A study recently published in the Journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine has affirmed what many of us already know… Hip Hop and Country artists love to sing and rap about liquor and drugs. Researchers reviewed the lyrics (279 songs total) of the top songs of 2005. They figured out that “Americans aged 15 to 18 listening to 2.4 hours of music daily, hear 84 musical references to substance use a day and more than 30,000 a year.”
75% of hip hop songs tracked in the study contained such references, along with 36% of country songs, 20% of R&B songs, 14% of rock songs and 9% of pop songs - alcohol and marijuana were the most common references found.
Lyrics like "Tequila makes her clothes fall off" and "Breaking down the good weed, rolling the blunt, ghetto pimp tight girls say I'm the man”… were common.
So… should we be concerned…should the industry play a more active role policing lyrical content in contemporary music? Should the FCC put broadcasters on notice and put some teeth on Yale Broadcasting v. FCC 1973?
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Well as the conversation in class went on I thought yeah if you don't like it, don't listen to it. If you have kids then you have to teach them the right and wrong as your job as a parent. My parents did. They told me and then I experienced it first hand. I'm not a perfect kid, but I go to school, I don't drink, I don't smoke and I have the respect for the words that I use, but I've been listening to this music for... Well forever, and actually the rappers if they do say "Ho or Bitch" you have to know what they are talking about or learn what they are talking about, because in SOME OF their music they are telling the truth. Like Tupac's song "You Wonder Why They Call You Bitch" is a perfect example. Listen to it, but if you don't like it, don't. He explains who he's calling a bitch and why he uses that word for those kind of people. Just a suggestion. As for the other rappers that disrespect the words that they use are not telling the truth they are the rappers who are specfically looking for the money; then I take my liberty and I don't listen to them, because I have listened to music long enough to where I know and understand the difference between the rappers that are just using the words for money and the rappers that are actually using the words to prove a point, and of course they're looking for money also but they are the ones who put thought and meaning into their music working hard cause they take it serious just about in their way. I see in most of all the kids that use to be my friends and a few that are still my friends were influenced with drugs and alcohol because their parents were not great role models as druggies or alcoholics and even drank and smoked dope with their kids, and with that kind of influence they threw themselves away, and some kids come to realize not to be like that, and I have heard rappers being those kids influenced by their parents becoming like them then realizing what is right and what is wrong then coming out of the so called gutter and making something of theirselves, or if they did just become famous of rapping or whatever music they express what they have done good and bad with themselves and come to realization. Well these are the rappers that I listen to, and understand. For the others again I don't listen to them. This was a real life example that showed me the right and wrong not to be like that, because my parents showed me that that it is not cool, and I realized that from a use to be friend of mine literally became retarded because he was influenced around that and made the Wrong choice. I have the experience to go with the tellings of my parents, other parents and rappers on what is right and wrong. Well if you are going to listen to the music, you are going to have to adjust or adapt to the like culture that that type of music has, so you have to learn it and if you don't like it its your freedom you don't have to; then don't listen to it, So I say no we should not be really as concerned as they say we should be.
As strongly as I feel towards limiting adolescent’s exposure to vulgar, illegal and socially unacceptable acts, I do believe that music, in all its forms, should be protected by the first amendment. This one sentence sums up my entire feelings on the subject. Legal issues such as libel and slander are not acceptable in any form of media and thus are not protected by the first amendment. Sam Lavato did an excellent job of gathering evidence and posting a very informative blog, but I think Sam could have chosen more provocative questions.
Q1. Do these drug references affect adolescent’s acceptance of drugs into their own lives?
Q2. Why can’t well meaning parents keep this music out of their children’s hands?
Q3. What social and economic factors contribute to a person’s listening preferences and susceptibility to musical lyrics?
O1. When a person, especially an adolescent, is exposed to an event, a person or a word, that object is permanently imprinted into the memory. (E.g. Doctors have no qualms with blood or sickness. Executioners could wear their new pair of boots off the gallows…) Music doesn’t just expose drugs to adolescents; music makes the drug culture hip a perfect avenue for teenage rebellion. What are the odds of someone picking up a drug habit when they’ve never been exposed to drugs?
O2. Before the 1950’s, children were shielded from too many outside pressures, or sources of information, because of limited distribution. Papers were owned by the town and completely edited by members of tight-knit communities. Stores were owned by similar members of the community and inventory was “hand chosen” by the store owners. Wal-Mart, grocery chains and strip malls bring content from around the world right into any community; baring some Mormon and Amish communities. Pirating, especially with personal mp3 players, spreads music from person to person like a wildfire on the prairie. Parents are at the mercy of the masses when it comes to raising children in this prosperous time. Bad parenting may allow personal experiences with the drug culture, but even good parenting can’t keep the mention of drugs out of their house.
