Discussion board responds to each song post with a different reply and add ideas about subtext to their song choice. Total of 4 replies
1:
Song: Fight The Power by Public Enemy
Elvis was a hero to mostElvis was a hero to mostElvis was a hero to mostBut he never meant s- to me you seeStraight up racist that sucker wasSimple and plainMother f- him and John Wayne’Cause I’m Black and I’m proudI’m ready and hyped plus I’m ampedMost of my heroes don’t appear on no stampsSample a look back you look and findNothing but rednecks for 400 years if you check
Context: This song was released in 1988 by the rap group Public Enemy. This song was iconic for its embodiment of black pride. In this song, Rapper Chuck D tries to make a point early in the song stating, “1989 a number, another summer,” right? In context 1989 was another year in the struggle for equal rights in black communities. The song Public Enemy takes a confrontational approach and even talks down on iconic white singers like Elvis Presley by saying, (“Elvis was a hero to most but he never meant s–t to me”) and John Wayne. By doing so I feel he was just expressing his anger toward white America. Chuck D and Public Enemy became public leaders for the black communities as other traditional public figures failed and the communities turned to entertainers.
Subtext: The message, “Our freedom of speech is freedom or death,” I feel as if they are demonstrating the lack of equality and the continuous fight for equality among the black community. I believe Public Enemy was trying to bring to light that they lived in a ‘White America” and will always be treated as second-class citizens. They used their power of entertainment to touch on issues of racism unapologetically. The message, “We got to fight the powers that be,” was a message from the people toward the government. They embodied hope for the people by becoming their voice.
2:
The use of text in humanities allows us to identify distinctions and patterns that revel the values of that group. In the song “Fight the Power”, the text reveals a sense of urgency both also unity. The use of context tells us the historical environment during the time that the text was written. Racial equality was a ongoing issue and the newer generations sought to fight for chance. The subtext makes readers question those in authority, and inspires them to spark change and be hopeful for the future.
“Fight the Power” by the band Public Enemy
From the heart It’s a start, a work of art To revolutionize make a change nothing’s strange People, people we are the same No we’re not the same ‘Cause we don’t know the game What we need is awareness, we can’t get careless You say what is this? My beloved lets get down to business
Context: Public Enemy was released in the summer of 1989. In the context of racial history, 1989 was another year in the long battle of equality for African Americans. Public Enemy was formed in 1982 at Adelphi University in Long Island, New York. The members were a group of African Americans from the suburbs. Being apart of the Baby Boomer Generation, African Americans that were a part of the new generation and had not been alive during the Civil Rights Movement sought for new faces of leadership.
Subtext: The streets of the United States seemed to neglect the many problems that those of a lower socio-economic status living in inner city neighborhoods faced. These new leaders were largely present in the entertainment industry. One of the greatest leaders of this new movement was Public Enemy. Their goal was to create a new generation who had a passion to make a large impact and drive serious changes within their communities. Once “Fight the Power” was released, it created a significant unified message that resonated with many, not just African Americans. The song encouraged its listeners to get themselves involved in politics and fight for what they believe in, at any cost.
The lyrics say phrases like “to revolutionize make a change nothing’s strange” and “my beloved lets get down to business” pleads to young audiences to rebel against economic inequality and racial discrimination. The concept of a revolution was made clear and urgent. The song “Fight the Power” showed the world that entertainment is a major social force and can bring about more change than people may think because, at the end of all adversity, we are all in this together as shown in the lyric “people, people we are the same”. Change can only be made once we all unite and fight as one. The use of the words “my”, “you” and “we” throughout the song gives a personal touch and makes the audience not only feel heard, but called for.
3.Text: “Fight The Power” by Public Enemy
Give us what we want (Uh!)
Gotta give us what we need (Hey! Haha, hey)
Our freedom of speech is freedom or death
We got to fight the powers that be (“Lemme hear you say—”)
Fight the power!
Context: “Fight the Power” is a 1989 song by hip hop group Public Enemy. The song has largely served as the political statement of purpose for the group, and is their biggest single. “Fight the Power” further demonstrates the impact of the Civil Rights Movement. This song was released during generation Y, when technology was still taking initial shape. It was a blueprint for serving music with a message to the 80s babies.
Subtext: The lyric “Give us what we want/ Gotta give us what we need”, may be referring to the government for freedom. I think it’s not about fighting the government/ authority, rather It’s about fighting abuse of power. They are asking for justice and awareness. Lastly, the lyric “Our freedom of speech is freedom or death We got to fight the powers” is referring to the African Americans that it’s time for them to stand up for their rights, by knowing that they have equal rights as everyone else, and then respond to situations where those rights are being compromised without any fear. Such a positive spirit!
4.
Text: “Hate Conquers All” by Anti-Flag
“In the good old days, this doesn’t happenBecause they used to treat them very, very roughAnd when they protested once, they would not do it again so easily”Hate conquers all in the ashes of the fallWith our backs against the wallWith our backs against the wallWatch the empire fallWatch the nation dissolveWith our backs against the wallWith our…
Context: This song was released on October 25th, 2019. During that time, many progressive democrats were pushing for President Trump’s impeachment. Most know that with Trump being president, he had made questionable choices and wasn’t necessarily guiding the country in the right directions. Therefore, more and more people were pushing for his removal from office. However, this caused a major rift as Trump supporters were fighting for Trump to stay in office. This caused high tension between the democrats and the republicans.
Subtext: With “Hate Conquers All”, it is assumable that the artists side with the democrats. In the song they sing
“Watch the empire fall
With our backs against the wall”
which demonstrates how the artists are basically watching the the U.S. nation get tainted with Trump’s control. This song demonstrates that every action the government took out of selfish reasons is going to be the downfall of the nation. The artists describe how the there is so much chaos within the political situation that it takes control of everyone and their actions.
done
Seen
Oct 29th, 2022
