When a song is written with the primary purpose of delivering a message through lyrics, the more memorable phrases are the ones that are paired with a notable rhythm or melody. It's similar to trying to remember things in everyday activities. For example, when people try to remember a list of items they might arrange them into a rhythm or melody, allowing them to memorise the list for longer. An example of this is the melody commonly associated with the alphabet that is taught to children to help them learn it.
Significant pieces of music may also be remembered from live performances. Unique visual or musical artistic displays are effective at shocking audiences and altering their outlooks on important issues. Jimi Hendrix's rendition of "Star Spangled Banner" has no doubt stuck in the minds of his audience at Woodstock. As a culturally influential figure, he had his opportunity to portray a political message by imitating the sounds of bombs and human screams amidst a distorted American national anthem. Shocking displays of sound from a guitar coupled with his own personal experience in the military made Hendrix an ideal individual to express an important message to the public.
Jimi Hendrix - "Star Spangled Banner"
Most of the components of this song act as hooks in some way:
Tongue clicks - This sounds like a percussive extension of the drum beat. The drum beat itself is also memorable due to its repetition and simplicity. These clicks are distinctive features, meaning the song is unlikely to be confused with something else.
Pre-chorus snare and synth - The first example of this is before the first chorus towards the end of the intro. The combination of both of these at the beginning of the song establishes the rhythm that is also reiterated by the snare transitions into the verses.
"Snooooooop" - This vocal line and the synth line are the two main melodic factors of this song. Neither of them are at all complex which means they are much easier to remember.
"Drop it like it's hot" - This line is sung three times consecutively every time it appears in the song. Using the most memorable hook as the name of the song is common amongst pop music. If someone hears the name they are likely to think of the hook and are more likely to want to listen to it. This must be useful for record companies making sales if the consumers knows exactly what song title they're looking for.
The rhythm of Snoop Dogg's lyric preceding "drop it like it's hot" could also be considered a hook because it acts like a call and response. The preceding phrase sets up the line "drop it like it's hot" to give it a stronger impact.
Snoop Dogg - "Drop It Like It's Hot (ft. Pharrell Williams)"
I often enjoy music without concentrating on the lyrics and instead focus on the rhythmic and melodic aspects of vocals. I regard them as separate instruments that add texture to a song. When I do listen to the lyrics however, the messages within them definitely seem more powerful when accompanied by music.
Since music was realised as a successful way for communicating political messages, numerous artists have adopted it to get their views across. Whilst most mainstream pop composers have studied their audience and remain focused on issues such as love and relationships, other artists aim to inform and influence people on world problems.
Akala's lyrics in "West End Story" by Dub Pistols on the "Worshipping The Dollar" album convey many political messages:
"The robber is honoured. The kids are cannon fodder. There is no flag that's large enough to wrap around the horror." - This is potentially one of the most compelling lines and is therefore repeated at intervals throughout the song. Akala is implying that patriotism is too commonly and successfully used as an excuse to justify the abhorrent greed of politicians. Metaphors are common amongst music and poetry because they have a stronger impact than just stating an opinion directly and are therefore more likely to influence a reaction.
"I'm as lost as you; as confused and abused. So please don't put me on any kind of pedestals" - There is a recurrent misconception in modern society that popular musicians and celebrities should be deemed more important than other people. Akala isn't directly addressing this mindset but he is suggesting that anybody has equal potential to persuade others; even if they don't have a tool as powerful as music to do so.
"Most of humanity lives in abject poverty by design. Is that not insanity?" - Directing a question towards the listener is a powerful technique used in lyrics and other forms of public speaking. Questions usually require a response so it's instinctive to form an opinion after hearing one.
Dub Pistols - "West End Story (ft. Akala)"
Ambiguous lyrics are often misinterpreted by the public, which has led to controversy in the past. The Beatles' 1967 album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" contains many potential references to drug use that consequently led to many of the songs being banned from commercial radio. Both Lennon and McCartney have denied any relations between the lyrics and drugs however some may find it hard to believe taking into account the drug culture at the time.
The lyrics in "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" are still speculated to this day. The initials of the title being "LSD" and the powerful imagery portrayed lead people to believe that the song is about an acid trip. Lines such as "climb in the back with your head in the clouds and you're gone" make it seem highly likely that the song is about drugs. However, there are many notable theories that suggest otherwise. One of these being that Lennon's son, Julian, drew a picture that inspired him to write the song. Either way, Lennon must have known how the public would perceive the song once it was released. He could've been influencing and embracing the drug culture whilst at the same time protecting his position as a pop artist by denying promotion of an illegal activity. A similar situation involves an interview with David Gilmour, where he states that Pink Floyd are not a drug orientated group whilst trying to keep a straight face.
Gilmour possibly felt threatened by the media branding his music as drug related at a time when drugs were prolific. If Pink Floyd were considered to be drug users then their record label may not have wanted any relation with them in fear of controversy. Lennon may have had a similar experience by disguising his drug references with plausible explanations.
The Beatles - "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds"
Not only do artists write lyrics to influence political debates but they often write about their own experiences. Marcia Richard's lyrics in "Roanna's Song" by The Skints contain examples of social, political and personal problems. She has dedicated this song and the subsequent album to her sister, Roanna, who died in 2005.
"I only dream nightmares. Why would I want to go there? Why would I want to see your pretty face right on the road there?" - I assume these lyrics depict the scene of her sister's death and if so, Marcia is sharing her most personal issues with her audience. Lyrics can be used to establish an emotional connection between artists and their audiences and this song achieves that, whilst portraying a political message as well.
"I don't care where there's oil, who's your god. Nothing is right about war." - The hook in the chorus doesn't contain any deep metaphors but instead conveys an opinion most likely shared by the audience. This suggests that the band may not be expecting a response but instead they are letting their audience know that they aren't alone with their mindset.
The verses are sung rapidly with overcrowded messages about modern day issues. I am unsure whether or not this was Marcia's original intention but it seems as if she sings the verse this way to represent the extreme number of world problems that often seem too much to think about as well as personal problems.
The Skints - "Roanna's Song (Live)"
Art is something that audiences can connect with emotionally. Music is an effective way of spreading a message because it almost guarantees listeners depending on how it is dispersed amongst the public. If significant positive changes are to be made in the world then music, along with other art forms, has the potential to suggest new ways of thinking. There are styles of music for every demographic and so many songs within these numerous styles now refer to political and social issues; they have and will continue to change people's perspectives. With the rapid rise of technology it has become simple to spread any form of art universally. This means that those who aim to write more thought provoking lyrics than Snoop Dogg can easily be heard.
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