The Influence of War on Music

War is perceived by government as a means of solution between opposing nations. Since differences of opinion cause war, of course there will be differing opinions about war. A person in a country, whether directly or indirectly involved, must adept their ways of life according to the war. This could mean adapting to meet the needs of the government in favor of the war, or adapting in a way against the war; devoting their energy in attempt to end it.

In America especially, the people use the arts to express their ideas. The most prevalent art form used in uniting masses and speaking out is music. Popular music is usually a direct reflection of the general society at a given period of time. Coming out of the depression, the blues were at their peak. Lonnie Johnson and Louie Armstrong were common voices that spoke to the ordinary man who could closely relate to the soulful melodic ballads.

When World War II began, evidence of the war started showing up in the music. The glory of war was not as predominant in the music as it was in WWI, however there were still many that were “feel good” melodies that attempted to cheer up the soldiers in time of combat. Big bands played a huge role at this period. An example of this

. . .

View the whole essay, without interruption

Even though there was intense protest during the Vietnam War, one theme is always reiterated through music in time of war: the need to keep up morale. It was common for songs such as these to be banned from radio airwaves. This song reinforces the common theme of the society’s longing for the American dream at the time. In observing the content of the songs produced at this period of time, one can notice that towards the end of the war especially, the general feeling towards the war was that of protest. Examples of this are “No Name Jive” by Glen Gray and his Casa Loma Orchestra and “I’ve Been Drafted and Now I’m Drafting You” by Chuck Foster and his Orchestra. involvement shows through with the verse: “If it all was worth it/ Only time will tell. This proves the need of social approval of the war by the government. However, they seem to speak more respectfully towards the welfare and bravery of the soldiers in combat than towards approval of the war itself. The feel-good innocence of much of the Fifties music reflects on the post World War II optimism in America.

The immediate response of music consists of reproducing old patriotic songs and re-purposing contemporary songs.

A famous ballad during the time of World War II is “White Christmas”, first sung by Bing Crosby. This has been portrayed on an even bigger scale through benefit concerts featuring many of the popular contemporary musical artists.

There were also songs that came out during that time that referred directly of the hardships of the war. This effect of music, along with other influences like media, is shown through the increase of American flags in locations where they had not been displayed before September 11th.

Approximate Word count = 1186
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Simply subscribe to view this paper, and 100,000 others.