Music in Times of Conflict

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Many people think that art, and especially modern popular music, has nothing to do with political and social life of countries. Nevertheless, art has proved that it is a powerful tool in struggle against the evil.

Thus, Glenn Miller, the famous musicians who was killed in during the World War II, made a great contribution which was regarded as “an important part of the war effort” (Farley). Admittedly, music inspires people to continue struggling and fight for freedom. Bob Marley’s “War” is one of such songs. It has been inspiring people for more than three decades.

The song “War” first appeared in Bob Marley & The Wailers’ album Rastaman Vibration in 1976. This song was addressed to all people in the world, but primarily to Africans who suffered during the apartheid. The apartheid in South Africa started in 1960s and lasted up to late 1980s (The History of Apartheid). This was a severe conflict between African people and their oppressors.

The creation of homelands in the 1950s made Africans “aliens in their own country” (The History of Apartheid). People were deprived form basic human rights. They were to have passports which restricted their civil rights as well. Many people refused to obey and get passports. The Public Safety Act and the Criminal Amendment Act which were signed in 1953 enabled the government to declare the state of emergency.

This, in its turn, enabled the government to imprison people and violate their basic human rights. During this conflict many people were killed and thousands were pursued and imprisoned. Despite the fact that the majority of world population were against the cruelty and unfairness which African population had to suffer from, the conflict lasted for two decades. Of course, many Africans tried to fight for their rights. There were military conflicts and street fights.

However, unfortunately, the parties had unequal forces. This was the major reason why so many civilians were killed, wounded, arrested or imprisoned. Nevertheless, people did not cease to fight and eventually achieved their goals. It is important to state that such songs as “War” was a great inspiration for people who believed that they were doing the right thing and that they would win.

Thus, the song was created in times when the conflict was taking place. At once it became an anthem for many people who condemned cruelty against African population (Lacey). In fact, even nowadays this song is as significant as it was in the distant eighties in such countries as Ethiopia and Jamaica and it is one of the most popular worldwide (Lacey; Sanneh; Farley; French).

Of course, it reached those it was addressed to. People from all over the world were singing along to every word of the “War”. People of South Africa were keeping this song in their hearts.

This song was aimed at inspiring Africans to struggle for their rights. Of course, the purpose of Bob Marley was not to escalate the conflict, he sang about his position. Marley thought that people should have resisted and continued their struggle. It was not escalation of the conflict, but rather inspiration for oppressed to fight against the evil. Interestingly, the lyrics of the song is largely constituted by the passages from a speech of Haile Selassie I.

The speech was delivered at the United Nations General Assembly (1963). The initial lines of the song reveal the major idea: “Until the philosophy which hold one race superior” … “Everywhere is war”. Marley points out the core reason of the conflict. He stipulates that racism is the major problem which leads to conflicts and such severe outcomes as apartheid in South Africa. Interestingly, the song does not explicitly say that people should take weapon and fight.

The song only states that the war is everywhere if human rights are violated, if superior nations exist, if “ignoble and unhappy regimes” that hold people in Angola, Mozambique, South Africa remain ruling. However, such statements which are also warnings become the call for action. Marley’s vocal is really touching and inspiring. His heartfelt performance reveals his feelings. The musician expresses his mourning and hope while singing the famous anthem. It is important to point out that the song has been performed by many people.

However, only Marley’s version became the most popular. The song evoked many debates concerning the authorship. Notable, Marley did not right the lyrics. In fact, he only performed the song. Nevertheless, he is regarded to be the creator of the great musical masterpiece of the twentieth century. The song is associated with the glorious apostle of freedom and equality.

The song is a great example of reggae music. As far as the texture of the piece is concerned, it is necessary to point out that it is homophonic. Its disjunct melody creates a hypnotic effect. It is very calm and harmonic. It is not characterized by complicated composition. As any other reggae melody the piece is played in 4/4 times. The following instruments are used: Jazz bass, drums, guitar, percussion, keyboards.

Percussion serves as the background of a melody and creates the rhythm. Basically, percussion is the basis of the song which prevails. Jazz bass appears in the very beginning of the song and during the chorus. Guitar is not that explicit. The melody and the instruments used in the song are characteristic for reggae songs. As far as composition is concerned it is possible to state that the piece is not unique or innovative.

However, this melody should be only a background for very important lyrics. It is not about artistic innovations, it is about song which is to evoke thoughts and ideas about rebel, about freedom and justice. Thus, the melody serves the appropriate background for the song. The smooth and peaceful melody enhances the meaning of the lyrics. It is often said that reggae is quite hypnotic, the song in question can be also called hypnotic. Percussion creates definite background and Jazz bass stresses the most important parts of the song.

Thus, Bob Marley’s “War” is one of his most famous songs. It became an anthem for Africans fighting for their right during apartheid in South Africa and the symbol of anti-racist struggle for people worldwide. The peaceful melody and lyrics, evoke, nonetheless, ideas about the necessity to fight. This peculiarity makes the piece so popular.

Basically, the Marley’s “War” is now regarded as one of those songs which were created during certain conflict but remain the anthem of struggle for future generations. Notable, the song was performed by many musicians and bands, but it became unique only because of Bob Marley. His vocal and his philosophy made the song that strong and meaningful.

Works Cited

Farley, Christopher John. “Music During Wartime.” Time, 2001. Web.

French, Howard. “Celebrating Bob Marley, Voice of the Dispossessed.” The New York Times, 1991. Web.

Lacey, Marc. “Reggae Fans Get Up, Stand Up for a Birthday.” The New York Times, 2001. Web.

Marley, Bob. “War.” Song. YouTube. 2007. Web.

Sanneh, Kelefa. “Pop review; Finding Inspiration In Marley’s Memory.” The New York Times, 2003. Web.

“The History of Apartheid in South Africa.” Stanford Computer Science. Web.

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Music in Times of Conflict

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