The impact of music on society can be traced back to the dawn of humanity, whether it takes the form of crafted instruments or the sounds of nature itself. You might wake to the melodious singing of birds in the early morning, or, if you live near the ocean, the rhythmic crash of waves. From the moment we’re born, we’re surrounded by music. Even a newborn baby’s cry can sound like a beautiful song to a parent.
When you receive your degree, dancing with your parents without any instrumental music or a DJ creates a proud and memorable moment for both you and them. Similarly, when you propose to your crush and they say a big ‘YES,’ the sudden rise in your heartbeat feels like a beautiful melody.
Music is a constant presence in our lives, taking many forms and exerting a powerful influence on us, both positive and negative. Without it, our lives could become dull and repetitive, a monotonous existence akin to that of robots. Music matters more than you think!
Music has been important to people since the beginning of civilization. It has changed and grown with us, reflecting what we like at different times. Music includes everything from classic pieces that have been loved for years to the exciting beats of modern rock music.
Music is more than just something we enjoy – it’s a powerful tool that reveals the heart of a community. Like movies, music doesn’t just show us the issues, it can also offer insights and inspire change. With its impactful words and rhythms, music can bring people together and make a difference.
Music has some special ingredients that make it unforgettable – meaningful words, catchy melodies, a great theme and a beautiful voice. When these elements come together, they create a perfect song that stays with us for years to come. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of those iconic soundtracks that still resonate in our hearts and minds –
These hits are not just songs; they’re cultural touchstones that have left a lasting impact on society. Even after years, their melodies and messages continue to resonate with us.
Music can profoundly affect our brains, both positive and negative. For example, a rousing war anthem can inspire courage and unity in soldiers, while a rebellious song can spark social change or even unrest.
Music isn’t just about sounds; it’s about stories. Songs can transport us to different times and places, and their messages can be understood by people from all walks of life. Music has a special way of bringing us together, creating a sense of community and belonging. Whether we’re singing along with thousands of others at a music festival or humming a favourite tune to ourselves, music makes us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves.
Music from different parts of the world reflects the unique identity of each place. For example, when you hear classical music with instruments like the tabla, harmonium, sitar, and dholak, it instantly takes you to India with its rich and unique sounds. Similarly, Buddhist chanting brings to mind the spiritual traditions of East Asian countries.
But music can also bridge borders and unite us across the globe! Take Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, who revolutionized the music scene in the 90s. His impact on Hip Hop culture was felt far beyond America, inspiring a global movement that transformed the music landscape. For many fans, music is a universal language that speaks directly to the heart. It becomes a part of who they are, a soundtrack to their lives that evokes emotions, memories, and a sense of belonging.
Music is a huge part of celebrations and worship around the world! In India, for example, the Sehnai (a type of flute) is a staple at weddings, both in the North and South. Recently, the wedding of Mukesh Ambani’s son, who is Asia’s richest person, perfectly blended music and celebration. Similarly, in Europe and America, music is often woven into rituals and contemporary practices. Nowadays, music has evolved from ancient classical styles to modern contemporary sounds, changing how people experience and enjoy it.
Related Post: Why Music Matters More Than You Think
Hip-hop, a cultural movement born in the Bronx, New York City, in the 1970s, is a prime example of music’s influence on society and culture. Hip-hop gave a platform to young Black and Latino communities which allowed them to share their experiences, frustrations, and aspirations. Hip-hop culture revolutionized fashion, introducing styles like baggy jeans, sneakers, and oversized clothing.
Similarly, The Beatles, a British rock band from Liverpool, are perhaps one of the most influential musical acts in history. The Beatles emerged in the early 1960s amidst a backdrop of social change. Their music, with its catchy melodies and innovative sound, resonated with young people who were challenging traditional norms.
The Beatles became icons of youth culture, inspiring a generation to question authority, embrace individuality, and pursue their dreams. Their hairstyles, fashion, and lifestyle became synonymous with the rebellious spirit of the 1960s. The Beatles pushed the boundaries of music, experimenting with studio techniques and introducing innovative songwriting. Their albums, such as “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” were groundbreaking and influenced countless artists.
Music is my go-to therapy! I’m all about exploring different genres, but when I’m feeling drained, Bhajans are my jam. As a Shaivite, there’s something about listening to ‘OM NAMAH SHIVAY!’ on repeat or chanting the Maha Mritunjaya Jap that just soothes my soul. It’s like the ultimate stress reliever and problem-solver – my mind, body, and spirit all thank me!
As I said, music has changed a lot over time, just like everything else. It’s gone from classical music to what we hear today. But, let’s be real – some of the music out there today can be pretty concerning. It feels like we’ve shifted from meaningful lyrics to explicit ones that glorify violence, and that’s affecting our youth. Some songs are just too loud and intense, and people worry they’re making young people more aggressive and rebellious. And have you seen some music videos lately?
