Day 5

 

Prompt: She was a redheaded woman.

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The music of today is sad. Really sad. I can't believe that the music of my day has become what is on the radio now. And it's not about sex. Sex has been in music since the days of Elvis. No, what is on the airwaves (or streaming services) is quite pathetic. 

Elvis started it all with his bold sensuality that he probably didn't realize at first he had. But, as the time was right (and ripe), he tapped into something that made women go crazy. From there, it was a straight path through the ages. But here's the thing: sex was taboo for the longest time, so the music had to be subtle in how they included references to the dirty deed. The thing is ... it was there. And as music found ways to 'dance' around this, so did the music become fun and energetic, too. 

Today - there is no subtly. It's blatant and disgusting. I can't see how people can enjoy rap with the vulgar violence and sex, pain and anger. Words like: Bang-bang into the room (I know you want it) Bang-bang all over you (I'll let you have it) / Just wait a minute, let me take you there (ah) /And wait a minute 'til you (ah, hey!). This is what is popular now? Oh man ... where is the fantastic music of days gone by? 

Then - Bruce Springsteen... heartland rock music, combining mainstream rock with poetic and socially conscious lyrics that feature narratives concerning working-class American life ... or Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Journey, Van Halen, Sting, Def Leppard ... and into the party music of KISS, who said it doesn't matter what you look like, but to rock'n roll all night and party every day.  What's happened? 

This prompt made me think of music because of a song by Bruce Springsteen, called "Redheaded Woman". What a wonderful song! As I said, yes - there's sex in it. But, it's solid, well-written music, for a fun time. You can't sit still when you listen to it, you feel good when you do. How would you explain - there's sex in the song but it's not sexy or provocative - it's fun, it's vibrant, it's unifying and full of joy. There are references to hard times, to struggle, to perseverance ... but there's little to no vulgarity in it. 

Music has changed, and I have to say I am grateful I grew up in days of good music - solid music with good messages and strong anthems for the everyman. Music unified people when I was growing up, it celebrated the everyman, the human struggle, beauty in the midst of difficulty. It spoke against world problems (music of the 60s and 70s), it got the feet tapping (music of the 80s), it allowed us to enter into times of struggle and know we weren't alone (the 90s) ... and from there, something began to happen. I don't know. I wish there were still groups like those of my time. 

Sometimes I will still come across a group that reminds me of those days, but there aren't many. It's like a piano or guitar riff, slowly fading into the distance. And, soon, it will fade to silence. 

This is not to say that everything was honky-dory and peachy-keen in my day. No, they weren't. There were many problems from drugs to alcohol to destructive life choices. But the music of my day mostly made all the shit that was life manageable. Now, it seems that the music of today only adds to the shit of life. The world we are living in, we have created.