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The Power of Protest Songs
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- Опубликовано: 14 авг 2024
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00:00 - 01:09 - Introduction
01:10 - 02:38 - Peter Seeger
02:39 - 03:59 - Billie Holiday
04:00 - 04:29 - Ohio
04:30 - 05:09 - Bruce Springsteen
5:10 - 05:49 - Rap's role in Politics
5:50 - 06:09 - This is America
6:10 - 06:44 - UK
6:45 - 08:09 - My Opinion
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I could write a song about a time machine taking me back to the America I knew as a kid.
All power to the imagination
Slogan
Paris 1968
What you do is important and has consequence. You inspire. That is a beautiful thing. Never silence your voice and be quiet. Sing out loud.
A 73-year-old Vietnam-era veteran here and all I know to say is keep doing what you're doing. Carry on Mary, carry on. This world needs your voice more than ever. Thank you.
Semper Fi Wall!
Thank you Mary. I was a doctor (GP) for 25 years, I've developed medicines for sick patients for 16 years and I've played guitar, and listened to music, all of that time. The lesson I've learned across that time is, we will all die......in a 1000 years, no-one will remember almost any of us.....the value of life is not in our job title or function, it's in living a life doing something that contributes something to help others. If music helps others (which I'd argue it does), then you're on a good path....
Absolutely right Andy. None of us are getting out of this alive. Those of us who don't do great things can at least try to leave the world a little better than we found it.
If we all progressed an inch. Mankind would move forward by eight billion inches. ( figuratively speaking ;)
Helping. Not harming. Would be a good plan with which to start each day. You've lived that :)
We all have an opininion
And the be quite honest, very few of us have an original one when it comes to this crazy world. But as musicians or actors or artists or even athletes,
We have the unique privilege and responsibility to offer refuge from the madness. In a 3 minute song or a 2 hr movie.
We get to have that break.
Unless the movie or song is just a rehash of todays news…. Then why bother?
Do You Remember? The song, The times they are a changing?
Yes! Music Does Create Change.
How About The Song. We Are The 🌎 World?
I think about Mickey Guyton, a country singer/songwriter who happens to be a young Black woman, and how she was frequently told "shut up and sing" and that no one wanted to hear her talk. So, she took the words, thoughts, and feelings and wrapped them up in not just some of her strongest songwriting and performances ever, but into songs that were so good that they, and she, could not be denied (although commercial radio tried) in this era of social media and people-driven music platforms. It's led to her exploding the typical genre dynamics and put her on stages that she never would have seen if she had just kept quiet.
Mary, you have a fanbase and platforms and the talent to deliver on your messages and not be denied. You should never keep quiet.
Mary, I am a Neuropsychollogist, a person you may refer to doing „meaningful“ things. However, what you say about musicians who spoke and speak up for change in whatever conflict or express social statements are of tremendous importance for us as a society. I love your words and your work very much. Greeting from Germany
People doing "meaningful things" are inspired by artists asking that meaningful things be done.
It does not matter what your occupation is.
What matters is the love and appreciation of music that brings us to nirvana. Peace of mind.
hahahahaha oh god...
I´ve noticed that 90% or more of the artists you mentioned are on one side politically speaking. There is not much on the other side, isn´t it? So I guess it must be really really scary to write songs against the current status quo (or machine if I may). I would like to hear a song from a big star about people eating garbage in Venezuela for a change. But I won´t hold my breath. I love your voice and, yes, in my humble opinion, politics ruin music.
We just played a wake for a very dear friend. So many friends and family came up and sang a song with us as the backing band. It was a very bonding, healing time, and live music played a big part in that. Someone sang the incredible Ewan Macoll song The Joy of Living. I learnt the David Gray cover version to play with her. It's helped contain my own grief and each time I hear it, it allows me to cry. Never underestimate the effect you have on people as musicians and songwriters!!
This reminds me of a story Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary) told me when I talked to him back in 2014...not long after Pete Seeger had passed away. During his last days in the hospital, folk friends of Pete (including Peter) stayed with him, playing songs around his hospital bed to ease him on his way. His voice is gone, but he was surrounded by good friends and music at the end.
