Hailee Wheat, School Events Editor
Connections formed amid a musical artist to a fan. Words exchanged between the song lyrics to the ears of the listener. Meaningful messages filled with passion or a beat to hype people up.
What are Rancho Cucamonga High School students listening to?
Most would describe music as a considerable part of their interests; It helps us get through difficult times and is there when we need it the most. It pumps us up and lets us kickback.
From artists like Kanye West to Queen, there is something for everyone to feel connected to. Spiritual attachments and undefinable connections are all a part of exploring a melody, but do people listen to the words of the songs they play on repeat?
Lyrics can sometimes make or break a song. With many different genres, there are a variety of different topics in songs. These different compositions vary from describing a rich lifestyle to outlining the artist’s political views.
Although it can seem like a tricky subject, many artists use their platform and large fanbase to spread awareness or allude to social movements.
This makes it easy for them to influence their listeners, or at least let them see through their perspective.
For example, Mackelmore’s “Same Love” supports LGBTQ+ rights and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” describes the Vietnam War.
Rancho Cucamonga High School senior, Cosette Cornejo added her view on political lyrics, “It does interest me when artists talk about politics and their personal life in their music because it humanizes them more – Politics even more so because you can see who you really share morals with.”
In addition to commenting on controversial topics, lyrics also can provide inspiring quotes or motivation to brighten up the listener’s mood. Many people can refer to their favorite songs to instantly feel better despite their current situation.
When asked about his favorite lyrics Jonathan Aubrey, Rancho Cucamonga High School senior and choir singer, gave an example from the song, “Happy/Sad” by Nathan Lane: “Life is full of contradictions every inch a mile and the moment we start weeping, that’s when we should smile.” Aubrey explained why he chose the quote, “It shows how we should persevere through thick and thin.”
Not only is the message important when listening to music, but being able to identify yourself with the song itself gives the melody a bigger purpose.
After being asked how fundamental the quality of the lyrics are and how relatability enhances a song, SoundCloud rapper and Rancho Cucamonga High School junior, Devin Brown stated, “Good lyrics portray a good song, therefore, it is a big proponent of my music taste. Lyrics [have] changed my relationship with a song in multiple ways, especially if it relates to a current situation.”
By establishing a connection between the listener and the artist, lyrics enable the meaning of the song to travel past the ears to the heart.
From being relatable to influential, lyrics can play a vital part in the quality of a song. By artists putting devotion and thought into their work, they encourage us to learn more about ourselves and the world around us.
The Cat's Eye 