Music is a way of expressing yourself and relieving the stress of everyday life. Music to me is an abstract expression of who you are. It defines you. Music can empower the masses. Music can bring you up when you are feeling down. Whether it be the lyrics or the beat, music can move you. Music is a representation of thought depending on what generation you are from. It defines the culture at that moment in time. For example, the music present day is controversial and upbeat. The generation that I am from, the 80’s babies are outspoken, loud, energized, and lives in the now. Music has transformed over hundreds of years. Present day music is explicit, uncensored. Present day music talks about various topics. From hanging out with your friends and drinking, to war.
My favorite artist is Eminem. His music is very controversial. He speaks whatever is on his mind. I really admire this about him because he speaks his mind no matter what. He demands to be heard. This inspires me to live life more boldly and not be so passive. If you say what is on your mind and what is in your heart, no matter the content, people will listen. I write poetry to be heard. I relieve my frustrations by putting my thoughts on to paper and reciting them. This helps me to cope with whatever is going on in my life. When you write, whether it is poetry, a song, or a free write, those words are an expression of who you are. Even instrumentals are an expression of self because sometimes you cannot put into words your emotions or thoughts, they just are.
His Music is music has gotten better over time. You listen to his music and it shows how he has evolved. His most recent album is some of his best work. He is no longer at his prime but it shows how far he has come and what he has experienced. His new album “Recovery” talks about how he was at the lowest point in his life and how he is healing from this. I think this really shows how low you have to go sometimes to realize truth. Not only the truth about yourself, but also the world. My favorite song off his album is called “Not afraid”. This is a great example of how music can move you, both physically and mentally. It can make you want to get up and dance or can put you into deep thought. The beat and lyrics give you a feeling of empowerment and fearlessness. This song inspires me to take control of my life. The line of his song that gives me this feeling is when he says,” I’m standing up, Imma face my demons. I’ve had enough now I’m so fed up.” He expresses that he has had enough of feeling down; it’s time to lift your spirits and conquer life. This song has affected me in many ways.
It has given me more courage to face my fears and to take control of my life. Eminem lost control of his life when he became addicted to prescription drugs. He fought hard to get his life on track. He was fed up and reached his bottom. Sometimes you have to be in darkness for a while to know how good the light feels. He escaped his cave. His body and mind were exhausted. You can become mentally exhausted from stress. Music can help you break free for a moment. I was never addicted to drugs and I don’t know what that feels like, but I can relate to his story. What I do draw from his story is that you can overcome you difficulties no matter what they are. His lyrics can inspire to face your fears. My biggest fear was failure. I am on the road to completely conquering that fear. Overcoming weaknesses does not occur over night. Your fears can consume you and take control of your life. It can hold you back from achieving your goals. His music helps me cope with my difficulties. It is not necessarily an escape, but lifts my spirits and gives me motivation. In order to reach truth and overcome your problems, you must take a position of strength. Without strength, weakness takes over. Perseverance guides us through life.
Music is a big part of our everyday lives. It can set a particular mood or brining change to popular culture. Music is a big part of our culture. This is seen through people always having their iPods on. People are always listening. Music allows you to disconnect for a moment and leaves you with your own thoughts. It blocks out the noise from the outside and puts you into a trance. It can also be the bridge to other cultures if you are both enjoying the beat. Music is a universal language and moves us all in similar ways.
Eminem's Music Video "Not Afraid"
I agree with you 100% on Eminem. He has grown a lot through his music. Both skill wise and as a person. He really opened himself to the world. He was a heavy drug user when his first LP debut and he has gotten clean but suffered from a relapse. He does not hide the truth, he puts it out in the open. His life is his daughter and he puts her above all else. He relies on his fans to get through life just as much as some of his fans relate to his music to get by a tough time.
ReplyDeleteOne of the lines from the song is that stood out to me is:
"It was my decision to get clean, I did it for me/ Admittedly, I probably did it subliminally for you/ So I could come back a brand new me, you helped see me through/ And don't even realize what you me, believe me you/"
He does not hide the truth, he faces it head on. He invites listeners into his music and life just as much as they invite him into their hearts by listening to his music. He is no question one of the greats to ever do it.