10 songs with deeper messages
Popular tracks that reflect some values of the 20th-century generation through messages in lyrics and rhythm
November 21, 2017
Music has served as one the most influential forms of human expression for as long as we all can remember. Elevators, cars, grocery stores, restaurants, or nearly anywhere imaginable, we hear the words of our favorite artists and are bound to sing along. Even though many songs may be “ear candy” or an exciting beat to dance along to, several tracks have a much greater significance. Almost every song that people listen and dance to holds a message, one that reflects the mood, desires, and views which embody the artist and their fans.
“Human” by Rag’n’Bone Man
This popular hit conveys the message that every person makes mistakes, and that they cannot prevent doing that, no matter how much they wish they could. Rag’n’Bone Man states this fact as he sings, “I make mistakes.” The song is also saying that people should not blame others for their own problems, and that people should not believe others will be able to fix their own personal troubles. The artist reveals these beliefs as he pleads, “Don’t put the blame on me.”
“Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay
This pop beat tells of a desire for a love filled with deep tenderness. The singers express this desire as they sing, “Somebody I can kiss…” In addition, this song reflects the desire of many to have a sweet and fun romance with a special someone in the future. The singers expresses their desire for romance when they say, “I want something just like this.”
“Believer” by Imagine Dragons
This heavy metal song is advising people to take control because their lives belong to only them and no one else, proclaiming, “I’m the one at the sail, I’m the master of my sea.” This track is also presenting the message that people should continue to be resilient through difficult emotional times, and that many people can end up gaining more strength and freedom from experiences of heartache or pain. The artist gives these messages when he declares, “All the hate that you’ve heard has turned your spirit to a dove.”
“Mi Gente” by J Balvin
This vibrating Spanish single speaks of simply living life and having fun for as long as one can. Balvin shows his beliefs when he sings, “La fiesta no para, apenas comienza (the party doesn’t stop, it’s just the beginning).” This Spanish track expresses the desire of almost every teenager to just have fun the way they wish, freely and wildly, especially when Balvin sings, “Los tengo bailando, rompiendo y yo sigo aquí (my people don’t stop, no one wants to leave here).”
“Sign of The Times” by Harry Styles
This soft and smooth melody is saying that people should enjoy their lives as much as they can, away from any fears or worries. Styles conveys this message as he croons, “Have the time of your life.”
“Love Galore” by SZA ft. Travi$ Scott
This upbeat summer anthem speaks the truth about love and loss to many young people. Female R&B artist, SZA, talks about what it feels like to get played and have strong emotions for someone who doesn’t reciprocate them. She sets the tone of the song by asking, “Why you bother me when you know you don’t want me? Why you bother me when you know you got a woman?” which
is something young girls often ask themselves. In another line, “Should’ve never gave you my number, I did it with you. Should’ve never let you hit it, I split it with you,” SZA expresses feelings of regret when you give yourself to someone who ends up doing you wrong, which is upsettingly common in today’s society.
“Rockstar” by Post Malone and 21 Savage
Two of today’s most popular rappers recently released a song that has everybody singing. However, the lyrics in the song differ significantly from the reality most of us live in. Post Malone starts off with his hook, “Ayy, I’ve been….poppin’ pillies man, I feel just like a rockstar.” While the chorus is concerningly catchy, it also -believe it or not- degrades women and promotes drug use. It’s very common in rap to insult women and glamorize illegal activity, but because of the headbanging beat, teens chant these words with no hesitation. Being a “rockstar” is essentially partaking in the activities Malone and 21 Savage rap about in this song.
“Redbone” by Childish Gambino
“Redbone” by rapper and comedian Childish Gambino is the face of a popular Twitter meme and also a step out of the box
from past music he has created. The high pitched voices pared with the psychedelic sound of the song work together to create a message of feeling worried about losing someone you love. Gambino sings, “I wake up feeling like you won’t play right. I used to know, but now that…don’t feel right.” Anyone who has ever noticed a change in the way one acts towards you knows how much it can hurt to lose a piece of themselves as well. Other than the song sounding good to the ears, the underlying message is loyalty is necessary is for one’s sanity.
“1-800-273-8255” by Logic
Maryland rapper, Logic, is known for being a very deep and lyrical rapper who puts a lot of thought into the lines of the songs he makes. The uncommon telephone number title of Logic’s song off of his newest album, Everybody, is actually a suicide hotline number, which very well suits the message of this song. The chorus goes, “I don’t wanna be alive. I don’t wanna be alive. I just wanna die today. I just wanna die. I don’t wanna be alive. I don’t wanna be alive. I just wanna die.” These depressing lyrics make it sound like Logic is considering committing suicide. But in actuality, it is the opposite. It isn’t he who is completely suicidal right now, but rather a remembrance of those who have chosen suicide or those who struggle each day with the choice to go on.
“Young Dumb & Broke” by Khalid
“Young Dumb & Broke” by teenage Texas rapper Khalid is a high school student’s anthem. It’s a song to bump in the car while driving with friends or something to play if you want to feel relatable. Following the upbeat and happy chorus, verse two goes, “What’s fun about commitment? When we have our life to live. Yeah, we’re just young dumb and broke. But we still got life to live.” Essentially Khalid is saying that focusing on relationships and putting our whole lives into them while we are still so young isn’t worth the mental stress they can cause.
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