O3. According to Sam’s report, 75% of rap has drug or alcohol references. Breaking this into demographics, most rap artists and fans are black. Of the four largest demographics in the U.S., Black Americans make the least per capita per year behind White Americans, Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans. Don’t forget that professional sports are full of black people making millions of dollars a year. Truthfully, I see this as a direct correlation.
When was the last time anyone heard Donald Trump, Bill Gates, Sam Walton, or Warren Buffet say the words “smokin’ a blunt,” “bustin’ a cap,” or “frashizzle my nizzle?” To keep this from being a racist argument, “ride ‘em cowboy,” “where is the Home Depot,” and “thank you come again” aren’t in their vocabulary either. Excluding rich people who won the lottery or a lawsuit, most wealthy people in America got that way because of their knack for working with people. A rich person’s ability to work with people doesn’t mean they are perfect or even nice, but they know how to get the most out of the people they work with.
To clarify, music is a personal expression and should be protected by the constitution in all genres. Does Mozart make babies smarter? Probably not. Does hate music lead to violence? Only in the individuals with a lack of reality. Even if music was censored in all mediums, a child would still learn the language of their parents. Here’s a challenge: go to any grade school and listen to the language of the playground, then compare it to the language of the neighborhood. Now that’s a correlation.
Songs in every genre of music have been referencing substance use for a very long time. I think the artists should be able to sing whatever they want to, and reference whatever they want to. Some of my favorite songs have lyrics about drug sand alcohol, but I’m not using any of these substances.
I have never really understood why people get so offended by lyrical content because you can avoid it. Its pretty easy to change the radio station or not buy and offensive CD, just don’t do it. I do on the other hand understand that lyrics to songs talk about how fun drugs and alcohol are. Parents are afraid that their children are going to want to engage in these acts because they like that type of music. The truth (in my opinion) is, as long as you talk to your children about the effects of drugs and alcohol, they will listen to you! Chances are, you child will look up to you more than they look up to Snoop Dogg.
I also found it amusing that the article pokes fun at the song “Tequila Makers her Clothes Come Off.” I don’t know if any of you reading this have seen the music video for this song, but its about the singers old grandma getting drunk and taking her clothes off. It’s really funny, and it is just a JOKE. My favorite country song to sing to when I was little is, “Friends In Low Places”. They talk about whiskey and beer, but I have never been influenced to drink by this song. The FCC doesn’t need to get involved in cleaning up lyrical content.
Music is extremely popular because lyrics don’t have to meet anyone’s moral standards. If the musician decides to say the word “bitch” or “ho” in their songs, people need to remember that it is their music. It is really up to parents to tell their children that the musicians are just expressing views and onions in a non-professional and deprecating manner. This type of music is just a part of culture these days. It is up to the parents to tell their children that it is not okay to call anyone a “bitch” or a “ho”. It is just music; the offensive words are not directed to insult anyone in particular. The only exception is when rappers direct harsh lyrics at certain individuals. (For Example, fifty cent likes to direct insults at Kanye West in many of his songs.) It is just music, if you like it, play it, if you don’t, then turn it off.
joann babbitt
hello
I believe the Fcc doesnt have to do anything. Controversial music like this has been around for a long time and it isn't going anywhere. We can try to keep kids from hearing it but if they dont know it exists, then when they do find it they wont know how to react and go buck wild. Its up to the parents to let their kids know that stuff is there- but also teach them whats socially acceptable and how to respect themselves and others.Then let them make their own decisions as to whether or not they want to listen to it. Otherwise if you don't like it-turn it off.
Most people gasp when I tell them that our entire family (including our young children) were watching the MTV awards when Madonna and Brtittany shared their infamous kiss.
We are total music lovers in our house. We have just about every genre of music in our collection, with the exception of rap (we just don't care for it). So, we generally tune into these award shows. And no, we weren't thrilled with their kiss, but it gave us an oppurtunity to talk candidly with our children.
My whole point is: My husband and I are our children's biggest influence, now! Do I think they will be perfect? Not necessarily, but I hope that as we lead by example, when they are eighteen, our examples will be more influential than lyrics that say, "Tequuila makes her clothes fall off!"
