The Freedom of Song: War Opinions in Music

As long as the freedom of speech has existed in America, musicians have chosen to express their political views in this way. In times when the great United States of America was at war, a plethora of songs popped up for or against the cause. Operation Iraqi Freedom is no different, and the recent Presidential election has only added fuel to the fire. John Michael Montgomery, Lenny Kravitz, Eminem and countless others have songs expressing an opinion on the war and/or situations surrounding it. Whether they have right winged or left winged theories, it is their duty as Americans to express their views and use their creative forces to project them to the masses.

The country music industry is known for its ultra conservative political outlook. In times of war, the lyrics of songs tend to be pro-war and/or overtly patriotic. "Angry American" by Toby Keith is a great example. However, Operation Iraqi Freedom has brought forth many different political stand points which have sparked strong criticism throughout Nashville. Breaking from the stereotypically blatant conservative norm, "Letters from Home" by John Michael Montgomery, expresses an emotional rather than political viewpoint.

"Letters from Home" is about a proud and frightened American soldier who is away at war. He gets a letter, from his mother, which is really just to say hello, I love you, and send good wishes. He reads the letter to his fellow soldiers and they make fun of his Southern accent. The second letter he receives is from his, what I gather to be, fiancé. She excitedly writes that she saw his mother and showed her the ring. The letter goes on to explain that she could not sleep because of something she saw on television. She wants him to know that she loves him and misses him, and sends him XX's and OO's. His fellow soldiers laugh because the girl called him honey. The third and final letter in the song is from his mother, she wants him to know that "son, you make me proud." No one laughs at this letter, "'cause there ain't nothing funny when a soldier cries." After reading each letter, the soldier folds them up and puts them into his pocket. He picks up his gun and gets back to work. It's the letters from home that keep him going. ("John Michael Montgomery with Letters From Home lyrics")

"Letters from Home" is a song aimed at anyone who will listen. Country music does not appeal to one age group more than another. John Michael Montgomery puts aside any political views that he might have; he focuses solely on the individuals that are fighting the war. This song focuses on the personal issues of being a country at war. Every soldier in Iraq is someone's son/daughter, brother/sister, grandchild, or friend. The real message here is regardless of your opinion of war; you should be proud and concerned about the soldiers who are fighting.

Other music genres, unlike country, have a broader range of views. A large majority of these songs have a fiercely negative view of war. The lyrics of these songs focus on a broad range of political issues, and largely stay away from patriotism and support of the soldiers. Lenny Kravitz went outside the political box and into the hearts of the general population with his song "We Want Peace." Kravitz wrote and performed "We Want Peace" with an Iraqi pop star, Kazem Al Sahir. The duet is more than just two artists; it is a plea for peace by the citizens from the countries on both sides of the conflict. (Lenny Kravitz "We Want Peace")

The songs refrain is an unmistakable call to end the war and a return to peace. "We want peace, we want it. Yes we want peace, we want it. Yes we want peace, and we want it fast." The song goes on to explain that war is once again an issue. The American politicians mistakenly think that war, not love, is the way to power. "In war there is nothing to gain, and so many people will die." ("Hotburrito's Human Rights")

The song has such an impact because the co-artist is from Iraq. American lives are at stake, but the citizens of Iraq are in a deadlier position. The song is specifically aimed at the voting aged American youth. Rock the Vote largely publicized "We Want Peace" in this year's campaign. Rock the Vote is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect the freedom of expression and to empower young people to change their world. In conjunction with this year's presidential election they encouraged the American youth to get involved. (Lenny Kravitz "We Want Peace")

"We Want Peace" by Lenny Kravitz and Kazem Al Sahir is the most persuasive song. The fact that Kravitz is from America and Al Sahir is from Iraq makes the listener look at the war on a personal basis. The citizens of Iraq are not evil and do not deserve to live in fear. Al Sahir is a living, breathing person; he has family and a career, just like many American citizens. When we watch news clips on CNN the people and the place seem to be so different and a world away. Hearing one of these citizens, along with one of our own, plead for peace really hit's the listener in the heart. The lyrics do not bash the Bush administration or either side of the political spectrum. It does not offend anyone, they just want freedom.

As discussed in class, rap is an outlet of political and cultural views. Eminem, a controversial rapper, recently released a song stating his opinion on President Bush and the war in Iraq. Infamous for his explicit lyrics, Eminem is always an opposing force for censorship. Eminem has been in hot water for rapping about topics ranging from kidnapping and murder to stalking and suicide. In the song titled "Mosh," this rapper steps away from his norm to rap about political issues. Unsurprisingly, Marshall Mathers takes a liberal stand on this matter, although he doesn't advocate the Democratic Party.

The song starts out with children reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. He then calls for American unity, regardless of race. The masses should then "raise hell- we gon' let 'em know. Stomp, push, shove, mush Bush. Until they bring our troops home!" Eminem goes on to call the President a monster and a coward. In his eyes, Bush is equivalent to the ruthless Osama Bin Laden. In the final three verses our rapper makes some strong statements. "Let the president answer a higher anarchy. Strap him with AK-47. Let him go fight his own war, let him impress daddy that way. No more blood for oil, we got our own battles to fight on our soil." Eminem concludes this song with an angrily spoken statement, "assemble our own army to disarm this weapon of mass destruction that we call our president." (Eminem's lyrics to "Mosh," a new rap, are intensely political: He's anti-Bush and anti-war, though not pro-Kerry, and compares Bush to bin Laden)

Most of Eminem's audience is composed of teens and young adults. Music is a way of political understanding for youth who do not watch news channels. As with most of his music, Eminem is using shock value to get his point across. If people talk about your controversial material on news and in the media, it is free publicity. Eminem hopes to stir up the political community and persuade his listeners to oppose Bush and the war.

America is the most powerful nation in the world. It is so powerful because of all the liberties and freedoms that it allows its citizens. Whether or not you agree with the messages in the songs or the existence of the songs all together, you should celebrate their existence. The anti/pro war songs are as much a part of America as the flag, "The Star Spangled Banner", apple pie, and the Fourth of July. John Michael Montgomery, Lenny Kravitz, and Eminem should be upheld and respected not for their viewpoints, but their willingness to express them.

"About Rock the Vote." 2005. Rock the Vote. 23 Jan. 2005 .

Fortt, Jon . Eminem's lyrics to "Mosh," a new rap, are intensely political: He's anti-Bush and anti-war, though not pro-Kerry, and compares Bush to bin Laden. 22 Oct 2004. CROSS. 23 Jan. 2005

Hotburrito, . "Hotburrito's Human Rights." Songs about the war on Iraq. 2003. Crossroads. 23 Jan. 2005 .

"John Michael Montgomery with Letters from Home lyrics." 6 Oct 2004. Hit Lyrics. 23 Jan. 2005 .

"Lenny Kravitz "We Want Peace"." 2005. Rock the Vote. 23 Jan. 2005 .