Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once penned: "Music is the universal language of mankind -- poetry their universal pastime and delight."
Many of us have fond memories when it comes to lyrics we identify with in songs sung by the likes of Bob Marley, Guns N' Roses, Led Zeppelin, Rage Against the Machine, Pink Floyd and so forth. How is it that a John Lennon or Marvin Gaye song has everlasting global and sustaining reach when they sing of peace or war?
Why is a lyricist/musician more influential than a political pundit? People remember songs more so than a political column.
Political pundits and writers seem to be losing their edge these days, and the columns and opinions they write seem to be worth their salt for only a day or two. The goal is to keep the masses more informed about our surroundings and the direction of our nation, but pundit writers are having a difficult time with making politics sexy and/or because of their negative non-addicting views. Mundane topics equate to loss of interest which leads to a lack of knowledge.
More importantly, mere political pundits forget the "unity" message when they increase divisiveness in our "United" States. Many of them add fuel to the fire when stubborn lines are drawn between Democrats and Republicans. Shouldn't resolutions be based on issues -- not necessarily the team you are on when toeing the party line? Shouldn't the United States in essence be one big team?
As a former hardcore political activist searching high and low for penetrating messages that will leave a long-lasting impression within people's minds, I have come to the absolute conclusion that musicians and great writers are the ones who come up with memorably coined phrases and quotes leaving a lasting global ripple effect. I believe words should be like a type of hot branding iron being seared onto leather. Writers want our words to be branded and forever remembered in the minds of people.
Dopamine is an addicting feel-good chemical, and according to researchers reported in the journal Nature Neuroscience, our brains can pump out dopamine both during the phase of musical anticipation and at the moment when chills hit in full force. And since people love music, I believe there is a need for more positive political expression by way of music right now in an effort to tap into the masses, increasing knowledge and good energy.
Some of the most brilliant minds in history have relied on soothing music as a venue to open up creative ideas, or to simply be soothed and relaxed during times of trials and tribulations.
During my teens I learned how King Saul tapped into music, in order to be soothed and for negative energy to flee him.
1 Samuel 16:23 states: "So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well... "
It doesn't surprise me to learn King David (in essence) sold millions of copies of his lyrics in print, and performances of his work all over the world earning him the title of the best-selling musician of all time. Books and literary works continue to be sold referencing the Song of Psalms, not to mention the countless musicians who have created music based on his lyrical expression. King David poured out his soul, his love and agony -- offering the sweetest poetry of Israel.
Does anyone remember what Jane Fonda said when she spoke against war? Yet everyone seems to remember John Lennon's message about peace. Music taps into emotions of the human spirit and it also connects it to a memory.
The world is ready for new and emerging talented lyricists and musicians who are able to express ideas that embrace love, life, and positive political messages. Musicians who have a sincere concern for the direction of our nation ought to rise up -- because the time is now for their message to be received by others in the most memorable medium possible.
They say Spanish is the language of love and it is wonderful to hear the fusion of English and Spanish music challenging hate and bigotry.