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.
While Alan Jackson brought a reflective, sorrowful tone to reflect on the 9/11 attacks in November 2001, Toby Keith, on May 26, 2002, took a different approach, sparking a patriotic spirit in the American people. I personally still crank up this song on the 4th of July every year and love the bold, unapologetic tone in his lyrics, along with many other people.
Inspired by the 9/11 attacks and Keith's father's military service in the army, this song was released in 2002 as a rallying cry for Americans' pride and perseverance. Its aggressive tone and patriotic fever resonated with military families and those supporting the U.S.'s military actions after the attack.
In conclusion, music has the ability to emotionally connect people. This is exemplified by the role of country music in fostering a sense of unity and shared understanding during moments of national crisis. Alan Jackson's "Where Were You" and Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" have become cultural touchstones by demonstrating how music can unite an entire society emotionally by expressing collective grief, resilience, and patriotism.
Sources:
“Alan Jackson – Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).” Genius.com, 26 Nov. 2001, https://genius.com/Alan-jackson-where-were-you-when-the-world-stopped-turning-lyrics
Carter, Thomas. “U.S. Musical Response to 9/11: All about the Country.” Thomas Conner, 8 Sept. 2011, https://www.thomasconner.info/clips/us-musical-response-to-911-all-about-the-country
Comma Eight. “Behind the Anthem: Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.”” Worn & Haggard, Worn & Haggard, 13 Nov. 2023, https://wornandhaggard.com/blogs/news/behind-the-anthem-toby-keith-s-courtesy-of-the-red-white-and-blue?srsltid=AfmBOopeFdsaBiLK6IpfWNBfNfYXlKdOzH9H-W_kz43nee_pir8K2hmy
"Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (the Angry American).” Genius, 27 May 2002, https://genius.com/Toby-keith-courtesy-of-the-red-white-and-blue-the-angry-american-lyrics
How has your relationship to music changed as a result of this course?
I've always been an avid music listener, but after this course, I have a much broader view of music. After learning all of the components it takes to create a song I now notice aspects of songs I never used to and have a deeper appreciation of the works I listen to. Moreover, the research required during this course gave me more insight into the things I would have never investigated on my own.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thesis! My thesis was similar, I stated that music has the ability to connect people in tough times. I also argued that music had the ability to unite and connect individuals as a community, especially during tragic or rough times. The two songs I used were Lean On Me by Bill Withers and Count On Me by Bruno Mars. Both of these songs include lyrics that tell the listener that they can rely on the singer/ others as one day their help will also be requested.