalty from Americans was present in songs, to the end of the war, where anger and distrust was evident in musical lyrics, American’s opinion changed about the war. This change in opinion was easily recognized by the altering of musical lyrics about the war when Americans grew tired of the constant sending of U.S. troops to Vietnam. The growing dissatisfaction with the Vietnam War led to increasing levels of anger and hostility in the popular music of the time.

Throughout time, music has been an influential part of society. As a form of entertainment and expression, its impact has always been felt both economically and emotionally. During the Vietnam war, music evolved into more a form of expression rather than pure entertainment. Emotionally charged songs became a method to oppose the war, and vent frustrations. While many songs opposed the war, numerous others focused on peace and happiness. They provided a positive perspective in an otherwise depressing time. Along with incorporating passion into music, cultural diversity increased in music greatly. Black artists became progressively more popular and accepted in the musical scene. This respect

Other Vietnam War Music Protest Songs During the Vietnam War, there was significant protest songs released. An example is “War” by Edwinn Starr, famous for the lyrics “War (huh)! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing, say it again!”

Throughout history, music have defined or depicted the culture and social events in America. Music has constantly played an important role in constituting American culture, where people have expressed themselves through music during flourishing and turbulent times. In the 1930’s, Swing music created a platform for audiences to vent their emotions in the midst of Great Depression and political unrest. Such strong relationship between music and culture can be seen throughout history, especially in the sixties.

The article clarifies contents of 10 protest songs that are seen as the best anti-songs during the Vietnam War. First, Imagine (1971) was an emphasis for world peace to “imagine all people living life in peace” in a world without religion, countries, possessions, greed or hunger. Blowing in the Wind (1963) was as the United States escalated their involvement in the Vietnam War, and became famous protest songs. Born in the USA is about the troubles of a working class man forced into the Vietnam War. Give Peace a Chance was sung across the country during the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam, which was one of many anti-war protests that swept the country during the 60s and 70s. War (What is It Good For?) says it loud and clear “war, yea,

Musical artists of the modern age have had a great affect upon the generation that the writers of the paper are a part of. Not only have the songs they produced brought us enjoyment and heightened our emotional states, they have also informed us of their opinions. One of the issues drawing the strongest opinions as of late is the American government, particularly the Bush administration. Some of the most popular bands and artists have made it a point to express their views on such matters through their music and concerts, rallying to fight or support a matter relating to the U.S. government. The following bands have influenced at least one of us as their listeners, and the message we

Each year, new books declare rock and roll to be an active force in the moral collapse of American culture. To many, rock and roll has come to be seen as a social menace (Pattison 175-77).

A reoccurring observation made in literature focused on music in contemporary Iran, is the challenge music has faced since the Islamic revolution of 1979 and the subsequent establishment of a theocratic state . Ghazizadeh (2011) argued that music is one of the most controversial issues in Islam and so after the victory of the Islamic revolution, which promised a return back to traditional Islamic norms and values, the position of music significantly changed in Iran. Similarly, this notion of music being a challenging issue is reflected in the writings of Maghazei (2014). Maghazei highlighted that since the revolution of 1979, some religious authorities have been categorically against music and others have been more progressive, maintaining that music is not prohibited in the Qur’an . Youssefzadeh (2000) also stressed that, not only has music been at the centre of a fierce religious debate, but also at the heart of a political one. He highlights that the position of music in Iran is not solely determined based on religious grounds, but also by political undercurrents. Music is viewed by the people of Iran and the ruling elite, as a potential initiator of social change. Therefore, any state policy towards music would reflect the paranoia and chief concerns of the Islamic establishment. The commitment to devote large resources to regulate