They’re filled with famous singers using drugs, guns, and weapons – it’s like they’re making violence and substance abuse look cool! That’s a pretty scary influence on kids if you ask me.
Today’s kids are also copying and chanting songs that promote this kind of vulgarity because these negative things easily get into their subconscious. Parents are worried that kids might pick up bad words or ideas from some songs. The thing is, music is so much more memorable than movies – it’s short, catchy, and easy to recall.
Recently, I saw my neighbour’s child murmuring something. When I got closer, I realized he was learning the hook line of a song that seemed to be about physical abuse and body shaming. I can’t reveal the name of the song due to legal issues, but he’s just 7 years old and was memorizing it without knowing what it meant.
I became really concerned about that incident because while it might seem fun and creative for parents to see their child so active at a young age, these things can have a big impact on a child’s subconscious in the future.
The thing is, music is everywhere and always accessible – we can listen to our favorite songs on repeat all day, every day, without even needing a screen. Whether we’re driving, relaxing, showering, or eating, music is always there. So, we need to be very conscious of what we’re listening to and what our children are listening to.
However, it’s important to remember that music can also be fun and creative. It can help young people express themselves and find friends who share their tastes. We have to constantly monitor our kids and talk to them about the music they listen to. So that we can help them to understand the messages in the songs and avoid them from vulgarity and aggression.
Music is the silent companion that walks with us through life’s joys and struggles, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.
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Love this reminder that music matters more than we think. And your list of timeless tunes is so good. Thank you, Deepak!
Thank you for your appreciation Wynne, Yes music is more than what we think. It is very impactful to society.
Music makes the world go round and makes it smaller like your profound post. Soooo true and love every wor\d❣️
Thank you for your appreciation 😊
Thank you. An insightful comment.
Indeed Music can profoundly affect our world and I appreciate your wide choice of Music that did that very thing.
I know too graphically how much this music influenced my life in the 1960.'s. Where once purity and innocence were what children grew up with. The dawning of the Age of Aquarius a Beatles hit brought a new age of seeking the occult and freedom in sexual behaviour which continues to this day. Beautiful music inspires for 'better' but many pop and protest songs have and still do impact our young ones in the wrong direction from a worthy and non-polluted pure life.
Thank you Faye for your appreciation. Indeed music has changed so much today, pop music , rap culture, body shaming , vulgarity has been stuck in the mind of youngters. We hope for a better tomorrow and search for better music.
Well, Faye, your picture of the fifties does hang together ~ just so long as the folks in it are Caucasian, conventionally inclined, of or above the now vanishing middle class and, overwhelmingly, male. ... Unless you personally enjoy the verbal insinuations of genetic stupidity and physically casual intimate touch routinely meted out to women in that day. Neither would I use the word "innocent" nor "pure" to express the then-life experiences of any individual even slightly dusky of epidermal pigmentation.
As someone who lives for music, I loved this post!
I always enjoy reading other people's perspectives on music and learning what they like to listen to.
My husband and I keep a radio station in our kitchen and just recently switched stations. We went from one freeform, non-commercial station (that I've been listening to since the 1980s) to one he found that's been around since 1999 and we just discovered it. We enjoy it so much better because even though I did have my favorite deejays on the other station, there were quite a few deejays that were annoying and depressing -- plus a 3-hour reggae show every single Sunday morning was getting redundant.
We're loving the "new" station we found because like the other one, there's a great mix of music, but on the whole it's more upbeat, more fresh, and therefore more enjoyable.
It's amazing to see your's love for music and passion for it. I hope you and your husband will have a good time with music in future. Best wishes!!
Of course! We'll be music fans until we die.
Cheers from USA!
Music is a universal language of the soul that is capable of awakening unique emotions, sensations and memories. The music can be from any culture or country and in any language; but, even so, it is capable of making us happy or sad or making us cry or dance.
Manuel from Chile
Indeed, Music is a universal language, it makes us happy or sad. Music has changed a lot over the past decades but still there are lot of new music coming which reminds us about the vintage time.
That's right. The years don't pass in vain. Have a good night
What a fascinating article! It's amazing how music can touch so many aspects of society, from personal expression to large-scale cultural influence. I completely agree that songs like "Imagine" by John Lennon and "I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy exemplify the power of music to inspire and unite people. Music, with its messages, rhythms, and melodies, truly has the unique ability to shape our emotions and provoke significant changes.
Indeed, Music has the ability to shape the human personality as well as its nature. Thank you for your appreciation 😊
Tamiris, both you and Deepak would probably get a lot out of a book by David Tame, titled "The Secret Power of Music."
It covers music's personal and political effects planetwide since just about what we know as the dawn of time, and though a very scholarly work it does not neglect the spiritual, either.
I hope we do not fall into the too-common error of equating the liberating dance music and lyrics of the American sixties with some of the more modern and more urban beats ~ they are in my mind and my experienxe very different animals.
