Posted in: Musicouching by 1 Random S3nior on December 2nd, 2007 | 0 Comments
How history affects the music of the time.
In any iota of history, as beneficial as the Peace Corps or as destructive as the Vietnam Conflict, there is always music that emphasizes the events of that decade. Songs such as “Fortunate Son” advocated an end to the war and to bring the troops home. Various other melodies and lyrics discussed relaxation and emphasized the sanguine humor, possibly providing sanctuary to overworked and underpaid individuals. Historical themes can be found in the music that was created during a certain event’s time.
The corrido severely reflect times of hardship that the Mexican people had to endure at the time. An interview of a selected individual also showed some rather interesting link between the corrido and the music the person listened to. To some, it was a grim reminder of what happened during that time, and people continued to listen or refrain from such in order to remember or forget, respectively.
People outside that decade also listened to the music in order to understand better what was going on out there, and helped listeners comprehend the events going on in the music.
The corrido was mainly used as the mass media during the time. It had existed during the Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821) and some of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1921). It has been replaced by the news media, with the television and radio, but it still has been able to be found as a voice to the public for political activists and satirists.
These opuses were utilized by such people focused towards the literate and illiterate, mainly so that all could hear about what has happened to leaders and nationals. This was one of the many trends that had occurred, because the Mexican population was undergoing through some troubling times, and this was the best method of conveying information.
Current hits and music listened during the adolescence of individuals work the same way.
How does music listened during the adolescence of an individual work similarly to the Mexican corrido? Music during that time created a very strong trend among individuals. Music during the Vietnam Conflict had helped encourage sympathy for peace talks and an end to the war. Music during the 80s and 90s (according to the interview) had asked to have fun, through parties and sex. They had tried to keep people from seeing the troubles around them. Sure, they were there, but people had tried to relieve their stress through music.
Some of the music made references to the news and politics. People listened to the music via radios and television, and at school, a center of information for more than just what was found in the textbooks and the pedagogues during their times. Some people listen to it to remember when they had lesser responsibilities and independence. Music has also set certain trends. Bands such as My Chemical Romance and Hawthorne Heights brought upon the current (yet controversial) emo population (when girls and guys don tight pants and shirts, exhibits symptoms of depression, and perform acts of self-harm). To return to relevance, lyrics have produced an effect upon the public in terms of thought and reasoning.
Music in history played a very important role. It has set the place in history as a catalyst for various causes. Without this important tool, certain philosophies and schools of thought would not have been brought about. People need to understand that in order for certain ideas to be concurred by populations, it needs to be delivered in a certain way that is appealing to them. The corrido had been popular during its time because society had agreed upon the lyrics of the time. Current hits had provided the same effect.
It is not difficult to observe such things happening upon society. It is not surprising that some people disapprove of such lyrics in music, because it does have an effect on the psychology of individuals, especially those of the younger generations.
