Defined as "an aesthetically pleasing or harmonious sound or combination of sounds", music is universal. From pre-infancy to our last day on Earth, it is a part of our existence. Expecting parents are encouraged to play music for their unborn babies to listen to, as sounds are able to be heard within the womb. Mothers often sing lullabies to their children to calm them, and the technique of song is commonly used when teaching youngsters simple tasks, such as cleaning up or learning the alphabet.
Throughout our lives music is used to celebrate birthdays and holidays, to praise in church, or to set the mood for a romantic occasion. Even during the saddest moments, music is present. At funerals worldwide, it is typical to hear mourners expressing their grief through sorrowful songs. From summing up the emotions felt by the masses and entertaining the lives of many, to capturing pieces of history between the lines of lyrically-rich songs, music serves many purposes.
One popular 1970’s American song centres around history. Don McLean’s 8-minute-long "American Pie", full of references to war, politics, drugs, and music legends of the 20th century, is a true piece of lyrical art. Certainly not the only creation of its kind, there are many other songs that are considered legendary and embedded in the world’s cache of popular music. Every word of Billy Joel’s "We Didn’t Start the Fire" has some historical relevance to the United States and every other nation. Incredibly well-written and fantastic teaching tools, these songs will always have meaning.
Music has been a reflection of emotions since its creation. Love, hate, joy, regret, passion and frustration have been the focal points of countless songs. There is one for every feeling a typical person has ever felt or will ever feel. Some artists use their music to spread messages of vital importance to the world. John Lennon and The Beatles, often dismissed as just drug addicts who happened to be able to produce good songs, showed they could sing about more than just yellow submarines and girls with kaleidoscope eyes, when songs like "Let it be" and "Imagine" were recorded.
Jamaica’s famous and sadly deceased Bob Marley did the same, proving he wasn’t just about entertaining his audience. Every song of his has a deep significance. Perhaps most renowned in the world is "One Love", a plea for peace and understanding, an encouraging of oneness and equality, a call to come together and love.
While strong messages are important, music has always been largely linked to the entertainment industry. Music of the instrumental variety goes hand in hand with the human voice, and dancing would not exist without a beat to move to. Music is also an integral part of the film industry. Think of your favourite movie. What makes that particular film your first choice? Is it the action? The cast? The humour? The plot? The romance? Whatever it is, it works for you. It makes you remember the movie and want to watch it again once in a while. But imagine it now without the soundtrack. The popular song that captures your attention or the frightening orchestra number that builds suspense. No production would be the same without its accompanying music.
Perhaps it can be considered as the one common language of the world. Even if we don’t understand the lyrics of a song, we can tell by its pace what emotions are being channeled. Music has been found in every civilization (both past and present) known to man. The characteristics of a culture’s music depend upon other elements of that culture such as language, climate, belief systems, and living conditions. Musical occurrences have also been discovered in basic nature. From the evening serenade of multiple tree frogs to the high-pitched call of a cicada, rhythm, harmony, and melody can be found. The abundance of music proves its ability to withstand the test of time.
Fundraisers and charity events often use music as their method of drawing in supporters. Take the Live Aid concert for example. Mega music-stars got together to put on unforgettable performances to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia on July 13th, 1985. A more recent charitable event you may have heard of is the American Idol Gives Back Foundation, where the singing talent show raises awareness and funds for various causes through music. With the eclectic line-up for this year’s Jazz Festival, there is no doubt that St Lucia will be further exposed to the unmatched power of music.
Although musical tastes vary around the world, whether between individuals, age groups, or countries, we do all have one thing in common: We like it. Some of us turn to music for fun, some for comfort. Some as a distraction, some for a focus. The rhythms beat with culture, the melodies drip with emotion, the words resonate with history. While types of music may filter in and out of popularity, music itself will never go out of style.