Music has always played a vital role in society, serving as a medium for collective expression, reflection, and action in the aftermath of historical tragedies. It provides a platform for mourning, fosters unity, and inspires resilience during war times, significant historic events, etc. Overall, music connects people emotionally by filling the gaps when a society is left guessing, wondering what to do next.
In moments of collective joy or sorrow, music has the unique ability to unite people through shared emotional experiences. After 9/11, artists responded with works that captured the profound emotional and societal impact of the tragedy. This blog explores how music makes commentary on society through two iconic songs: Alan Jackson's "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" (2001, USA) and Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)" (2002, USA). These works exemplify music's ability to address grief, resilience, and patriotism, offering insights into the cultural psyche of post-9/11 America.
Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)- Alan Jackson (USA, 2001)
1. Lyrics:
- Jackson uses conversational, introspective language to explore personal and universal reactions to tragedy.
- Using lines like "I'm just a singer of simple songs" emphasizes humility, inviting listeners to connect their own emotions with others.
2. Melody and Harmony:
- The melody is simple and reflective, mirroring the song's sorrowful tone.
3. Instrumentals:
- Acoustic guitar and piano create a soft, meditative tone.
- Strings are introduced sparingly, adding emotional background to Alan Jackson's voice and lyrics.
On November 26, 2001, Alan Jackson released "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)". I believe Alan Jackson's ability to blend simple yet profound lyrics with a gentle melody and soft instrumentals creates a timeless piece of emotional expression. The song's sincerity makes it relatable and deeply moving.
"Written in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Alan Jackson hit No. 1 with this thoughtful ballad. Premiering at the CMA Awards! This song is about and in memorial to those who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks." (Genius.com) Alan Jackson was able to touch so many people enabling them to cope with the tragic events and continued to do so with live performances.
Duel of the Fates: A Musical Heartbeat of Conflict in Star Wars
The Star Wars franchise, created by George Lucas, debuted in 1977 with Star Wars: A New Hope. Its iconic score, composed by John Williams, revolutionized the use of orchestral music in cinema, drawing heavily from classical and Romantic traditions. One of the standout pieces from the franchise is "Duel of the Fates," introduced in The Phantom Menace (1999).
This piece of music was introduced during the climactic lightsaber duel between Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Maul. Its use of a full orchestra and choir singing provided a dramatic and intense backdrop, which elevated the stakes of the battle.
"Scene from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, when the song Duel of the Fates was introduced"
"Duel of the Fates" underscores a critical turning point in The Phantom Menace. The piece heightens the intensity of the lightsaber duel while symbolizing the broader conflict between light and dark. The Sanskrit lyrics, based on a text from Celtic mythology, emphasize the timeless and mythical nature of the battle. This work not only enhances the immediate action but also reflects the struggle for Anakin Skywalker’s fate, foreshadowing his eventual transformation into Darth Vader.
"Duel of the Fates" carries a deeper message about the moral and cosmic balance in the Star Wars universe. The clash between the Jedi and Sith mirrors themes of destiny, choice, and the consequences of power struggles. Its dramatic choral arrangement reflects the operatic scale of these conflicts, resonating with the idea that every decision shapes the fate of the galaxy. The piece’s intensity suggests that the fight between good and evil is universal and ongoing, reflecting real-world struggles for justice.
I chose this because I loved this scene as a kid. The song "Duel of the Fates" tied everything together perfectly, leaving me on the edge of my seat as I watched. Making "Duel of the Fates" a masterpiece of tension and drama. The aggressive rhythm of the strings and the haunting choral chants create a sense of urgency and foreboding. The piece's dynamic range, from quiet moments of tension to explosive crescendos, mirrors the duel's escalating stakes and the characters' emotional turbulence.
Chris Stapleton was born on April 15th, 1978 in Lexington Kentucky. He began his musical journey in the late 1990s as a songwriter. In the early 2000s, Stapleton gained popularity being the lead singer for a band named The SteelDrivers with songs like "Sticks that Made Thunder" and "Heaven Sent". After separating from the band, Stapleton gained widespread recognition with his solo debut album,Traveller, released in 2015. The album showcased his blend of country, rock, and blues influences and won multiple awards, including several Grammy Awards. Known for his raw and emotive vocal style, Stapleton’s performances often feature heartfelt storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences.
Iconic Songs
"Tennessee Whiskey" (2015) – This iconic track highlights Stapleton's incredible vocal range and emotional depth. The song's slow, bluesy tempo and rich instrumentation showcase his ability to convey profound feelings through music. The performance captures the essence of love and longing, making it a standout in his repertoire.
