music question

[Dan]

So, in the General USA Chat, most people agreed that actors and other famous people shouldn't be all over the news saying what they think of Bush, the war, etc.

Here's my question: I'm listening to Bruce Springsteen's "American Skin (41 Shots)" right now, and I got to thinking: do you guys agree with musicians making political statements in their songs? For those who don't know, "41 Shots" is about the guy in NYC who was shot 41 times when he pulled out his wallet. It's a really great song, and a lot of songs I like make a political statement. Thing is, songwriters' jobs are to write about their feelings, and if that's what they feel they need to express, I think they should be able to.

Just a few of my favorite politically charged songs:

Rage Against the Machine - Freedom
Springteen - 41 Shots, Born in the USA, Ghost of Tom Joad
Dead Kennedys - Kill the Poor
U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday

 

[5stringJeff]

I think it's just fine for musicians to sing about politics. Bob Marley sang about Jamacian (and world) politics all the time - it's part of what made him so famous.

 

[jimnyc]

I have no problem as them using as a part of their entertainment. It's when they cross over to the political arena in their interviews and press conferences that I have a problem.

I also enjoy Springsteen's songs. And Bob Marley is a favorite of mine. I admit I haven't listened to him in a long while, but his music always amazed me and his messages always left you thinking.

 

[Moi]

Originally posted by Dan
So, in the General USA Chat, most people agreed that actors and other famous people shouldn't be all over the news saying what they think of Bush, the war, etc.

Here's my question: I'm listening to Bruce Springsteen's "American Skin (41 Shots)" right now, and I got to thinking: do you guys agree with musicians making political statements in their songs? For those who don't know, "41 Shots" is about the guy in NYC who was shot 41 times when he pulled out his wallet. It's a really great song, and a lot of songs I like make a political statement. Thing is, songwriters' jobs are to write about their feelings, and if that's what they feel they need to express, I think they should be able to.

Just a few of my favorite politically charged songs:

Rage Against the Machine - Freedom
Springteen - 41 Shots, Born in the USA, Ghost of Tom Joad
Dead Kennedys - Kill the Poor
U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday

I doh't have a problem with entertainers either speaking their mind or writing songs with political content. However, they should understand when people reciprocate by voicing their own opinion on the entertainer's views and not supporting those they don't believe in by not buying their records, tickets to movies, etc.

 

[Joan]

I do believe one of the reasons Springsteen wasn't asked to perform in the Garden's 9/11 tribute was thanks to "41 guns". I would also say that I would never listen to a Dixie Chicks recording again!

 

[Dan]

I do believe one of the reasons Springsteen wasn't asked to perform in the Garden's 9/11 tribute was thanks to "41 guns".

Yeah, the NYPD refused to give him a police escort the last time he played the Garden, too.

And, Jeff, yeah, I forgot about Bob Marley, I don't know a lot about his political affiliations, but from what I've heard of his music, I like it.

Speaking of the Dixie Chicks, I have a question. Would everyone have been less angry if they had said what they said in a song rather than in an interview?

 

[Moi]

Originally posted by Dan
Yeah, the NYPD refused to give him a police escort the last time he played the Garden, too.

And, Jeff, yeah, I forgot about Bob Marley, I don't know a lot about his political affiliations, but from what I've heard of his music, I like it.

Speaking of the Dixie Chicks, I have a question. Would everyone have been less angry if they had said what they said in a song rather than in an interview?

The police gave him an escort the night before he sang the song but not the night he did. They also gave him one night later when he didn't sing it again. Shows you the power of the people, now doesn't it.

 

[Dan]

I think The Dixie Chicks suck for that reason, as well as Pearl Jam!!

My problem with Pearl Jam is that friggin' EVERYTHING has become political with them. Eddie Vedder was always a self-obsessed ass, but he's taken it to new levels lately.

 

[5stringJeff]

Originally posted by Dan
Yeah, the NYPD refused to give him a police escort the last time he played the Garden, too.

And, Jeff, yeah, I forgot about Bob Marley, I don't know a lot about his political affiliations, but from what I've heard of his music, I like it.

Speaking of the Dixie Chicks, I have a question. Would everyone have been less angry if they had said what they said in a song rather than in an interview?

Marley showed a lot of anger towards both political parties in Jamaica. He, along with most other Rastas, felt that "politricks" were the cause of so much poverty in their country, and around the world.

As far as the Dixie Chicks... yeah, I would have had a little more respect if they had put their contempt of Bush on a CD. At least then they would be up front with everyone about it. As it was, there's a good chance that no one would have spoken up about what they said about Bush, and no one would have ever known!

 

[lilcountriegal]

As far as the Dixie Chicks are concerned.... I'm like Joan, I still refuse to listen to them (and I think they're at it again.... I'll have to look it up, but I think I heard they're spouting off at the mouth again).

The dumbass blonde thing they pulled, was not only did they disrespect GWB, but they took it one step further and pulled the entire state of Texas in. THAT is what snowballed their problem (IMO). Bush is right.... you dont mess with Texas.

 

[MtnBiker]

Are the Dixie Chicks changing their music genre? Seems I heard they were going pop-rock. I remember when K.D. Lang alienated her original country fans, but I can't recall what it is she is doing lately.

 

[Jackass]

I dont have a problem with any musician or actor speaking their minds on politics in the correct forum. But when you get up at the Grammys like that friggin idiot did...thats when I have a problem with it. There are times to discuss it and times not to. Hogging time at an award show is definatley not the time to do it.

 

[Sandy73]

AMEN !!