This article is less about politics and more about society in general. There are two songs that reached the top 10 on the charts that I would like to compare, and question what they mean about society. The first song is a new one by Jay-Z (with Rihanna and Kayne West) called “Run This Town.” Here is a sample of the lyrics (click this link to read it in whole):
It’s crazy how you can go from being Joe Blow
To everybody on your d-ck, no homo
I bought my whole family whips, no Volvos
Next time I’m in church, please no photos
Police escorts
Everybody passports
This the life that everybody ask for
This a fast life
We are on a crash course
What you think I rap for
To push a f-ing Rav-4?
This song is currently ranked 5th according to Billboard.com. Focusing on gaining power, wealth, and fame, the song discusses how the singer doesn’t need to follow the rules to get ahead while objectifying women. This theme is found in many aspects of our lives these days, from advertisements to television shows to movies. Sadly, most of the music along this line has a target audience of inner-city youths, making me question if this is hurting their development while prolonging the problems faced by those living in the inner-city.
Stepping back 30 years, there was another song that had a target audience of inner-city youths, but the message was very different. The song was “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People. Most of us know this song from parties and by the silly dance associated with it, but have you ever stop to read the lyrics? Here is a sample:
Young man, are you listening to me?
I said, young man, what do you want to be?
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams.
But you got to know this one thing!No man does it all by himself.
I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf,
And just go there, to the y.m.c.a.
I’m sure they can help you today.…
Young man, are you listening to me?
I said, young man, what do you want to be?
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams.
But you got to know this one thing!No man does it all by himself.
I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf,
And just go there, to the y.m.c.a.
I’m sure they can help you today.
A song of hope. A song about seeking help. A song reminding you that there are people who care about your well-being. This song topped at #2 when it was released. How well (or poorly) do you think it would do if it were released for the first time today, especially with songs like the one above by Jay-Z?
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It is indeed a sad commentary about today's society..and this is what our kids are listening to and learning.
I was tempted to post the whole song by Jay-Z, since the theme is carried out throughout the song. However, it's a decent sample. Of course, there are some nice songs that are out right now too, but I think the example fairly reflects the type of music being targetted towards our youth.