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Music has played an important role in the daily lives of people everywhere and perhaps the most influential music has come from British artists. The Beatles faced a problem when, John Lennon innocently stated that The Beatles were, in fact, more popular than Jesus. In the song "Fixing a Hole", The Beatles sing about the problem with the media. The song "Creep", by Radiohead, deals with a personal problem.
It illustrates the writers frustration, and inner turmoil with his life in a negative, self-hating way. The third song, "Bittersweet Symphony", by The Verve, is written in a way that explores the writer's inability to change his life. He sings a negative spin on life, and has written this song as a reflection on how his life is not turning out the way he had hoped. Writing music is a gift, sometimes thought of as a therapeutic process, and the varied styles of writing can be illustrated in three songs; Fixing a Hole", by The Beatles, "Creep", by Radiohead, and thirdly in "Bittersweet Symphony", by The Verve. Paul McCartney wrote, "Fixing a Hole" in 1967. It was written in reflection to the problems the band was having that year with the bad press they received after John Lennon's statement that The Beatles were more popular than Jesus.
In the first verse John sings about fixing a problem. "I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in and stops my mind from wandering. " This is an indication of the hopefulness that their problem could be fixed. In the line, the problem is symbolized as rain, and the band as the shelter, that can be fixed, enabling future problems from getting in. The band shows a positive outlook in their future in the line; "I'm painting my room in a colorful way. " This line shows their ability to move on in their lives. The colorful paint, however, would be an indication that The Beatles had no way to fully fix their public image, and would try to "band-aide" it from the public. The Beatles showed some defensiveness in the lyrics, "And it really doesn't matter if I'm wrong, I'm right. Where I belong, I'm right, where I belong. " This self-defense indicates the statement made by Lennon was important to the band, and perhaps held some meaning and truth in it.
Paul wrote that even if he was wrong, he was still right, showing that he wanted to fix the problem, based on the fact that he wanted the band's popularity, and credibility to remain at a high, without the risk of compromising their integrity. "Creep", by Radiohead, was written in 1992, by Thom York about an infatuation he had over a girl. The song's lyrics, "When you were here before, couldnt look you in the eye. " indicates that the writer questions his worthiness, and has low self-esteem. York writes about his low self-esteem in a straight forward, no holding back way. The song takes a somber look at his self-pity, and feeling of unworthiness. York continues in the song about his low self worth by singing, "I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo. What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here. " He writes this as an indication of not fitting in with the girl that he feels is unreachable. York holds no boundaries in these lines about his feelings of self-worth and his negative outlook at his life. The song then shows York's hope for a better life; "I want to have control, I want a perfect body, I want a perfect soul. " This shows that he sees an opportunity in perfection, and strives to unreachable platforms to be happy. York writes about his life as out of control, and wishes to gain control and fix his life, but offers no suggestions as to how.
The third and last song, "Bittersweet Symphony", written by the lead singer of The Verve, Richard Ashcroft, is directed toward the greediness and immorality of the world around him. Ashcroft starts the song off singing about the mixed priorities of a bittersweet life in his lyrics; "Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this life. Try to make ends meet you " re a slave to money then you die. " These lyrics show Ashcroft's opinion of money as a downfall to humanity, and the effects it has on humanity. He comes off as being somewhat bitter in these lyrics, undermining the fact that he has probably earned millions in his career as a musician. Instead of coming up with an option other than being a slave to money, and then ultimately dying Ashcroft is in a way wallowing in self-pity. The song goes on to an ending of disillusionment, as well as an outlook of impossible hope in the lyrics, " No change, I can't change, I cant change, I cant change.
But I'm here in my mold, I am here in my mold. " These lyrics are tell tailing about the writer not wanting to break out of the cookie cutter, and not wanting to change his bad situation. Even in a bad situation, one finds comfort in familiarity, and Richard Ashcroft shows this in his unwillingness to change. Writing music is a gift, sometimes thought of as a therapeutic process, and the varied styles of writing can be illustrated in three songs; Fixing a Hole", by The Beatles, "Creep", by Radiohead, and thirdly in "Bittersweet Symphony", by The Verve. In every culture and in every heart, lies anguish, sorrow and pain. Anger from misunderstandings, sorrow toward ones situation, and pain reflected in a world not fully understood.
Some are able to channel these feelings into words, songs, paintings, dance, even a simple hug. It is when one loses sight of the light at the end of the tunnel that all hope is lost. However way one decides to channel their feelings and opinions, it serves not only in the interest of oneself, but everyone surrounding them as well, if the person decides on a peaceful way of expressing themselves. Too many times bad situations are solved through violence, and there is never an ending to the pain though this method. However, music serves as a host to emotions, and can reach and connect to people across the world. Whatever situation one is in, a song can provide hope, understanding, and comfort through the familiarity in the emotions sung about in the song.
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Free research essays on topics related to: john lennon, lyrics, low self esteem, beatles, fixing
Research essay sample on Fixing A Bittersweet Creep
