Songs used by Politicians

20:08 |

Music can be used in a variety of ways, not just one. Music can be used for entertainment, religion, boredom, rights, freedom and the topic we are going to discuss which is for political reasons. Music is very powerful, it is a medium that can send messages across countries and society. It is powerful at the level social group because how music can just be described beyond words, how it can be criticized and it can create national and cultural identities. Music can also be used to manipulate one’s mood; it can also calm people down who suffer from depression or anxiety. Let’s just say in short many individuals use music to enhance the quality of our lives.

Many Politicians use Music as a way to send a message. It is becoming more and more common in today’s time because of the strong effect it has on people and how it can be spread across the globe with ease. Music and Politics share a link between each other and it is been used in many different societies and cultures. An example would be a song used to prevent a war which can be in the form of a national anthem, patriotic songs and even political campaigns. Political songs are used differently than the “regular” music we listen to. Political music wants to simply convey a message without it being ambiguous to portray a specified political message that was intended. It would be irrational if political songs had too many meanings and different messages. It wouldn't be clear to the people and the message wouldn't be taken very seriously.

This song Wavin' flag by K'NAAN was originally released on Somalia-born, Toronto- raised Hip, Hop artist K'NAAN's second studio album, Troubadour. After Mitt Romney was extremely happy of the outcome in Florida during the 2012's president primary, this song was played. When K'NAAN had heard about this situation, he wasn't impressed. He was threatening to take legal action and he said "happily grant Obama permission to use it without prejudice". It was said that Romney's campaign was under blank licensing agreement. K'NAAN also made another comment saying "If you don't like the poor, don't use their songs".

The following song "We Are The Ones" by Will.i.am was released on February 29, 2008. It was to support support Obama's presidential campaign. The music video features many different celebrities each saying one or more lines, with Obama saying one line near the end of the song. All the lyrics are taken from the quotation from Obama's concession speech which was held in New Hampshire.

Political music, is mean't to be heard by the people so it often becomes viral. However it can be extremely difficult to predict the audience can react to particular things like kinda of music that was chosen, sounds, or even visual cues.

Sources:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghSJsEVf0pU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amXeJrA-wDc

http://www.songfacts.com/category-songs_used_by_politicians.php