The Banner

We all know that movies no longer abide by the rating system, but have we failed to notice the changes that have taken place in popular music? Nowadays, the Billboard Charts are dominated by songs with an upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics-something that would move Randy Jackson to say, "that's dope" and raise his fist in the air like he is beating on an imaginary door.

It is almost impossible to remain still when sound waves travel into one's ear, interpreted by the brain as a "sick beat." Even people who do not normally dance have a hard time containing themselves when Lady Gaga begins to play on the radio. My dancing reaction, for instance, is instantaneous when I hear the "RaRaRaahahah" of Lady Gaga's most recent hit, "Bad Romance." Approximately five time signatures pass before I realize what I am celebrating by my rhythmic movements. Okay-sometimes not-so-rhythmic movements.

"Bad Romance" was among the top three songs on the Billboard Charts on Feb. 10, 2010, along with "Tik Tok" by Ke$ha and BedRock by Young Money. None of these songs present a wholesome message.

The main premise of "Tik Tok," number one on the Charts, is partying, with multiple references to alcohol. There is so much alcohol, in fact, that the singer even brushes her teeth with "a bottle of jack." Jack Daniels, that is. In her defense, though, she does say she will smack a boy "if he getting to drunk, drunk." In the music video, Ke$ha shocks her parents by her appearance and attitude. But, in the next scene, she is admired by children for the same reason.

The overall message of "Bad Romance," in second place, is somewhat harder to grasp. Lady Gaga is known for her eccentricity, and her lyrics are almost as hard to understand as her reasons for wearing a plastic bubble dress. "Bad Romance" has almost sadistic implications and evokes a fearful attitude from listeners.

Young Money's message is too risqué to duplicate his lyrics here. They are sure to upset people besides Christians. The National Organization for Women sure would have something to say about the way he talks about women.

Now let us rewind to the year 1964. The most suggestive message, at that time was John Lennon, one of The Beatles, telling his inamorata, "I want to hold your hand." Or perhaps it was Lesley Gore proclaiming to her man "You don't own me," which just might have been highly controversial at that time.

Music has changed. There is no doubt about it. But does a song's message have a profound effect on it's listeners? According to Plato, one of the three most famous philosophers of Ancient Greece, yes, it does. He said, "Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul." Apart from just words, music makes a remarkable imprint on the most transcendent part of a human being. It does not imprint in the creepy "Twilight" sense of the word, but music does leaves its mark on the human soul.

Many people say "music is my escape," or turn up their music in order to drown out the rest of the world. By doing so, is it possible that they are closing themselves off to reality and opening themselves up to a much more dangerous existence?

As the old saying goes, "You're only as good as the company you keep." Well, from the lyrics to their songs, I would not say that Ke$ha, Lady Gaga and Young Money are not the best company to keep. Ecclesiastes 7:5 says, "It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke than to listen to the song of fools."