Mixing music and politics is fine. The ONLY problem for me with it is when some musicians act like they are political and social experts, and make statements with only part of the facts, which then perpetuates the whole fake news and inaccurate facts problem the world is dealing with, which then ‘educates’ tons of young people listening to it with only partial truths.
kendrick lamar in a nutshell.
Mary, Thank you for your amazing talents. No. You should NOT keep silent. Creatives and performers need to speak out. With your skills and passion you know that this is not just about you, or any single performer. We are a part of something much larger and more powerful. When we transcend our own egos and fears we become an unstoppable force. "Let there be songs, to fill the air." Like a ripple on still water.
Meanwhile 'creatives and performers' hold no special understanding of the real world and how it works, politician, power structures, etc. And there's ample evidence of how large swaths of those industries 'talent' is compromised and shilling for progressives and leftist thoughts, ideals, and values, often under duress (financial, reputation, fame/relevance). But people should go own holding people up as models and influencers that are not more qualified in their opinions that any average Joe and far less critical of the power structures that control so many of them.
@@lescaster2179 If there is anyone who decides who does and who does not "hold any special understanding of the real world and how it works" then we do NOT have a representative democracy. Yeah. Democracy is awful. We know this. But it's better than any of the alternatives. I would vote for a representative democracy. That would be a big improvement here in the U.S.A..
Yeah, sounds good on paper to "speak out and not be silent"... especially when it's trendy and exploited by rich politicians in exchange for votes... Is it really "protesting" and "fighting the power" when it's pandering or siding WITH THE POWER. I don't believe siding with big government, big pharma, big tech censorship, wealthy hollywood elite, etc is "protesting"... it's "getting on board"... if you disagree, you get canceled, censored, silenced... This woke and mandate stuff isn't protesting, it's Virtue Signaling, gaslighting and pandering to make sure everyone knows you support the "current thing" and are keeping up the status quo...
Thank you for putting together this important video Mary! I love what you do and the direction you have taken your channel!! ❤️
I work with autistic young people in the care sector who present challenging behaviour and want to ask you to please keep your voice as loud as you can for as long as you can. Your work means something to a lot of people.
As an aging hippie, I'm reasured by young people who "get it". We weren't always able to reach our contemporaries. Some already in- broiled in the money culture that led to the inequality in income we have now, but some, didn't want to change what works for them. Disappointed in all the hate, but we can't let fear win, It only takes good people doing nothing, to let evil win.
What you do has phenomenal value Mary. Thank God for musicians and songwriters!
I don't think music, art, can change the world but it can be our guide. Songs can reinforce the connections between us, or signal a disconnect. Stevie Wonder's, Innervisions was an impressive merging of statement and popular form. The Pistols brute anger was expressive in itself. Change is gonna come? Hope so.
I don't think music, art, can change the world but it can be our guide. Songs can reinforce the connections between us, or signal a disconnect. Stevie Wonder's, Innervisions was an impressive merging of statement and popular form. The Pistols brute anger was expressive in itself. Change is gonna come? Hope so.
1964ish and before - sleepy nonsense. Everything after - a revolution. On vinyl and in the streets.
I want to thank you for introducing me to different parts and sides of music to the point that now I can listen to other artist and understand what they are speaking, (the secret language of guitarist). For example, did you ever think about or even care if someone told you that you should get fitted for your bike? That world I understood and now after following you and being introduced to other interesting personalities you had on your channel. It’s funny that I’m watching Steve Vai explain how to write a song yet thinking how grateful I am to you for getting me to the point I am enjoying Steve Vai and Rick Beato instructional videos.
I am really loving this new format with a more philosophical discussion, with excellent diction and a simple but intimate presentation. You’re amazing!