One young mother in one of my classes pointed out that she is trying to raise a young boy and she doesn't like these outside influences. I say use these outside infuences to her advantage. In other words, use those oppurtunities to talk with her young son about what is alright and what isn't.
Music lyrics are not going to change, and do we really want the FCC controlling everything? Limitations are one thing, control is another.
ohkqztC'mon Lovato, are these the best questions you could come up with?
[So… should we be concerned…should the industry play a more active role policing lyrical content in contemporary music? Should the FCC put broadcasters on notice and put some teeth on Yale Broadcasting v. FCC 1973?]
First, of course we should be cocerned. Otherwise, people are reduced to being mere Ostriches with their heads stuck firmly in the sand.
Second, are you really posing the question that "the industry" might consider policing lyrical content? In today's America? Get real man. American's are definitely prudish at times, but do you think the majority would stand for such censorship? Have you forgotten our attachment to individualism and an individual's right to free speech?
This much should be obvious: If music is considered artful expression, then anything goes, as long as it doesn't infringe on another's willingness to receive it.
Lastly, no one favors even more government regulation, but as society grows and becomes more complex - it might become necessary. This is only to say that as long as government remains the long arm of the people, then it serves it's purpose.
Should we be concerned with the long list of words like "bitch and ho"?
I would definately have to answer yes to the question.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for free speech, and the government letting us live our lives the way we want to live it.
But the thing I think a lot of the responders aren't understanding is that if you're responding to this blog, you're probably in college. Which means you probably aren't as easily influenced as a 12 year old that is just trying to be cool and impress the people who he wants to be his friends. You probably have already established who you are and what you want to portray.
Everyone has always told us (20-25 year olds) that "we are the future." Well that future is now, and the new future is the 10-16 year olds whose minds and thoughts are being molded everytime they hear something new, watch something provacative etc.
I know what you're going to say.
"Parents should do their job and make sure that their kids don't listen to that kind of music then."
I agree...somewhat.
But what you have to remember is that mom isn't with her son/daughter every second of the day. You would have hated your parents if that were the case!
These words are out there and they aren't hard to find. Little Johnny can easily turn on the radio, computer or TV and become exposed to stuff that I don't believe a young, moldable mind should be exposed to.
Should we be concerned about the vulgar language that the future of our country (which remember, isn't us) is exposed to?
Yes!
Does that mean the government needs to step in and drastically expand the list of "illegal words"?
I'd vote no.
Then how are they supposed to regulate what kids are exposed to?
I have no idea.
Brandon Hopper
I will first state my opinion: I do believe that music is an art and most people that listen to it are involved, or want to be part, of the genre they listen too. Funny, but this is defined by a sterotype in my eyes. By this I mean, the style of the genre. Usually, you can look at a person and have a quick impression of what type of music intrest them.
I also believe that songs throughout time have had these types of influences.
This is when we need to look at what music is for. Definately as a consumer, music would be considered deemable for entertainment, mood settings, etc.. When you take music from an artist's aspect it is a form of expression.
This is the only reason I believe that rappers should be able to talk about there "Bitches, Blunts, and 40's"; the country singers singing about "Beer, fighting, & women"; the techno/electronic promoting "Drugs, and party lifestyle"..the list goes on for every genre, throughout time. Songs have done this because of the bigger trends on society in each era. For instance, in the seventies disco parties were the big thing... most of the population were consumers, taking in the disco dance and the lifestlye. The artists were creating the style, the genre, the stereotype and this is where i get mixed feelings.....
I do believe that artist, composers, writers, etc. ; should have the right to produce there own music/lyrics, without any censorship. On the other side, I don't believe they should be allowed to play on broadcast(free)radio and/or television. This goes for the edited version too. I feel that if the parents or authorities in the childrens life can decide what they want there kids to listen to, and if it is on broadcast radio/tv then it can't be control by the parents and other authorities. Sell it all, but it must be a parents decision, as it is already.
Now for the big "problem"; Does this influence our kids. I strongly believe that it does influence our kids. Some in good ways, Many in bad ways, but personally this is the parents fault. I remember when I was young, the things my mother, grandparents, and influencing people told me in my life...
ON A SARCASTIC NOTE...I believe those were called um...um mor..als....MORALS...yeah.
Well I grew up ok, happy to say not a druggie, or an alcoholic. I have listened to hip-hop, death metal, heavy metal, punk, techno and probably many others... Currently I enjoy oldies and hip/hop like josh martinez, and atmosphere. There is some drug/alcohol talk in many of the songs, but I like the beats more than the lyrics.
