Music's Relation To Cultural Changes During The 1960's And 1970's
The 1960's and 1970's are both significant eras of American history. In those two decades, there were profound social changes and incredible political struggles and conflicts. As a direct result of all the changes, people needed a way to vent their frustration, anger, and observations. These opinions were most evident in music during the time period. Songwriters and musical artists defined the generation that became known as the "hippie" generation. Musical acts such as Bob Dylan, Crosby Stills and Nash, and Jimi Hendrix, all were critics of the era, and conveyed their feelings through lyrics. The changes of the 1960's and 1970's were most visible in music, and by studying the lyrics one can gather an understanding of the time period.
One of the most well known names in music history is Bob Dylan. The singer and songwriter changed all preconceived notions of folk music with his sweeping guitar melodies, raspy voice, and most importantly, his profound lyrics. Some of his most notable lyrics are in a song titled "The Times They Are A-Changin'." This song chronicles the huge social changes that were occurring during the 1960's. Parts of this song critique the role of parents in the lives of their children. As youth and adolescents became more active in society and more active politically, Bob Dylan says "Come mothers and fathers throughout the land, and don't criticize what you can't understand. Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command; your old road is rapidly agin'." Bob Dylan knew that adolescents were going to be changing society, as they did during the Vietnam War protests as well as the Kent State riots.
Crosby Stills and Nash were all men who observed changing youth through their lyrics and music. Their most notable work was their song honoring the four students who died at the Kent State anti-war protests. In their song titled "Ohio," they wrote about how horrible it was that four students were killed, and by...
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