Hey Mary i haven't watched the video yet but i want to thank you for the content you put out. I find joy in hearing your music related content which is something im very passionate about which again thanks! Hope you are & anyone who is reading this is doing well :)
As an American, and a songwriter, I feel that protests songs are more important than ever! They give voices to those who may not have much presence otherwise. I think there is a certain responsibility to shine lights on injustice and oppression... but I also completely understand the trepidation of an artist with a fragile career to stir those waters. It makes me want to support you and them even more!
Bravo, Mary! As a Viet Nam War era vet, still practicing family physician, amateur Unitarian Universalist church guitarist-singer-songwriter, and almost lifelong folk music fanatic, this episode resonated on multiple levels. I'm hopeful that if enough people apply their talents and energy to improving the world, it may be livable for my grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc.
good to see sleaford mods get a shout. their performance of 'jobseeker' live on jools holland is the most visceral the show's ever had imo
Great video. Just one small thing to quibble about. Mary Vecchio was a 14 year old run away who was crashing in the Kent, Ohio and went to the campus that morning and got caught up in the protest. I was a child living in Kent at the time and my aunt and uncle were students at KSU when the events happened, so I have had to learn about the shooting and the aftermath through news reports and history classes most of my life.
I am shocked that the artists of the world have not spoken out against those responsible for the pandemic, the lockdowns, Excess deaths, Adverse reactions to the “tea”, the censorship, and the lies. Where is the anger and protest? I only have respect for Eric Clapton
You left out, million of illegals pouring thru our Southern border with illegal deadly drugs, censorship of our 1st amendment by the Socialist/liberal groups like Facebook/Twitter and others/making a mockery of marriage, "Calling it Respect for Marriage"..LOLOL..what blasphemy...artist will NOT, cause they are afraid of the backlash from Hollywood and the MS Media..they will tow the Liberal/Leftist/Woke line to be sure. I'm not shocked at all, in fact I would be shocked if some of them did!!
Don't forget Tom MacDonald.
@@lebe220 , thank you for the reminders all--I look for to seeing more names here….it is never too late….I saw Roger’s interview on Russia/UKR …wow
@@brucetowell3432 great point,. Perhaps disappointed is a better word. It would appear that we must save ourselves…..
Even if you do not speak out yourself, for whatever reason, your inspiration and educational work puts the tools to do so in the hands of those who feel the urge. Peter Seeger, Bob Dylan and The Boss probably met lots of people along their way from which they learned one or other parts of the craft. The next voice of a generation might just be working through your Fingerstyle course.
And who knows what kind of event might push you to the point of "No, I won't stay quiet. STOP THIS MADNESS!"
I love what you do. Because of you (and admittedly Neil Young's "Heart of Gold") I switched from ukulele to guitar. Keep up your work. It makes this world a better place.
Greetings from Germany.
Hello Mary Well Said, we love hearing you tell these stories, you're my go to Lady, UBA ROCK ⭐️
Mary , your knowledge of American music history and its’ relationship and influence on social evolution is `remarkable!
I spent 45 years of my life as a registered nurse. As soon as I retired I was replaced and, in a couple of years. forgotten. But I am not just a retired Nurse, I am also an artist and my paintings may live for decades, even hundreds of years. However I still receive comments such as, "Isn't doing that a bit pointless?" the last such comment from a plumber. Ummm!
As a 64 year old man I was gladdened to hear people are still out there trying to effect positive change. Between my children and grandchildren I have not heard much of any of this on top 40 radio, that is not right. To you and las musicians please keep at it. Thank you Mary.
I was in a socially active punk band in 1981/1982. We protested, we rallied, we fought the Reagan regime...and watched the fall of the Soviet Union later that decade. We reunited in 2011 and finally recorded our protest songs properly because NOTHING had changed globally. We needed to keep preaching our truth. We must NOT be quiet. We must continue to put justice in front of those who would take that freedom away.
I love your honesty Mary.
Making a political statement in song has always been a dangerous and risky thing to do because it is so powerful and can say so much in an immediate and concise way... and corrupt, authoritative power knows this and will actively work to undermine it's power. Music can and has changed the course of the world in many instances. You are brave to tackle this issue - many a musician has been ridiculed for daring to make political statements through song ... they can lose careers and even their lives over it. Humans have always turned to song as a vehicle for essential expression. It will always be so.
