As the last Grammy after-party wraps up and the world’s biggest music awards are over for another year, it seems fitting to talk about something that’s been on my mind for a while… what on earth are we listening to?
As a baby, Tyson was one of those little cherubs who didn’t fancy night time sleep. Someone suggested I try playing classical music at bedtime. I’m convinced this was more for my benefit than his – turned up to full volume, it drowned out his screaming as I rocked him to sleep.
More recently, I’ve caught myself… and Tyson, singing along to the catchy tune and lyrics of Rob Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines,’ so of course, I was horrified to find out, via an article on Mamamia that’s it’s an unashamed celebration of rape!
A while ago, a mum told me she overheard her 8 year old son singing along to a song on his iPod. She froze in place when he belted out ‘Shush girl, shut your lips. Do the Helen Keller and talk with your hips.’
‘Ah, do you know who Helen Keller was?’ She asked, trying not to sound mortified. ‘No mum, it’s just a song.’ He replied casually.
Ummm, excuse me? So, I’m expected to believe that a 30 second radio commercial will convince me to buy hardware but a 3 minute song will have no impact whatsoever?
The research is clear, words are powerful and sung words are even more powerful than spoken words.
Words can change a culture. Change a point of view. Change a life. Words have incredible power and should never be taken lightly. Especially when our kids are listening.
I’m so grateful to have a radio station in my community who’s taken a stand against lyrics that degrade women. A radio station that’s safe to have on with the kids around. That plays music we can sing along to and not be afraid I’ll find out later the content is questionable. If you’d like to find a radio station like that, here’s a list…
I love the way this video shows the power of words in such a positive way…