Music Inspires Patriotism

Unfortunately, patriotism is something that is lost among many individuals in this day and age. However, I believe there is still a large majority of people who are proud to be American and show their patriotism. I love music that inspires patriotism and acknowledges the sacrifices men and women have made for this great country we are so blessed to live in. 

The first song I will be analyzing is Am I The Only One, composed and sang by Aaron Lewis and released in the United States on July 2, 2021. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkKb4Zt48x8 

The song Am I The Only One pleads with listeners to display their patriotism and prove that there are still good people in this world who have not been completely sucked into the media and other news stories. The artist poses the question of being the only one left who isn't brainwashed and is still proud of the freedoms given to people in this country. The song is very controversial and, in my opinion, that is because it most literally calls out those people who have been brainwashed. Aaron Lewis, the artist, never served a day in the United States military, yet his patriotism shines through in this song. He is a proud conservative who believes singing what he feels is more important than writing for a higher corporate power. Aaron Lewis has my full respect and I wish we had more people like him in this world.

The first musical element found in this song is the acoustic sounding of it. When listening to the song, the lyrics are clear and hit hard. The song clearly gives the artist's point of view on decaying America and takes shots at certain political values. The sound is not a "sing-song" sound, but rather an acoustic one that is simple as the sound is coming from what sounds like only a guitar. The second musical element found in this song is the somber tone. Throughout the song, Aaron Lewis expresses his sadness and frustration regarding the tearing down of statues that hold an important place in history. The somber tone adds to what listeners feel when listening to this song and helps to develop that sense of patriotism and hope that they too, are not the only one.

The second song I will be analyzing is Mr. Red, White, & Blue, composed and sang by Coffey Anderson and released in the United States on May 20, 2016. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ds3MvMUdNk 

The song Mr. Red, White, & Blue brings attention to the men and women who have served in the United States military and have not made it back home. The artist tugs at heart strings as he dives into what service men and women go through when they are away from home. It's about the handwritten letters, the newborn baby he left with this wife, and other struggles servicemen face when deployed and all for the stars and stripes. This song is very powerful as it reminds listeners that they are still people who are willing to lay down their lives to protect ours and this country. Coffey Anderson is another great example of someone who has never served a day in the military and yet still offered his voice to the families of those 13 servicemembers who lost their lives in the Afghanistan bombing earlier this year. His music brings notice to something that people often forget about and take for granted. This song in particular was written for one young veteran and is one of the most patriotic songs that describes the sacrifice of our military to a T. 

The first musical element found in this song is the expression through dynamics. The song has such powerful lyrics and some have more emphasis put on them than others. These lyrics cause many listeners to tear up at the thoughts they bring and the emphasis makes those thoughts that much more vivid. The second musical element found in this song is the texture and the overall sound it gives to the piece. The guitar comes together so well with the lyrics and creates a beautiful melody when combined all together. The song doesn't have a single dull point; it is wonderful all the way through.

These songs are vital to society, now more than ever. These songs are so important because they remind listeners of the sacrifices that have been made for their freedom and they bring attention to the fact that patriotism is still valuable and should not be something we should ever risk losing. I have always had a tremendous amount of respect for those who risk their lives to protect mine. I will never forget to honor those who have served in the past as well as those who currently serve. I think these songs and many others are so important to keep patriotism in the minds of today's Americans.

Sources:

Billydukes. “LISTEN: Aaron Lewis Releasing Controversial 'Am I the Only One' to Country Radio.” Taste of Country, 13 July 2021, https://tasteofcountry.com/aaron-lewis-am-i-the-only-one/.

MusicVideos, Country, et al. “Coffey Anderson Performed ‘Mr. Red White And Blue’ At Funerals For Six Of The Service Members Killed In Afghanistan Bombing.” Whiskey Riff, https://www.whiskeyriff.com/2021/09/21/coffey-anderson-performed-mr-red-white-and-blue-at-six-funerals-for-service-members-killed-in-afghanistan-bombing/.

Philiptrapp. “Aaron Lewis' Controversial 'Am I the Only One' Is a Country No. 1.” Loudwire, 15 July 2021, https://loudwire.com/aaron-lewis-am-i-the-only-one-country-charts/.