It's a thought provoking video. Firstly, you are brilliantly creative, and shouldn't judge your own value. Criticism kills just about everything - and there are enough critics, but please don't silence yourself. Your voice and conscience is your advantage. There is an art to simply asking questions in your songs, even if the answer is blowin' in the wind. I've done keyboards for 45+ years. and your presentations are always fresh, thoughtful, show insight, and demonstrate your brilliant musicianship. I've also spent 10 years working in an Emergency Dept. in a busy hospital during covid.
Ask the hard questions, and enough people will align. Even if they align the wrong way. Never underestimate the audience's propensity to make mistakes (hehe)..
Stay strong. You are doing well. Hang the sense of it all, and just stay busy. Your greatest opportunities will always come from leftfield.
When everyone else is doing music theory, there is a place for creativity. You have that in spades.
7:00 Even if you are right that you will scare some people off, I think that by standing up for the issues that you care about you will make the fans that agree even bigger fans and may push someone into being one of the 1000 true fans that you want.
I agree with everything you said in this video. Just some more examples:
- A doctor that arrives home, tired of a big day at the hospital, may listen to something light, funny (Coton Ouaté - Bleu Jeans Bleu in looking at you) to relax, being able to release stress and getting refreshed next morning.
- A parent that plays with her/his kid listening to children songs and feels happiness which allows she/he to better perform at work next day.
- A person that uses the act of playing a guitar as therapy sessions (me) even it's just simple tunes.
That's one side of the magic of music for me, even if the artist didn't think about changing the world with her/his music, either way it could ended up saving lives, making better parents, happier people... The music lives on its own after being released by the artist and we never know what it could do :)
What an incredibly well thought out advocation, and support, of musicians giving voice to the issues of the day.
Most of my life I have considered musicians to be overwrought in making "statements, " but Mary presents an outstanding argument that I should reevaluate my bias.
We need more measured and thoughtful voices such as Mary's in our daily discussions. Very good stuff from her!
Just saw your video with Rick Beato (Operator -what a song) and thought I'd check out your channel and this was my introduction. Wonderful topic and well covered across a wide swath of time, cultures, and genres. Thank you!
She and another fellow did a "heavy metal" version of Sultans Of Swing.
I love these videos Mary, keep up the great work,Much love from Australia... BTW I would love you to feature some more Aussie content...
No! Always Speak Your Truth!
And You Are. Keep it Up Mary !!!
I’m reading Bob Dylan’s “Chronicles” and watching “1971” on Apple TV+ and was reflecting on this subject these last days…
So thanks for bring this up in a video! 😊👏🏻
Dylan wrote the great songs but avoided any kind of protest marches or interview questions that portrayed him as "the voice of a generation".
Joan Baez however protested every chance she got.
You continue to give me hope. I am a child of the 60s and 70s. Dylan spoke to and for me. I remember the Kent State shooting and the refrain from CSN&Y's "Ohio" haunts me to this day. In 1974, my college girlfriend showed me how to play G, C, & D chords on a nylon string student guitar, and I started playing every Dylan song I could figure out (OK, it wasn't that hard with those 3 chords). My guitar playing waxed and waned as life moved on, but my skills improved, and I've accumulated several guitars along the way. I am by no means a professional musician, though. You and COVID got me playing regularly again, however, and I've made playing a daily mandate. My musical tastes have become wide ranging and eclectic, but playing acoustic guitar remains so very satisfying. I'll even belt out "Times They Are A'Changing" and "Blowin' in the Wind" every once in a while (in the privacy of my living room when my wife's not home) wishing a new anthem for social justice and change would show up on the radio. Keep being you and spread the music. (And don't stop riding, either). Anyway, thanks for all you do!
Beautifully said and so timely.