Thank you so much for recommending David Tame's book "The Secret Power of Music." It sounds like a fascinating and comprehensive read on the effects of music throughout history. I'm eager to explore it and gain a deeper understanding of these personal and political influences.
I agree with you that the music of the 60s has a unique liberating energy that differs from modern urban beats. Each musical era has its own distinct impact and characteristics, and it's interesting to reflect on these differences and how they shape our experiences and emotions.
Thanks again for the tip and for sharing your enriching perspective!
Each indeed has its own impact ~ all of them useful in some way! If you'd like something much briefer as intro to the book you might ask my search bar for "Every One a Healer Be."
Nice communing with you!
Thank you, Ana! I'll definitely check out "Every One a Healer Be" as an introduction. It's been great discussing the power and impact of music with you. Looking forward to learning more and sharing insights.
👍
Thanks for the book recommendation! I'm sure Tamiris and I would love it. You make a great point about not equating the music of the 60s with modern urban beats - each has its own unique energy and impact.
👍
Depak, I thoroughly enjoyed this post! "Imagine" is one of my all-time favorites. "Heal the World" seems like it was written today.
I agree with your warning to parents about what music their children are listening to. There are some very negative messages out there. For younger children, more appropriate choices can made. For older children, I think it is counter- productive, and probably impossible, to control what they hear, but the materials can be discussed and guidance provided.
Thank you for your appreciation Cheryl, today's music has some lags like their vulgar lyricist and aggressiveness which attracts children much also impacts them. The music of your time is evergreen, can't be neglected and that old music still inspires us.
I've got a personal story to share - growing up, my grandma would play classic Norwegian music songs during family gatherings, and it always brought us closer together. To this day, those melodies transport me back to those warm moments. I love how you've mixed and matched examples from different genres and eras to show that music is a universal language.
I am happy to see that you love this post. Yes, music helps us to gather memories when we become sad it helps us to revive and when we are happy it makes us more joyful. Thank you for your appreciation 😊
Speaking of which, have you ever listened to any Norwegian folk music? It's so hauntingly beautiful and evocative - I think you might really enjoy it.
Thank you Renan, I haven't listened to Norwegian folk music but I would love to hear it. 😊
You should totally check out some traditional artists like Knut Buen, Agnes Buen Garnås, or Kari Bremnes. You may have also heard of Sissel Kyrkjebø, she was the angelic voice behind the Titanic movie soundtrack (Hymn to the Sea). Or if you want something more modern, try Wardruna (their music is featured in the Vikings TV series) or Aurora (her voice is ethereal). Let me know what you think! 😊
Yes, I'm already a fan of Aurora and Sissel - 'All Good Things' is actually on my playlist. Her voice is truly angelic, I completely agree. I've had 'Hymn to the Sea' from the Titanic soundtrack on repeat many times, it's so hauntingly beautiful. I'll definitely check out the other artists you mentioned. Thanks for introducing me to more Norwegian folk goodness.
Aww, that's amazing! I'm so glad to find a fellow fan of Aurora and Sissel. Their voices are indeed ethereal. 'Hymn to the Sea' is a classic - it never fails to give me chills. I think you'll really enjoy the other artists I mentioned. They have a similar atmospheric and emotive quality to their music.
Thank you so much, there voices are truly otherworldly. 'Hymn to the Sea' is a masterpiece. I'm really looking forward to exploring the other artists you mentioned, I'm always on the lookout for music that can transport me to another world.
I can remember all the way back to the Sinatra song ~ and, yes, it had a huge effect on me!
I truly enjoyed your beautiful post! Music is a universal language🎶
Your list of great songs is wonderful
Thank you luisa for your appreciation 😊
You're most welcome!
Music makes the world a better place, and it has the power to bring people together! ❤️ Great tunes! 🎼
Well said music has power to bring people together from all over the world. Thank you for stopping by.
Great post! Interesting list of songs, too. I'm going to listen to the soldier's song because I've never heard that before.
I have several friends, including my husband, who say they would rather be blind than be deaf, because they could not live without music. That's dedication! lol
That's weird, btw. I'm logged in under my usual information (selizabryan) but it came up as anonymous. Hmmm........!
It is completely okay Seliza. It happens sometimes due to technical glitch.
Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the post and the song list. 'The Soldier's Song' is definitely a powerful and moving piece - I hope you find it resonates with you. And I completely agree with your friends and husband, music is such a huge part of our lives and identities. Being able to experience and enjoy music is truly a gift, and it's amazing how much joy and comfort it can bring.
Really great post. I think music is therapy for many. It helps us express ourselves and defines every generations priorities.
Thank you Pooja, I'm glad that you love the post.
My pleasure.
Music is a universal language. It goes beyond boundaries, including political cultures, and the list goes on.
Thanks for sharing this article.
Music is what remains when you find one for you. Great post.
I am glad you love the post.
Thank you 🙏
My pleasure :)