I think many that fall into problems like drugs and other stuff because there surroundings. Also there "morals"!!!
EVERYONE, has an opinion on what is right or wrong and usually will follow those, even in the presence of other controversial influences.
FRED CARLEY MCNNM101
correction
FRED CARLEY MCCNM101
I believe we should most definitely be concerned. To what extent, who can say (well I'm sure many over protective parents can say to an extreme extent) however music is a form of art. Should we not allow artists to express themselves freely? Last time I checked, we still have the freedom of speech.
Still, music is incredibly influential and most people listen to the music they most relate to. Often song lyrics say things we feel and wish we could express and its put to a catchy tune. Music reaches people on a different level as compared to TV, Movies, and the Internet. So if music is this influential and we listen to what we relate to most AND 76% of hip hop songs contain lyrics of violence, drugs, alcohol, and sex, its rather unnerving to think that the people that listen to hip hop relate to such things...
If violence, drugs, and alcohol continue to be common themes in rap, hip hop, country, and rock songs then our culture and society in general may need to be re-examined.
Also, on a less relevant note, I was a bit surprised to find that only 14% of rock songs contained "inappropriate" content, since its all about 'sex, drugs, and rock and roll.'
~Niki Sosa: MCCNM 101 Ebersole Tues.-Thurs. 9:30am
I think that artist should be able to sing about what ever they want. Just because an artist sings about alcohol or marijuana doesnt mean the listener has to go use them. If people dont like to listen to what the song has to say , then change the station or song. Everyone has different music preferences, and all genres of music use lyrics that people may not approve of. I personally like all types of music, and when i heard the song "Tequila makes her cloths fall off," didnt make me want to go and drink tequila. If you dont like what the artsist sings then dont listen to it.
-Alison Ritter
The amount of censorship put upon music, as it is, is at a rather appropriate amount. Songs played on the radio or on television regarding drugs and alcohol are "bleeped out" during those references, if they're even played at all. And CDs with material deemed "inappropriate" are blatantly labeled as being so with the Parental Advisory warnings. Therefore, when it comes to protecting our youth's innocent ears, the exposure of suggestive music is left in the hands of parents. Keeping children out of obscene music's way is incredibly easy to do: don't buy them Parental Advisory labeled CDs. By the time they're able to buy their own, it's more than likely that they're able to listen to such music without being influenced by its content.
Then there's the issue of the First Amendment. As long as an original copy of an "obscene" song is in existence and can be sold, I see little, if any, violation of the Constitution. Nonetheless, I'm sure the writers of the Constitution wouldn't mind making the slightest variations to the First Amendment regarding public censorship if they were being exposed to lyrical gems like, "Breaking down the good weed, rolling the blunt, ghetto pimp tight girls say I'm the man" whenever they turned on the radio (had there been one).
-Danielle Pollack
Mass Communications 101
In music there has always been a correlation between drinking and dancing, sorrow, fighting, partying,etc. In music refrences to the use of chemical or mind altering substances has been relevant to a society which lives in excess. This is not to say that it is the most value oriented entertainment, but these songs fall under the first amendment and seem to attract the publics interest. So I do not believe there is any reason to panic about refrences in the lyrics of the most popular songs. The influence to use drugs or alcohol is probably much more apparent in the high schools around america. Plus if there were no controversial lyrics in music, what would old people complain about?
The usage of profane lyrics that consist of curse words, drugs and alcohol is somewhat of an issue. A lot of people think that lyrics that have these things in them are bad, but the only way it is bad is if the way we perceive the lyrics is a bad outlook. I listen to music with drugs and alcohol and profanity in them all the time. These songs just make me want to stay away from that bad behavior as much as possible. I think that most of the curse words that children hear come from their parents and not the music they listen to because I have heard foul language from my parents before I started listening to music that contains curse words in lyrics.
Posted By
Jessica Brown
I think if you dont like it, then dont listen to it or if you dont want your kids to listen then try to to keep them from listen to it. i feel it doesnt have anything to do with music, because either way the kids in this world today are going to hear it anyways, at school or on the streets or even on tv. just because people listen to that type of music doesnt mean that they are bad people. ive been listen to that type of music for years and i've grown up to be a respectful person. so i think it has more to do more with the person being a follower then the people making the music.
