Research shows that up to 70 percent of Indigenous song lyrics are based around knowledge of animals, plants, and seasonality. Words of wisdom passed down through generations, keeping its keepers connected to and aware of nature and it’s rhythms.
Conversely, in a 2018 study on top-40 songs from 1960 – 2010 in the U.S., it was discovered that while most lyrics consistently refer to romantic relationships, the reference to sex-related aspects of relationships increased sharply as time progressed. As of the early 2000s; however, references to alcohol, drugs, and wealth increased substantially.
Currently, the number 1 song of this year, is ‘7 rings’ by Ariana Grande, which is essentially about being so wealthy you can buy whatever you want on a whim because you’re having a bad day … including 7 Tiffany’s engagement rings for you and your friends.
Our music represents our culture, and its lyrics represents what we value. It’s not Ariana’s fault her lyrics embody and incite behaviour that contributes to climate breakdown, she’s as much a product of her environment as any of us are. She values what she’s been told to, and quite literally bought into it, as have we all.
Research suggests musical lyrics impacts illness, depression, spending, productivity, and overall perception of the world.
So, well Indigenous lyrics and knowledge systems are characterized by the importance of community, lack of separation between nature and culture, and commitment to nature, ‘Western’ knowledge systems and lyrics are centred around individualism, universalism, supremacy, wealth, vanity, and materialism.
As we enter the last 18 months we have to curb emissions , we have to ask ourselves if it is still #ethical for us to put our lifestyle needs over the needs of future generations if we are prioritizing on the right things personally and politically, and if we are raising voices of true wisdom or enhancing the noxious noise of capitalist corruption.
We’ve traded in connection for amusement, and wisdom for novelty. Covering our wounds with ego enhancers which further wound us because cradle-to-cradle they disempower.
Until we see ourselves as part of this living breathing universe, we will continue to find more holes in ourselves and on our planet
It’s only when we learn to access the roots of the world – as so many Indigenous communities do – that we will find hope, and in that hope the wisdom that brings true wealth. Measured by booming biodiversity, thriving reciprocity, flourishing communities, and buoyant self-worth.
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