There's a nice Norwegian lad named Leo. I will not attempt to butcher his last name. He posts metal covers of popular songs. He's a very high energy young man. There are times watching his RUclips channel it is very much like actively playing with a Husky sledding dog. Much as I feel I have been actively worked over a couple of times watching his channel. I am forever in his debt for introducing me to this sweet girl. Everybody ask the question where do you see yourself in 5 years. Well in 10 years I see myself living in a fairly nice modest house. Proud of my vinyl collection. Which will include any number of Mary Spender albums.
Brilliant chat - thanks for your intelligence and clarity
"Come gather 'round people wherever you roam,and admit that the waters around you have grown "
From "The Times they are A Changin" by Bob Dylan
Started watching your channel when you showed the 1936 Epiphone with the 11-52 Martin strings. Thanks, for
bringing so much information and great performances to us. I just saw Dave Mathews say he will keep speaking up
and if some listeners don't like it, that doesn't matter.
BTW, how and where did you get that Kirt Cobain Martin?
There is seemingly no ceiling. It's perfectly evident... Mary Spender is an impressive thinker/voice (in more ways than one).
As a teenage I was drawn to songs like Born in the USA, Pink House's, The Great Leap Forward or old still What's Going On. I have always liked songs that say something about the world around the song writers. Music can entertain, heal to soul or educate about injustices or current issues.
Thank you for speaking out
Eloquently said Mary. Indeed speaking out can be a very slippery slope! Thankfully many have had the courage to do so. I value what you do highly.
I listen to music to get away from politics, not be more drawn into it. Especially these days.
Mary spot on! We need a lot more protest songs in this day and time.
Yes. J.L. was 1 of our Truth Tellers. Great Video Mary !!!
I'm a little late to comment here, but here goes.
I've recently discovered a Ukrainian artist, Margo Gontar. She's a punker, but currently she's chronicling her daily struggles with missiles being flown over her head daily. She's one of the few people with a voice to The West, but her struggle is being shared by a whole country. I'm sure when she sleeps, she worries about waking up. No one should have to live like this.
This is why protest music is so important. Go for it, Mary. The world needs your voice.
Every now and then the social narrative falls apart and stops working. We become dependent on artists to point the way forward. CEOs and polititians cant do what artists do. No social construct lasts forever. The throughline across the ages has always been art.
If you stay quiet will your life make any sense? I am an Health Professional and I also write songs... Music can save Lifes too! Keep up the good work!🤩
To all artists: Watch Ricky Gervais speak at the Golden Globes 2020.
Not really it...
I have always been drawn to the music of the songwiters you mentioned in this video. Thanks for for all you do for us with your videos. I love your music and talk videos.
Thanks Mary. I ended up here via your metal cover of Sultans of Swing. But this was like turning on Radio 4 to stumble across a history of protest - in a really good way! Thanks!
Thank you Mary for this reminder of why I started playing guitar. I attended my first protest after the Kent State shootings. I bought my first guitar in 1976. I’ve been slowing down some at 70 but you have reminded me, there is still work to be done.
Thanks Mary for your always interesting ideas. I think we all contemplate our place and importance from time to time...
I would love to hear you develop that idea about Taylor or Martin-personalitys in a coming episode!
Keep up the good work Mary!!
I'm an American in my mid/late 60's. I'm old enough to remember the Vietnam war and the protest music that was made at that time. I'm also a huge fan of Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young. David Crosby is my particular favorite. David has never been shy about saying what he thinks about politics or anything else for that matter. I always laugh when I read someone's comments after David gives a political opinion. "I like your music but I wish you would stop being so political." What? Obviously they have never actually listened and comprehended any of his music. He's been political his entire musical career. Musicians have always been linked to politics and protest. I wish we had musicians who would write more music about social issues and social justice. I guess the financial risk for taking a stand is just too great these days.
Ironically, Neil Young who wrote Ohio, is Canadian and was never in danger of being drafted, although there was a time early in his career where he was working illegally in the US and could have been deported back to Canada.
@@hughmungus1767 That and he now advocates for government censorship.
