Livin’ On A Prayer by Bon Jovi is arguably one of the most popular rock song of all times. Released 1986 as a part of the Album Slippery when Wet, the song embodies the heart and soul of the 1980’s through the love of two fictional characters Tommy and Gina, as they struggle to survive in the bleak environment of economic hardship in the early part of the decade. Upon release Livin’ On a Prayer was most popular among the late “Baby Boomer” and early “Generation X” generations. It was these two generations that kicked the track on its way to fame. As young children the generations experienced the tail end of the wealth and economic boom that followed WWII, as well as the rising counter culture of the 1960’s and 1970’s Counter Culture …show more content…
A low prolonged note rings out, setting the stage of an austere environment in which the two characters Tommy and Gina's love must somehow endure. The lyrics begin, simulating the economic depression of the early 1980’s, “He's down on his luck, it's tough, so tough, Gina works the diner all day working for her man, She brings home her pay, for love, for love”(Jovi). The hard working young couple struggled to survive monetarily. In 1986, at the time of the songs release the listener could reflect back and relate to Tommy and Gina’s strife. The song moves on, the keyboard begins to chime in a brighter key. The young couple sees hope in the future. “We've got each other and that's a lot for love, We'll give it a shot” (Jovi). The verse symbolizes the belief the American people had that things will get better and that the new President, Ronald Regan would come through on his promise to "begin an era of national renewal" (Regan). The song then took a downward turn. The positive notes drop into a feeling of sweet melancholy. In spite of hope for the future the people feel there is still uncertainty because of the looming Soviet Threat. Then suddenly; “Woah, we're half way there, Woah, livin' on a prayer, Take my hand, we'll make it I swear, Woah, livin' on a prayer” (Jovi). The chorus blasts out, symbolizing that while the future of the United States was uncertain at the midpoint of the 1980’s the only
Key describes the end of the bombardment of the fort and still flying above the fort is the flag of the United States. Key gloats in the British loss in the third stanza. He ask where are the British who were determined to destroy our country. The fourth and final stanza is a statement of America’s value and hopes for the
The Temptations’ 1970 hit “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World is Today)” bravely sheds light on the political and social issues plaguing the world during the 1960’s. Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, this song deviates from Motown’s usual clean and charismatic approach and serves as a prelude for songs like Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” Through the use of shrewd lyrics, psychedelic instrumentals, and intimidating vocals “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World is Today)” serves its purpose in making a statement against the tumultuous world America created.
In the first stanza we are captivated by hope, because it “dangles on a string” before us, not quite in our grasp, because even though we are aware of it, we do not fully have a handle on what it means to be hopeful (1). This is then said to be like “slow-spinning redemption” (2). Again, this is because we do not fully appreciate redemption. We can see it before us, in many different lights, hence spinning, but we do not really understand what makes redemption what it is. Because we do not comprehend the concepts of hope and redemption they “rope us in” and “mesmerize” us (5, 6). We spend a lot of time in our youth...
The album begins with the hard-rocker “Come Together”. The song is a perfect example of John Lennon’s rock influence in the Beatles. “Come Together” is a song that’s popularity has been revived due to its appearances in many commercials. Its trademark chorus, “Come together right now over me”, is known just about everywhere. Ringo’s heavy drums and John’s deep poetic lyrics drive the song, while Paul’s voice and George’s sharp guitar contribute to the body of this song. John Lennon was well known for his creative lyrics. His mind provided lyrics for such insightful songs such as “Across the Universe” and “A Day in the Life”.
Music is regarded as a method of passing a message. Though some songs do not intend to do that, the message in them is still perceived. The song, “Get up, ...
As he belts out what seem to be rhythmic, artless words, a look deeper shows the complexity behind it all. These melodic lyrics contain confrontational messages while creating an unforgettable anthem for the teenage population. Exhilaration runs through the veins of the lyrics sung by Townshend, creating a feeling of excitement. It encourages listeners to cave in to their urge to jump up and down along with the beat of the music, in only a way rock ‘n’ roll music can. The higher-pitched vocals that sing Talkin’ bout my generation give listeners a break from the commanding voice of Townshend.