"Starting Over" (2020) – This song features a more upbeat, hopeful melody and lyrics that reflect themes of renewal and resilience. The instrumentation, with its blend of acoustic and electric elements, creates a warm atmosphere that complements Stapleton's soulful delivery. His heartfelt performance makes the message of starting anew both relatable and uplifting.
Role of the Performer
Musicians who interpret the compositions of others play a crucial role in the music landscape by bringing new life and perspectives to existing works. They help keep the music relevant, allowing different generations to connect with songs that may have been written long before they were born.
Chris Stapleton serves as a bridge between traditional country music and contemporary styles. His interpretations of classic songs, such as "Tennessee Whiskey," not only honor the original material but also infuse it with his distinctive voice and emotional depth. This approach allows listeners to appreciate the nuances of the lyrics and melodies in a new light, making the music accessible and relatable. Stapleton's ability to blend elements of country, blues, and rock expands the genre's boundaries and attracts a diverse audience.
Listening to "Tennessee Whiskey," I was captivated by the smooth melodies and rich harmonies that enhance Stapleton's vocal delivery. His ability to convey raw emotion through each note is powerful, drawing the listener into the story of the song. "Starting Over" resonated with me due to its uplifting tempo and relatable lyrics, which remind us of the beauty in new beginnings. The combination of acoustic and electric elements in the instrumentation creates an inviting soundscape that amplifies the song's hopeful message.
Italian Music offers a rich array of genres that reflect its diverse cultural heritage. One type of music that is traditional to Italy is the Tarantella. The Tarantella is a lively, fast-paced traditional Italian dance and music style, often associated with southern Italy, especially regions like Naples and Sicily. Historically, it is played at weddings and was believed to be a remedy for a tarantula spider bite, as people thought dancing vigorously would expel the venom. The music typically features a fast tempo in 3/6 or 6/8 time with tambourines, mandolins, and castanets, creating a distinctive rhythmic pulse.
Tarantella Napoletana by Luigi Ricci, released in 1953
A short clip of traditional Italian Tarantella Dancing
In my opinion, the lively tempo and rhythmic drive of the Tarantella create an uplifting and almost hypnotic energy, which I find contagious and energizing, that may be my heritage talking due to having ancestors from Sicily! The timbre of traditional instruments, especially the bright, percussive sound of the tambourine, adds a festive quality that makes the music feel warm and inviting. The melody's simplicity and rapid pace give a sense of joyous urgency, making it hard not to imagine a lively dance.
Italian American Museum of Los Angeles. Southern Italy’s Tarantella the “Dance of the Spider” Folk Dances of the WorlD: Made Possible in Part by a Grant from the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department PMS 285. 2020. https://iamla.org/docs/IAMLA_TarantellaLesson.pdf
Evolution of the Steel Guitar from Hawaii to Country Music
Ironically enough, one of the most popular instruments utilized in country music evolved from somewhat foreign origins. The steel guitar evolved from the traditional guitar tracing back to the late 19th century in Hawaii. It was developed by Joseph Kekuku in the 1890s, who discovered a technique of sliding a steel bar along the strings to produce a smooth, gliding sound. This method gave the instrument its distinctive name, "steel guitar".
One of its greatest strengths is its ability to create distinct moods. In country music, for example, the steel guitar often evokes feelings of nostalgia or heartache, while in Hawaiian music, it can transport listeners to serene, tropical landscapes. The pedal steel guitar, with its complex mechanics, allows musicians to bend notes and chords, adding a layer of technical brilliance that is both impressive and expressive. Overall, the steel guitar stands out for its ability to enhance a song's emotional impact, and its evolution reflects its deep-rooted cultural significance and ongoing relevance in modern music.
To me, the steel guitar is a unique and fascinating instrument with a sound that instantly evokes emotion and atmosphere. Its smooth, gliding tones can express both joy and sorrow, making it incredibly versatile across genres like country, Hawaiian, blues, and rock. I was extremely surprised to find that the steel guitar was developed in Hawaii since I grew up hearing the crying of the steel guitar all over country music!
Once the steel guitar hit the United States, the pedal steel guitar was invented. In 1940, Gibson Guitar Corporation took this idea and added foot pedals to the steel guitar to be able to change the tuning of the instrument. Thus allowing the instrument to be played in different keys and to allow a variety of chords.