Today music has definitely from what it use to be like. Music now days is more likely to have more curse words in it, but there is music out there that doesn't have volgure language in it. it all depends on you and what your musical preference is. You control what you hear and what is being played in your car or home. my personal opinion is that if you dont like it then don't listen to it. you always have the option of turning the station, if your listening to something that makes you uncomfortable then its you choice on whether you do something about it. you can always choose to buy the non explicit version of something now days. the option is almost always available. artist have the right to freedom of speech just as anyone does. so if they choose to express themselves in that way that is up to them, everyone has a freedom of speech and they can choose whatever words they prefer to use.
I understand that our generations music does reference certain drugs in most songs today. However, I believe that an artist should be able to express themsevles in any way they see fit and if you do not like it or agree with it, it is not hard to change the station. I also believe that the artist is not to blame for children and teens using certain substances. We should be looking at the parents not the lyrics.
I understand that our generations music does reference certain drugs in most songs today. However, I believe that an artist should be able to express themsevles in any way they see fit and if you do not like it or agree with it, it is not hard to change the station. I also believe that the artist is not to blame for children and teens using certain substances. We should be looking at the parents not the lyrics.
The numbers that are being talked about in this article are astounding. I never would have thought that much lyrical content is focused on sex drugs and alcohol. I do listen to hip hope and r&b on a daily basis and I do catch that sex, drugs and alcohol are typically mentioned inthe songs. Maybe it is just so common that it doesn't have an effect on me. Just because the songs talk about things of that nature doesn't mean that I am going to mold my life around those things because they are talked about in the songs. If people do not like what is said then they should listen to something else like Christian contemporary or something of that sort.
Aaron Lewis
For me personally this type of music has never affected me. I never listened to rap music that uses these deraggatory terms. I think that if I did listen to I would realize the difference between an artist who has no idea what he is talking about to real life situations. I think a lot of it has to do with your upbringing as well. If your parents taught you the difference between right and wrong and talked to you abotu sex, and drugs you are more aware of what is really being talked about in these types of songs. If you don't like the music your listening to don't listen to it. There are other types of music you can listen to, such as christian music or songs that don't refer to woman as "ho's and bitches", and they are just as good. All in all I don't beleive music plays a role in a person's decisions int heir lives. I believe it can be influenced by music if they do not have the proper upbringing and knowledge of the things they are hearing.
Every time i hear something about the FCC it really has to deal with nothing good. How many times are they going to attempt to police music or other forms of media that are so called "Obscene", or not up to listner preference? From the statistics given it seems that people who listen to this music choose to listen to it. Music with lyrics that are offensive or promote these behaviors or lifestyles are already edited on most air waves. How do they intend to go farther. Break into my house and hold me at gunpoint while they go through my ipod, stereo, and cell phone, to see if i have any music with related material to what they mentioned is bad. This almost makes me mad...They want to infringe on the rights that we have to listen to what we choose. Once again we choose what we listen to. But they want to stop this because junior accidently overheard Jay-Z say **** or &*%$. Well i have something to say to them with all do respect...if Joe Nichols got tequila to make her clothes fall off, im sure as heck not complaining because he did. That girl is now running around naked and she is doing all songs that have that lyrics like hers justice. So keep fighting the good fight.
It isn't contemporary music. Music has been referring to sex and drugs and alcohol long before anymore who took part in the discussion in the MCCNM 101 class. The Doors, The Rollin' Stones, CCR, Janis Joplin, The Temptations, Elvis Presley, to name a few, are all now considered oldies but all have song lyrics that refer to either sex, drugs or alcohol. I'm 20 years old and my parents think the music I listen to is "filthy" and "they are shocked" at the lyrical content. But their parents said the same things to them when they were in their teens too. Yes, over the years the limits of exposure have lessened and the beats have changed, but the meaning of the songs haven't. "magic Carpet Ride" by Steppen Wolf, "Light My Fire" by The Doors, and "Smoke 2 Joints" by Sublime all meant the same thing but were popular 20 and 30 years apart from each other. So content hasn't changed, people's opinions have.
How do you measure if the song lyrics people listen to directly affect the problems American society has related to alcohol and drugs? It is like measuring the intangible. I feel that the reputation a song has on society can impact teenagers because it makes it feel like it is "cool" to drink and smoke like it is expressed in the song lyrics. But, can you really measure that? What one does affects everyone around them especially famous icons in society.
BY: MARIO BALINTON
I feel that the FCC should not be involved in any lyrical content. I feel that there are why worse things in lyrical content in all music such as death, suicide, and racism. Drug and alcohol references in songs are not that influential. I feel that if we as a society wanted to take a stand against up people and their exposure to drugs and alcohol we should limited in movies, books, magazine, and television. I fell that if having drug and alcohol references was that big of a problem the FCC should regulate on tobacco and alcohol advertising that we are exposed to just as much as we are in musical content.
