Did I Just Hear What I Think I Heard?
Megan Thuy | Jan 25, 2010 | Comments 10
Too often, I find myself in the following situation: I’m in the passenger seat of my best friend’s car. Every seat is filled with an energetic teenager, over-the-top with excitement, ready for an adventure. The radio is on, adding to the noise in the car. Then, a new song comes on by someone’s favorite artist. “Turn it up! This is (whoever’s) new song!” someone yells. Everyone begins moving to the beat, not paying attention to the words in the song, just the catchy melody and understandable phrases in the chorus. I go home and purchase that song on iTunes, ready to put it on repeat. Then suddenly, I am completely turned off by what I am hearing. My ears find disgusting and vulgar ideas within this previously attractive song. Many times, I let it slide. Sometimes, I’m so disgusted that I turn the song off thinking, “This was on the radio? What is this world coming to?” Perhaps I’m just old fashioned, but honestly, why are these words on the radio for all to hear, and why do people actually enjoy listening?
Once upon a time in a far away land, there was a band called the Beatles. They wrote a song called “I Want to Hold Your Hand”. This little ditty became the British band’s first number-one hit, and began the British invasion in America. The only physical contact it alluded to was hand-holding. Not to be an extremist, but what happened to those days? Do artists really believe that the only way to make a song great is to wrap it up in sexual innuendos and degrading lyrics? Obviously, they do, because people seem to be buying the songs. In our age, what we listen to on the radio is what we want to listen to. Most radio stations play songs that people request. So why are people’s standards so low?
As listeners, we have the power over what streams through the radio waves. Too often, people don’t take advantage of this power! I’ve been in the car countless times when either I or someone else has turned to every possible station and said, “Nothing good is ever on the radio.” I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s because we don’t do anything about it. We can call the radio stations to request songs that we want to hear.
So ladies and gentlemen, I want to encourage you to do two things. One, be a critic of the music you listen to and have standards. That’s not to say you should just listen to Radio Disney for the rest of your life, but know your limits, and be conscious of what is going into your ears. Secondly, realize that the music industry is by the people and for the people. It’s there to serve you. Take advantage of that supremacy and always feel free to call your radio station to request songs or to complain about overplayed songs. Let’s make a difference. I’ll be listening.
Popularity: 8% [?]
You are so right. The same thing has happened to me too. Garbage in, garbage out! Wield your power and make a change!
Meg Thuy, so proud of you and the way you articulate what’s in your heart through your writing. I really enjoy reading your posts! Great work!
Megan: I am so proud of you for taking such a stand. Too many use the excuse, “I don’t really listen to the lyrics, I just like the beat”. What they don’t realize is that the lyrics are going into their head and are swimming around in there–whether they like it or not. Good job, Megan. Stand up and be counted and don’t ever be afraid to make a statement!
What a wonderful, charismatic young lady this is. She writes with a great deal of poise and understanding. Her dreams are great and she could fulfill any one of them. Only the best for her!!!
Megan, you are so right on! I am so very
proud of the Godly, young woman you are.
Speak boldly, do not fear. You will go far. Love Grandma Tam
Excellent post and well said. Thank you for reminding us that we do have the power to make the difference and we do have the time to do what it takes to make a positive change. Well done, Megan!
Great job Megan! I wish more young people thought like you and then maybe we would hear less of the trash that’s playing on the airwaves. We are all so proud of you!
Megan,
You are a terrific writer/blogger, and obviously very passionate regarding this subject… wonderful job!
Wonderful article!!! I’ve felt the same for years! One person can make a difference!
Keep up the great work.
As a parent, I’ve been unsure what to do on this topic. A couple decades ago, yes — we had vulgar stuff too — 2 Live Crew, etc., but I would NEVER have listened to that in the car with my parents — not even the “mild” stuff, like some of AC/DC’s and Prince’s songs.
Nowadays I am in the car and my teen step-daughter is singing along, knowing full well that we both know the not-so-hidden meanings of the lyrics (e.g., “candy shop”)
When I’ve had enough, I ask her to change the station — but it seems to not bother her that doing so makes me uncomfortable. Establishing her independence, I guess — but sure causes for some awkwardness moments.