Art is a medium to express oneself, but it can also be used to communicate. As such, certain songs can teach us about history and open up important conversations. Below are four songs that can teach you about history.
1. Tupelo blues by John Lee Hooker link
When writing what does it mean to be an American essay, patriotic songs like “Tupelo blues” by John Lee Hooker can help you find inspiration. This song was written in 1959 and was an instant hit due to its meaningful lyrics and references to American history. One verse states that:
“Did ya read about the flood?
Happened long time ago
In Tupelo, Mississippi
There were thousands o' lives
Destroyed”
This song acknowledges the environmental disaster that was the Great Flood of Mississippi, and can help you gain insights into the loss of money, lives, and property and how it affected the region.
2. Remember by John Lennon link
Another song that could help you learn more about history is “Remember” by John Lennon, which was released in 1970. The outro lyrics are:
‘No, no, remember, remember
The fifth of November.”
It alludes to Guy Fawkes night when the attempt to assassinate King James 1 was foiled. Since then, the British have celebrated this day by burning effigies of Guy Fawkes. This song can help you gain an understanding of the British monarchy, their past, and how British people’s opinion of them.
3. Don’t Drink The Water by the Dave Matthews band link
Our third pick is “Don’t Drink The Water” by the Dave Matthews band, which was released in 1998.The last verse of the song says:
“Cause you're all dead now
I live with my justice
I live with my greedy need
I live with no mercy
I live with my frenzied feeding
I live with my hatred
I live with my jealousy
I live with the notion
That I don't need anyone but me
Don't drink the water
There's blood in the water.”
These lyrics refer to the European invasion of American land. It is a metaphor for the violence and bloodshed that affected the native population as well as the European’s entitlement over the native peoples land.
4. Headless Cross by Black Sabbath link
Our fourth example is the song “Headless Cross” by the band Black Sabbath, released from an album of the same name in 1989. It’s about a woman living in 16th Century England during the witch trials and her subsequent accusation and sentencing as a witch. The chorus lyrics are:
“Listen for the feet as they pound the land to a tune of thunder
Watch as the legions ride again to a fate of death or torture
At the headless cross
At the headless cross.”
These lyrics tell a story about how society reacted to suspected witches and their terrible fate. It can help open up a discussion on the effect of religious hysteria in the past and how it affected innocent women.
As you can see, songs are a fun way to learn more about historic events. You can find many other songs fall into this category, and their catchy melodies will help you learn more.