I feel all musicians should have the freedom of speech which was guaranteed to all in this country. And having a study like this showing how much the youth is exposed to drugs and alcohol is just another example on how society and the Government like putting the blame on music and media when they are the least at fault at times, including this time.
-MARIO BALINTON
i think that an artist should sing about whatever he/she feels like. if you dont like the lyrics, then turn to the next song. nobody forced you to listen to the song. i think the media tries to put a bad role model label on all these singers and say what they dont want their kids to hear that. i feel that music is just one person telling a story and no harm is intended.
JC Urso- tth 930
im not so sure that we should be concerned about this issue because the ages that even listen to the type of music, are old enough and able to comprehend what the words to the song really mean.I also feel that the writers who write the lyrics, producers that produce the songs, and the artist that sing the songs are the ones that should be concerned!do they want to be viewd and put in an image as someone who is saying these bad words? or someone that is a smoker drug user or an alcohol consumer?..but then again they are making money?..and the title of "tequila makes her clothes fall off" i dont think listning to this song will change anything. it all depends on someones views if you dont like the words being said bottem line dont listen to it!..and keep your kids from it as well
Emily Sanchez -MCCNM101 11:00am
George Whyte
The first admendment says it all. Freedom of speech. I believe that it should be held to a limit on the radio. I don't believe alcohol is a big problem though. Where are the kids going to get it? I do have a problem with the rap songs though. They talk about hoes, killing people, and other nonsense. If kids hear that and see it on T.V. they will grow up being a thug nasty. America doees not need anymore ignorant wanna be thugs.
As far as I'm concerned, the FCC has absolutely no right to infringe on what any artist can say. An artist creates their work and gives it to the world. Who is the FCC to come and alter their work? It's as simple as this, the consumer is either buying it, or listening to it on the radio. And the last time I checked you could choose not to buy it, or you can change the radio station, simple. We are way too sensitive as a society. The artists are rapping/singing about their experiences, their are hoes, there are drugs, if you don't like it then get them off the street and force them to change what they write about it. Until then, get used to it.
Really I think lyrics are lyrics and kids are going to take that how they want. I listen to a lot of music and I would never do half the stuff these songs talk about. How does anyone really take these songs seriously because there lyrics and they sound good for that artist so really get off this subject. I'm not a perfect kid because no one is and I don't go around campus calling women "Hoes and Bitches" and i don't sing about smoking anything. This has been one of the most rediculous subject since Columbine, Emimen and Marlyin Mansion. Their lyrics have seriously made some kids do things but those kids are the ones that don't know reality from a hole in the ground so I don't know what to do about this. Songs and there lyrics are here to stay and that is how it always will be no matter what anyone is going to try to do.
The industry itself can't be blamed entirely. Doing so would just establish the music industry as a scapegoat to society wouldn't have to feel guilty. The reason these artists incorporate drugs and alcohol into their lyrics is because it sells. It sells because it is what the consumers want. Placing the industry under closer scrutiny wouldn't accomplish anything because the people will still want what the people want. The media is just making profit of that and giving the people they want.
It's alarming to hear that high number of songs that reference a substance. When I personally listen to a song most of the time the content being said just goes in and out. Not a thought of me wanting to do the drug or drink just lyrics in a song. I believe that the lyrics in a song can influence a person especially when it is being mentioned by a celebrity. But the lyrics shouldn't be censored because it is a free nation and the artists should be allowed to say and write whatever they want. The home of the free, that's the motto this nation is built on isn't it?
Joe Foley MCCNM 11:00 T-TH
I think that artists should really think about what they say. I know its reality and this stuff is happening all the time. But i feel as though most of the artists just use these references because they think it will help them sell more records. If it is an actual artistic expression then it might be somewhat okay but i dont think its necessary to have some of the lyrics that some of the artists now a days have.
For the most part if you don’t like don’t listen to it. Yes I know these songs are bad influences on kids but if you’re worried about then simple change the channel. I believe that most people are mature enough to realize that most of that stuff is to sell records it’s not how they really are living their lives. All the lyrics are to get money, do what seems cool. No one is every happy. Every generation has its complaints. Ours happens to be alcohol and when Elvis was around they complained about his sexual behavior. Either way there is no winning. There will always be someone unhappy with something and complain about it.
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