Profanity In Music Lyrics

Profanity In Music Lyrics

 

Is it completely necessary to use profanity in lyrical content? Do you listen to the lyrics of a song? What do the words of a song mean to you? Are you affected? Isn’t that the point?

 

Lyrics in songs tell the story. A typical song’s format is like that of a poem – ABABCABB. It starts with an opening introduction for the listener to understand how this situation came into being (verse). Then it progresses towards the core part of what the story is about (pre-chorus and chorus) and then returns to more information about this situation – verse 2 (reconfirming why this decision has been reached). The conclusion then is reinforced a little more (chorus 2) thereafter with a twist in the story (bridge or middle eight) and then it goes back to the conclusion and drums this part of the story into the listener’s head over and over (repeat of chorus and outro chorus).

 

The music works hand-in-hand with the lyrics of the song to further substantiate the story through genre, dynamics, tempo, melody and harmony. Depending on the type of genre establishes the tone or feeling of the song. In hip-hop, rock, pop, alternative, punk, funk, soul and RnB genres the lyrics help to express precisely what is going on or going down. These genres are carefree, they say what they want without worry about anyone, any culture, any religion – they do not have boundaries.

 

Music is an expressive art form, music reaches masses globally and music says what the normal day-to-day person does not or cannot. Lyrics with profanity does not meaning swearing it also means singing out about topics the President, Pope and your boss would not appreciate – it is a form of rebellion to speak out against people in power making the wrong decisions.

 

Children are exploited to more and more types of music and they can easily access anything they like. Unfortunately, children are more vulnerable to rape, child abuse, drugs, alcohol, smoking and sex because of today’s fast advancing world. The music can save them from, can help them – so instead of preventative measures, show your children what’s right and wrong and see the positive messages that these songs emit. For instance a child that lives in a bad area will see theft, substance taking and abuse, whereas a child surrounded by money will be protected from this. Show your children the difference without prejudice. The poor child needs the music to relate to, to release them from their situation (hopefully one day forever) and the rich kid needs to hear the music from where this child comes from to understand he’s not as lucky as him (but maybe he can help by being a friend).

 

Famous lead male or female singers and bands that have courage to discuss songs of domestic violence (Love The Way You Lie – Rihanna/Eminem), standing up for your rights (Hit ‘Em Up – 2Pac), war (Imagine – John Lennon), carefree fun (Raise Your Glass – Pink), sex (I Wanna Sex You Up – Color Me Badd) and racism (Changes – Tupac). Everyday people suffering from all types of abuse and segregation find comfort in this music, because it says it how it is and what they are feeling. Sometimes people are not brave enough to leave the situation they are in and music becomes their outlet to deal with the pain they are going through. The hope is that one day the music will move them so much that it will encourage them to have the strength to change their life and move to greener and safer pastures.

 

More and more songwriters are less fearful of addressing these issues to help bullied teenagers, divorcees, abused women, those in poverty, and suppressed and tortured cultures. Profanity may be profound and sometimes music jobs inappropriate, but the real life stories are the really disturbing ones. These songs have strength to support those in need. So set these songs free and let them say what they need to say to bring the wrong people down instead.

 

Author Bio:  Jenni is a person with a passion for writing. She has written many articles on various topics , for more information you can check her other blogs.

 

Profanity In Music Lyrics