By Nicole C. richardsonWe all love to listen to many genres of music. We like to nod our heads to the beat, dance, and even sing-a-long to the songs by our favorite artist. Whether it is country, alternative, salsa, gospel, rock or R&B, it is the universal language that connects people all around the world. However, when you take away the beats, the melody and the singer’s theatrics, the song is then reduced to its naked truth: the lyrics. Music sounds good, but what is it really saying? I’d like to take a moment to reflect back on my childhood years when I was listening to artists like Immature, Aaliyah, and T.L.C among other musically gifted people. At that time, the group Immature was singing about puppy love and little things that teenagers experience like their first kiss, but eventually I had ventured out to some real adult-like lyrical entertainment. I remember I would put my headphones on and start singing about the “Red Light Special.” Now whatever this so called “red light special” included, (I would let those who are familiar with the song draw their own conclusions about its meaning), I knew nothing about. Yet and still, I was singing along not truly understanding its content. | To understand the importance of music, we first must understand why it was created. God created music for many purposes such as for praise (psalms 150), healing and relaxation (1 Samuel 16:23), and even to express love (Song of Solomon). So, if God created music then what is the harm in enjoying it? Music has a way of affecting us emotionally hence the reason why we listen to it when we are happy, depressed, angry, or in love. However, when we begin to play some of these songs and sing the words, the content should be taken into consideration. For example, the song “Shut it Down” by Drake starts off by admiring his love interest, but by the end of the song, he begins to promote premarital sex by telling his date that they shouldn’t wait because what they are about to do is worth it. Messages like this occur in music all the time. The lyrics are not always about sex, some are about drinking and clubbing, gratification of money, using drugs, violence and getting revenge. I’m certain that God had not intended music to be represented in an immoral way. Consider Philippians 4:8: Finally, brothers whatever is true, what is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. If music does not meet these standards, best chances are | you probably shouldn’t be listening to it. There is nothing wrong with listening to music and enjoying songs that uplift, motivate, and inspire you. There may even be some secular songs that you enjoy like “Win” by Brian McKnight, “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, or “Today my Life Begins” by Bruno Mars. Obviously, these songs are not Christian based songs, but in my opinion, it fits the criteria of Philippians 4:8. With that said when it comes to music, safeguard your mind and take yourself away from its rhythmical charm. Pay attention to the words and how it makes you feel, but more importantly, before you download the latest popular song from your favorite artist on ITunes, ask yourself, “What is it really saying? Nicole C. Richardson is a copy editor and writer for Envisage Productions. She is also a poet, creative writer and a film maker. You can reach Nicole @ [email protected] |