Musicians "take a stand" all the time. The real danger is standing for _actual_ truth instead of regurgitating Leftist propaganda, which is in no short supply.
@@lebe220 And to keep the free dope supply thet kept saying more and more outragous things to destory everything that was good at those times.... to replace it with the degenerate stuff we have now....
Hello Mary , Well Said The Way You tell the stories are always to the point , and yes we like what you do and the world is better with you in it, Peace & Love
Funny thing is, some of those "Protest Singers" were silenced, one way or another. Back in the '60's most, if not all of them were on a "Watchlist" created by the good 'ol F.B.I., most notable among them was Jimi Hendrix. And it seems like any time they would polarize people, something would happen to them. And really the only thing Hendrix did to polarize people was his rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" at Woodstock in 1969. He died a little over a year later in 1970. What's interesting is others like John Fogerty (also on the "list") managed to not mysteriously die. For years in Primary and Middle school we were always told that Hendrix died from a Heroin Overdose. No trace of it was found at his Autopsy, but there WAS an appreciable amount of Red Wine in his Lungs...more so than in his Stomach along with what he ate...no food was found in his Lungs though. And Jim Morrison...he spoke out (on the list too) against Vietnam, and there's this huge mystery as to how he died...Janis? Who can say, she spoke out too (#2 on the list)...
I am totally with you Mary! Let your voice be heard in word or song!
Thanks for the video. Songs can be powerful and sometimes can lead to long-term meaningful change. Most importantly though, the listeners need to take action, including voting. Unfortunately, many moved by these songs don’t vote. Many of the issues complained about in the USA today are because the complainers and young didn’t vote in as high percentage of their population as their “opponents.”
Thank you for this! Goosebumps. You're talking about some of my favorite music, and some of the artists I respect the most. ✌💖🎸🤘
so you are mentally 15?
Another well thought out and produced video. As you and many others have said, music can help unify people and bring a magnifying glass to the issues we all must deal with. Words and music breathe life into ideas and can stir us to action. Together we can move forward.
Nice video, as a Brazilian I can attest to that, it was during the military dictatorship, with full censorship, that Brazilian music really came alive more than ever, it’s funny that what they thought would destroy the political will of the people, worked the complete opposite, mpb was all about politics at a time when politics was at gun point, so if you live in the 1st world so to speak, don’t take things for granted, we worked out and organized to get our right to vote back, through Brazilian music, artists, students and teachers prevented a civil war, they took the longer path, they took the right path.
Hi Mary! Artists should always express themselves as they see fit and from their hearts. I love music, film and art for the escapism and have no interest in being socially or politically moved by it. As soon as an artist, filmmaker, actor or musician goes that route, I'm out of them and their work. That doesn't mean I don't appreciate their talents or am not sympathetic to the cause, it just means that is not what I'm looking for in entertainment or entertainers. I want to forget about those daily bits of life, even if it's for just a few bars, the chorus or the song.
Dude, although lawyers and doctors along with teachers and other public servants have their place in society, you and other artists contribute greatly to society. Everything you say in the video is so true. Also , we need beauty and the sublime in our lives. The arts transport us to higher levels of thought. Imagine a world without art or music, I can’t and I know others can’t. It’s homeostasis. Much respect to you and others like you. WE NEED MORE ARTS IN SCHOOLS!
Gordon Lightfoot is a wonderful writer. Check out "Ode to Big Blue".....powerful lyrics
The most crucial things are living in the moment and to have peace in ones own heart. Then we will live the most significant life, regardless what we are doing.
Your music is good... AND it's your spoken videos, ones like this, that keep me coming back. You're taking on all comers, and not pulling punches. This is what Bards _do_.
Thank you. We need more people like you.