To start the concert, the band played a couple tracks from their first album, “Here in America”. The first was the title track, “Here in America”. This song followed an American popular song thirty-two b...
Bruce Springsteen’s seventh studio album “Born in the U.S.A.” ignited an inferno in the red, white, and blue hearts of every American upon its release in 1984. However, it can be argued that "Born in the USA" can be classified as one of the most misinterpreted songs of all time. In essence, it represented two opposing songs: what the fans heard and understood, and what the true meaning of Springsteen's message was. Released right before the opening ceremony of the Los Angeles Summer Olympics, and in the midst of a Ronald Regan era of patriotism, the record became an instant hit on American radio. However, it was the title track that managed to harness the nationalistic mood of the time with its notorious patriotic chorus and Springsteen’s authentic American image. The album cover, replete with a blue jean clad Springsteen propped against an American flag backdrop, became a symbol for most Americans and many listeners considered Springsteen, with his raw, raspy voice, the iconic representation of working class America. Ronald Reagan himself, during a speech in Springsteen’s hometown, stated: “America's future rests in a thousand dreams inside your hearts; it rests in the message of hope in songs so many young Americans admire: New Jersey's own Bruce Springsteen” (Werner, 1998, 246). Much to the dismay of Springsteen, many listeners, including President Reagan, failed to grasp the true meaning of the song.
Because the war was so unpopular back in the United States, the returning veterans faced many challenges on their return home. What should have been a celebrated homecoming became a nightmare for many veterans. In addition to any injuries or lasting effects of the war, their needs were largely ignored by the nation. This plight of the Vietnam veteran is the subject of Bruce Springsteen’s popular song “Born in the U.S.A.” The song is the lead track on his 1984 album of the same name and was a huge hit for Springsteen. Personally Springsteen considers it one of his greatest songs, but he is disappointed that its message was never fully understood. Coming in at a length of 4 minutes and 44 seconds, the song “Born in the U.S.A.” is exactly twice as long as “Fortunate Son.” However the impact is not twice as great. Springsteen’s message and cause is noble and needs to be heard. He sees that Americans have collectively turned their backs on the very men who risk their lives to protect their freedom. But the songs simple chorus anthem is often misunderstood by those who hear the song. Like Fogerty, Springsteen sings with more passion than classic technique. He shouts and screams above the crackling drum driven beat of the song as he tells the story of a poor boy fighting a rich man’s war. This theme is very similar to “Fortunate Son” and in fact a person could see this man as the same character in
“Waiting on the world to change” is a great changing song. The song “Waiting On The World To Change” By John Mayer is talking about waiting on the world to change. He sings about there needs to be many different changes in the world to make it a better place. John is waiting for the world to be less negative.
Political issues such as the war on terrorism is evoked as an issue throughout the song. American was divided “All across the alien nation” when troops were sent to Iraq to search for weapons of mass destruction. Metaphorical language was used to explore the issue. Audience positioning from techniques indorse concerns with a country divided and positions them to feel the need to cooperate and sort things out other than civil unrest and debate.
Rytell, David. “Music Worthy of a Riot.” David Rytell’s Home Page. 1989. Web. 17 September 2011.
“But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings. That there will be a place with no more suffering.” These are lyrics from a song by Jeremy Camp and describe the story of the Joad family in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and Kumalo and his tribe in Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton. Throughout the novels, the characters are faced with many difficult situations. They rely on their hopes to get them through. Like the lyrics say, they hold on to hope that there will come a time of no more suffering. A sense of hope in difficult times gives people the strength and courage to keep going.
Perhaps the most formative years for rock and roll were from 1945 to 1964. It is evident that the social climate of the time period shaped music. However, the music also shaped the social climate. The musical meaning of the songs of the era is vital to an understanding of the social implications of the music. On a primitive level, the lyrics of a song give some insight into its musical meaning. Often, however, the lyrics paint an incomplete picture of a song’s true social significance. By studying other factors, such as the instruments, the melody, and the artists themselves, one can gain much more insight into a song’s musical meaning. Through this analysis, common themes of sex, drugs, and race relations are usually found.