Listening to the stories behind popular music
What are the stories behind the music you (and your kids) listen to? Thinking on the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, David Smith writes at Al Menconi Ministries about the importance of storytelling in popular music. If you think it’s odd to think of popular music as a source of stories, Smith argues that every song tells a story, and lyrics are just one part of it. And learning to listen for these stories is a key part of discerning their effect on your family and your spiritual life:
Parents and kids often forget the stories of the music. Those stories can be inspirational or depressing. When Kurt Cobain of Nirvana sang Come As You Are, it is almost as if he was foretelling his death by his own hand. On the other hand, when Casting Crowns sings Does Anybody Hear Her, the band is challenging us to reach out and love those around us. As parents and kids, it’s important to listen to these words and think about the story being told. For kids, this may be risky because the story may not be what you want to acknowledge that you are hearing. For parents, this may mean listening to music that you do not enjoy. For both, however, it’s essential and can be rewarding.
Have you sat down recently to listen to the stories your kids are hearing through music today? If not, it’s a good first step toward speaking to them in meaningful ways about the spiritual value of what they’re listening to.
