Bang Bang: Lyrics vs. Tone

I am SO glad that we talked about music today in my media class.  I started writing this blog yesterday after posting my "Trending Now" blog, because it just hit home for me for some reason.  Hope you enjoy this one - brace yourself!

I was driving through campus yesterday evening, and as I was doing so, I heard - blaring from a car passing by - "Bang Bang" by Jessie J, with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj.  Have you heard it before?  Here is my advice about the song:

DO NOT LISTEN!!!

I work full-time for the EFY Programs, and one of my many tasks is to help compile music for the dances.  This is an extensive process, and more so than you may think or want to believe.  Here is a list of only some of the criteria we use:

• No swear words (including references to "god," "God," "Jesus," etc.)
• No hidden messages or innuendos
• What other music has the artist produced (are they overall a "good" role model)
• What does the music video portray
• LYRICS!

Now, this may seem a strenuous task, and it is, but at least I know what I am listening to - can you say that about your music?  Let me use some examples from "Bang Bang" to prove a point:

• "We dipping in the pot of blue foam..."
• This has two meanings: (1) marijuana and (2) satanic spells
• "Bang bang..."
• Reference to having sex - a lot of it and roughly
• "Kitten so good it's dripping on wood..."
• Simply put, kitten=female private parts and wood=male private parts
• "Got a body like an hourglass, but I can give it to you all the time..."
• Would you want your daughter described that way?  Or being that explicit with her intentions?

I could keep going, but I need to stop there.  The point is - this song is all about sex.  And sex in a completely S&M, hard core, sort of way.  Did you know that?  Do you sing along to it?  I do when it is on.  The lyrics and the beat get stuck in your head; it is catchy and addicting - in a totally inappropriate way of course.

The following question was posed in class today: "Do lyrics or tone have more of an influence on behaviors?"  I would say 98% of the class said tone, but in actuality, data shows us that lyrics have a stronger effect!  Content really does matter, even in the music we listen to.

As a lover of music myself, I know how tricky it can be to find music that is both catchy and appropriate; most of the time you can find one without the other.  But don't lose hope!

Let me share with you some of my favorite songs, and songs that have been approved for use at the EFY dances.  Can you tell a difference in these and songs like "Bang Bang?"

• Best Day of My Life - American Authors
• Hey, Brother - Avicii
• Now You're Gone - Basshunter
• Sin Ti (Don't Wanna Miss A Thing) - Dyland y Lenny ft. Pitbull
• We'll Be Coming Back - Calvin Harris
• Haven't Met Yo Yet - Michael Buble
• Mirrors - Justin Timberlake
• Happy - Pharrell Williams

That is just a small portion, but a pretty solid list of songs that are appropriate AND catchy.  Do you know the lyrics that are in your favorite songs?  Do you understand the meanings that are sometimes hidden in them?  Take some time to evaluate your playlists; I know I will, and that I do, on a regular basis.

Let me end here, because I know that I could just chat about this topic all day (and that there will be more blogs about specific "popular" songs).  To leave on a more positive note, here is one of my favorite, danceable, happy, clean tunes for you.  Feel free to bask in all the positive mojo vibes, of course!  :)