Powerful delivery and content - Powerful reminder to write again
I was reminded of sitting around a campfire when I was a teenager and we were going around everyone telling a little about themselves to get to know each other, after one fellow talked for 15 minutes straight, there was an Indian Squaw who simply got up and said we are each given so many words by the Creator, each one of us has a different number of words to use during our lifetime, choose them wisely.(and yes that is a sarcastic poke)
In the Old Testament, prophet after prophet came forward to confront the nation of Israel with their failure to live up to their covenant with their God. In the present era, song writers and singers are some of the people who do the equivalent for our complacent leaders and influencers. Someone has to hold power accountable, and there's nothing like a good song to rouse people to do just that. Keep on doing what you're doing. I love your enthusiasm and willingness to keep improving your music and skills. Here's to a long and fruitful career.
You’ve made a positive impact in my life. Keep it up.
Everyone has the right to use art as a medium to try and make the world better. However, we should listen to all kinds of valid thoughts and opinions, not only those coming from people who are talented and famous. Being attractive and passionate about something does not automatically make us right about it.
Anyway, art and entertainment is anything but useless. It's what makes life bearable. Imagine going through the 2020 lockdowns without music, movies, or books.
Music (art) and politics are in one lane: Culture.
You cannot separate the two, even if some music or songs seem at face value not being political, they are taking a stance.
"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice" - Freewill, Rush.
Great video Mary as always. Interesting content. I now look forward to your videos 👍
This video is a shining example of modern narcissism.
All music has value of and by itself. It does not need social commentary and is often better without it. I admit my opinion is colored somewhat by having grown up in the sixties - I was too young for drugs so I remember pretty well - and I've had enough whiny self-absorbed folk singers to last me the rest of my life. However I also realize the importance of being true to yourself. I've always done what I wanted with music and not cared whatever anyone else thought - if they don't like it they don't have to listen. So do what you think is right; if you lose a few subscribers you won't miss them a bit.
Just by being who you are and doing what you do, puts you on a right path. The same path as all of those in your examples. It may not have the same reach, but none the less, the exact same path. Your warm being and your genuine joy for life and music, flows through every video and picture you share. Your spirit makes the world a better place.
Please keep doing what you doing, your work is refreshing and honest, and a joy to watch.
if you haven't heard "The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy - Music And Politics" you should check it out
Mary, I would just recommend you follow your own instincts. They've got you this far, so trust them to help guide you. As for staying to your lane, well you are an independent musician creating your own music, so if the style or topic wanders enjoy the journey.
Obscure and unknown songwriter of 30 yrs myself... Do it as a hobby and post on Facebook. I wonder at times whether to keep posting because I feel like they go unnoticed but there are times I get feedback from listeners on how a song impacted them. I've not really written anything from a political stance, more from personal emotional perspective, but event still your point is valid. Write what you know and what you feel and there's gonna be someone somewhere that it impacts. Enjoy your work!
As I’m sure was said already. If you write a song due to your feelings and not because you think it’ll pull in income (like the song written after the NY 9/11 tragedy) then yes, let the music express your emotions. Weather people relate the song to what you wrote it for or their own is up to them.
I am a firm believer that each and every one of us is chosen for a specific purpose in this life. Most of us will never know what that purpose is. But like each individual piece in a jigsaw puzzle, we all have to fit together to for a complete picture.
If you have a dream, follow it. If you have an ambition, then see it through. Whether you feel "called" to be a research scientist, a firefighter, a musician or a baseball player, each of us has a purpose. Do whatever feels right to you. And don't worry about how it affects the world around you. Just trust that it does affect the world around you. In ways that you will never fully understand.
Just as that puzzle piece sees nothing but the pieces adjacent to it, you will never see the full ripple effect that your work has on the world as a whole. But don't worry about that. That part isn't your job.
Music is a powerful medium even when it doesn't seem like it. You don't have to write protest songs to change the world.
A very dear friend of mine was once in a very dark place. He had decided to take his own life by slamming his car at high speed into a pillar that holds up a freeway overpass. But he was stopped by the song that was playing on the radio.
That song was James Taylor's Carolina in my Mind.
I have yet to figure out how that song has anything whatsoever to do with suicide. But it worked. And my friend is a alive today because of it.
I believe as a musician and songwriter you should go where your muse sends you. Stifle not the muse, lest they desert you.... no one wants to wake up one morning to a note from their muse saying "I've moved on... I live with Elton now".
