The artist and the songs that land in The American Top Forty can be recognized by almost everyone from their teens to their older years. These artists’s are publicized through television shows, news and radio stations, such as WNCI. The lyrics in the music and the way an artist presents his or herself dramatically affects the way the American society behaves. Even though this not the only way to explain our culture, it gives people assurance that the events that they partake in and their beliefs are safe and acceptable. Many artists that appear on the charts are similar and have a negative influence on our society; however, there are a few exceptions.
Every artist has their own personality but some of the recent artists have presented themselves in a fashion that is unnecessary and disruptive to many audiences. Why does Lady Gaga think it is appropriate to wear an outfit made out of “real meat” to the Video Music Awards? Even though Gaga says that she is acting her real self, according to her interview on the television show 60 Minutes, it teaches young audiences that it is acceptable. She also reveals that she is a drug addict and ingests illegal drugs when she is writing music (You would have to be able to come up with the lyrics she does). Ke$ha’s outrageous and revealing outfit at the 2011 Times Square ball drop should not be viewable by adolescent audiences. Even though celebrates are able to get away with outrageous activity, such as taking illegal drugs and looking slutty in front of audiences, it does not mean it is appropriate for the people in our society.
Many of the songs that appear on the Top Forty have a negative influence on our traditional American society. The song “Tonight” by Enrique Iglesias, which is currently number two on the charts, contains lyrics that effects our society but making teens think that sexual acts are safe and acceptable. The song portrays having getting to know and love someone for one night. It uses lyrics like “Tonight I’m loving you,” to show the singers one time love for someone. The same implications can be found in the lyrics of Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream”. Since more teen are experimenting with sexual behaviors and teen pregnancies are rising dramatically, parents need to caution their children about such activity. Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” has a very catchy beat however; it contains lyrics that have a negative impact on our culture. In the song, she mentions that it does not matter if you are transgender, lesbian, or bisexual. This is unacceptable because our generation and generations before us were typically taught to have heterosexual relationships. Besides, in the early to mid 1900s, the word “gay” meant happy. These sexualities are becoming more popular and some of the artists in the top forty think this is permissible.
There are very few songs that appear in the American Top Forty that have positive themes. “Marry Me”, by Train, which is currently number 37 in The American Top Forty, is one of these exceptions. The song implies a long and committing relationship. Our society needs positive songs to help reshape our culture and bring it back to the traditional roots. The meaning of love can change dramatically depending on the way the artists present their lyrics.
There are many relationships between the songs on the top forty. I noticed by looking at the charts that many of the songs have negative themes. “Back To December” by Taylor Swift and “Grenade” by Bruno Mars are both top forty songs that are heartbreaking. The lyrics in these songs range from being turned down in a relationship to having bad experiences. Why are why so drawn to these depressing songs? People can relate and fall back on the songs to make their situation seem normal even though it is unhealthy and life threatening to be depressed.
As our society changes, people gain confidence in knowing that the inappropriate and non-traditional acts are acceptable based on the songs in the American Top Forty. Artists never used to present themselves in scandalous cloths or in some cases nothing, to audiences around the world. Why do you think this is acceptable for your children to see? We need to be looking up to the songs that have a positive image about life and instill the traditional values that we have been taught for many years. If I ever become an artist, you certainly won’t be seeing me arriving at the Grammy’s in scandalous cloths or in a gigantic egg.
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