"Steel Guitar Rag- Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys (1936)"
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys were one of the first to produce songs with the steel guitar in music. Due to the pedal steel requiring so much dexterity, skill, and coordination, it is no easy task, even for seasoned players. In this song above, the steel guitar is crafted masterfully, taking center stage. Played by Leon McAuliffe, the guitar creates a lively, upbeat sound that perfectly complements the swing rhythms and jazz influences of the genre. The song became a classic and helped solidify the steel guitar’s place in country and swing music, elevating its popularity in the 1930s.
"Amarillo by Morning- George Straight (1983)"
In 1983, George Strait released this song, featuring a pedal steel guitar that plays a key role in conveying the song's emotional depth. Compared to Bob Wills' "Steel Guitar Rag" (1936). which is upbeat and showcases the high notes of the steel guitar's lively, jazzy side in Western swing, Straight's song uses the instrument in a more subtle way to reflect the picture the lyrics convey of hardship and perseverance. Both songs demonstrate the steel guitar's versatility, whether it's driving a lively swing song front row and center or providing emotional texture in a country ballad complementing the lyrics.
In analyzing Waylon Jennings's classic country song "Waymore's Blues," you can focus on the following five musical elements:
Melody:
The melody of "Waymore's Blues" is simple yet vivid, relying heavily on Waylon's deep and distinctive voice. The melody follows a bluesy, laid-back structure that contributes to a feeling of nostalgia and storytelling. The rising and falling pitch creates a narrative-like progression, evoking emotions of longing and reflection.
Tempo:
The tempo of Jennings' voice is raspy, gritty, and authentic, which helps convey the raw emotional depth of the lyrics. The sound of his voice paired with the acoustic guitar adds a rustic, earthy quality to the music, making it feel intimate and personal. This evokes a feeling of authenticity, which can make the listener feel connected to the story of a rambling pedal steel guitar player.
Rhythm:
The rhythm in this song is driven by a steady, chugging beat similar to traditional country and blues tracks. The rhythm is consistent but relaxed, which supports the lyrics without overshadowing them. This can elicit a sense of calm and introspection while still maintaining a forward momentum that pulls the listener into the story.
Dynamics:
Jennings uses subtle dynamics in the song, with shifts in intensity that align with the storytelling of the lyrics. The quieter verses provide a reflective tone like "Well, I got a good woman, what's the matter with me? What makes me want to love every woman I see?" In the parts, the choruses are slightly louder, adding emphasis to key emotional peaks and valleys, adding depth to the listener's experience.
Sound:
The song features a prominent acoustic guitar paired with light percussion, creating a minimalist yet rich backdrop for Jennings' vocals. The simplicity of the instrumentation allows the lyrics to take center stage while still evoking the traditional feel of country blues. The guitar’s twang and slides enhance the emotional resonance of the music, giving it a timeless, wandering feel.
By examining these five elements — melody, rhythm, timbre, dynamics, and instrumentation — you can dive deeper into why "Waymore's Blues" resonates with you emotionally. The blend of these musical components creates a raw and reflective experience that is both personal and universal in its themes of travel, love, and life’s ups and downs.
In analyzing Hank Williams' classic country song "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," you can focus on the following three musical elements:
Melody:
The melody in this song is simple yet emotional. It flows smoothly and slowly, matching the somber mood of the lyrics. The low and long, drawn-out notes highlight the sense of loneliness Hank portrays with the low rasp of emotion. The simplicity of the melody compliments the direct, emotional theme of the song.
Tempo:
The instrumentation in the song primarily features traditional country instruments like the steel guitar and fiddle, giving the song its distinct country/western sound. The steel guitar, in particular, adds a subtle and mellow tone, evoking a sense of weeping or crying, complementing the theme of loneliness.
Rhythm:
The rhythm in this song is slow and steady, contributing to its sorrowful mood. It is off of a triple-beat meter complemented by the steady beat of a guitar and a smooth, rocking rhythm of words. This creates a feeling of steady resignation and reflects the sense of heartache and loss described in the lyrics.
Although lyrics are not a musical element, I wanted to include them since they play such an essential role in this song's emotional depth. Hank's use of colorful imagery, such as "the moon just went behind a cloud to hide its face and cry," enhances the atmosphere created by the musical elements, making the song a timeless expression of heartbreak and loneliness. The song as a whole, written and sung by the great Hank Williams, brings out the emotion and thoughts of Hank and truly illustrates why he is the staple of country music.
