Impact of Music Lyrics and Music Videos - Essay Example

Even if he/she is unaware of the title of the track, he/she can enjoy the piece of music again if he/she remembers the vocal text in that music. Text in music, however, tends to be used both positively and negatively. Recent issues have developed regarding the use of sexually explicit, vulgar lyrics in rock music that depict the youth culture surrounding the use of drugs, violence, and sex (Hoga and Bar-on 1996). Research shows that the use of such text has created powerful impressions on the minds of adolescents who devote an estimated 40 hours per week to such music, leading to problems such as teenage pregnancy, AIDS, suicide, and homicide (Hoga and Bar-on 1996).

To conclude, lyrics are to music what soul is to a human body. Good text is perhaps, the most artistic aspect of music as well. They help in establishing a relationship between the music and a person’s life and help in categorizing the piece of music as sad, romantic, or upbeat. The text helps in creating music with greater depth; that is, listeners most often appreciate meaningful music, and that ‘meaning’ is denoted by the lyrics. Good text often translates to an artist’s perpetual success. Consider the example of the band ‘Journey’ and its composition “Don’t stop believing”.

The song was a success in the pop genre and continues to enjoy thousands of fans to date. On the contrary, artists who stick to instrumental music often find their success fleeing the end of their respective eras.