Music Discussions

These appear to be updates for two weeks at a time. However, I guess that keeps you guys in suspense on the off weeks, and gives you more to read on the post weeks. 🙂

Why are there so many songs with non-obvious meanings. Specifically, I am referring to songs that clearly have a meaning important to the lyricist, composer, vocalist, etc. but where the lyrics are so abstract – either due to being too metaphorical or too personal – to make sense to the listener. I do understand art for art’s sake; but if it is evident that the musician has an important message to tell, he or she should ensure that it gets across.

I heard a story on NPR recently about it being difficult to enroll children in violin lessons unless the parent knows the teacher. This contradicts my personal experience in which the orchestra teachers in my school disctrict each brough in a different instrument (violin, viola, cello, and bass) and played a piece solo so that we could hear the different sounds. At the end of this performance, information was passed around for us to take home to our parents. I can assure you, there was not a long line when I signed up for violin lessons. I have been told that other school systems are different, but a blanket statement implying that it is difficult to enroll is unfair.

Why do so many famous musicians struggle with drug addiction? Is it that drugs are just more prevalent in their circles? Is is that the stress of constantly being on the road and pressure to come up with new hits and perform perfectly each time they are on stage is just too much? Is it that they have addictive personalities (i.e. addicted to attention, drugs, etc.)? What do you think? Have their been any studies?

So, while listening to N.W.A. the other day, I was wondering if some of the lyrics to their songs were inspired by conversations. For instance:

Dr. Dre <calling Ice Cube>: Hey Ice, you down for a jack move?

Ice Cube: Naw man, just wanna chill in front of the TV right now.

Dr. Dre: That's cool, check ya later.

Ice Cube: Hey, but call me after lunch. There's no telling when I might be down for a jack move.

I mean, he does explicitly state that it is difficult to tell when he may or may not be up for it. So you should probably check back often. In fact, the more you bug him about it, the liklier he’ll probably be up for it.