A música sempre será uma ótima ferramenta de protesto. 🇧🇷
Mary, anything that makes us think/feel/evolve is certainly worthwhile. For music, IMO, songs that evolve us can do so by invoking small changes, marginal gains, without becoming a divisive anthem. Perhaps just a single lyric can have a long lasting impact. “His Majesty signed with his own rubber stamp.” ❤
You give fantastic examples of these types of songs, those of which definitely gained a following and got people to think.
Sadly though, I'm of the opinion these ultimately resulted in little to no change. There was probably a momentary shift in public opinion, people largely did nothing useful as they often do, those that actually ARE capable did more but still ended up facing resistance from the establishment, something else shiny came along and distracted the masses.
It's the story of history. Things have to be REALLY BAD for actual change. And unfortunately, (as much as I hate to admit it) usually things have to get violent.
Music can inspire and it can spread ideas, but can it actually create positive cultural change? I'm not completely convinced of that. What it can do is influence further art and music.
Have to respectivly disagree. The entire protest movement of the 1960's and early 70's, around the world was led and inspired by the artists of the day. They changed the world for the better. The same thing could happen today, if the kids would get off their asses, out of the basement and off their Gameboy's and do what their grand-parents did - get into the streets and stay there until things change. The womens' march the day after Trump took office told everyone that they would not be silenced. The popular musicians of today are letting the side down with their embrace of the "style at any cost" lifestyle.
@@ronhudson3730 yea like 2020 when they burned down half of some cities. good grief.
"This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man."
Make the art that you want to make and express, not the art you think other people want (or will tolerate). It's always seemed to me that the cost of not being true to yourself is always higher.
Admittedly, this is easy for me to say as someone -not- trying to support themselves through their art.
Richard Branson named a new airliner in Billy Holiday's honour.
I know that not everyone could be mentioned in the video, but an independent artist from the US called Tom MacDonald is controversial with political view. And very entertaining with it. He's not everyone's cup of tea musically, but I subscribe to his cause of putting common sense back in its place in society.
Your the personification of eloquence and your" bloody well right"-(Supertramp).. Into the DAW i forge on. Great video. Peace >>---->.
It is interesting what we appear to value. My best stab at it is that music is a glimpse at the sublime, and those who are any good at it latch onto that magic and often get rich and famous. Arguably music serves no objective need and yet you can find a Wikipedia entry for some obscure 80s band who had a minor hit. Meanwhile a scientist or engineer who made an invention for a company that benefited millions of people will go unnoticed. A cool invention might make your life easy or even save it. However music can make it more meaningful and fulfilling.
Well spoken, Mary. If you write lyrics like you present videos your songs will will be ‘up there’ with your videos, and with songs by the songwriters and singers featured in this video. Use your spark!
Beautifully insightful and honest as always. Thank you, Mary.
Dixie Chicks just did it wrong. They could have expressed it better, made their point and become loved by everyone. They just assumed because they were huge at the time that they could say whatever they wanted and get away with it because of who they were, and that arrogance bit them in the arse hard. I'm an Australian and thought that it was insensitive and stupidly phrased at the time.
Another very thoughtful and well researched piece by Mary.
Do it. All the musicians you mention are highly respected, often because they spoke out and took a side. Could you live with yourself if you sat on the fence when you know you could make a dufference?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Mary. Love your channel! It’s clear that you take your love of music seriously enough to do a lot of research and don’t just write/play/sing. This was an interesting topical video. Would love to see more like this. Perhaps a study going back even further to hymns and Psalms to show how music has been a means of worship since the beginning that transcends human conditions on Earth/societies?✌🏻🙂🎶
Perfect. People need to pay attention to these issues and if an artist can express it musically; power to them. I get folks who criticize me when I get political in a video. They say we came here for the music; stop spewing the political crap. I ignore them because one has to stand up and speak their mind when inspired. Never forget. Good job on this one showcasing these great artists to you audience ✌🏻❤️🔥