The dawning of music that spoke a message. Music that had a justice thought behind it, or even if it seemed silly, hinted at a quiet protest. We might think that music is from the late 50s through the 60s, as the dawn of a genre, but it actually is eternal... music has always been a way to pour out a song of protest or a message of justice. The psalms ring true of such messages over and over again. Words of protest and justice.
"Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help."
"Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob...who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free"
Folk music and rock and roll have their roots in young rebellion. Folk music is the music of the working class, told in oral histories, stories about the struggles of everyday people trying to make it in the world. Woody Guthrie's music is indicative of this genre's message... bluegrass music also fits into the same mold... the message of the struggle of the working class.
Rock-n-roll music is a complicated genre with a complicated history. The combination of many kinds of music, mostly rhythm and blues and country; the blend of music that appealed to both African-Americans and Caucasians created the tension and sway that led to at least a part of the Civil Rights movement. The appeal to the younger generation had a way of creating music that had a touch of rebellion in the early years of 'rockabilly' and 'doowop' that became blatantly obvious in the Vietnam era of the late 60s to early 70s.
How do we look at both of these genres and see how they gave generations of young people a sort of permission to cross the line and challenge the established order? What parallels do they share with the music of the psalms?
Thoughts? Memories of your favorite folk or rock-n-roll songs and how they impacted your life? Email me or comment below.
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