Good evening! Are you watching the election results? I am and I can’t stop thinking about all the music that has accompanied electoral campaigns and political campaigns of all kinds in recent centuries. The first song that comes to mind is “Happy Days Are Here Again”. This well-known song became the theme song for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s inauguration in 1932, and tied (with its upbeat beat and upbeat lyrics) with Roosevelt’s promised exit from the Depression and New Deal. There have been hundreds of other songs before and after this one, but on this important election night, I can’t help but consider how important music is in setting the tone and mood for a particular candidate, a particular race, or even a particular political party. A friend in another state is running for Secretary of Education. Imagine how much better his campaign is to use “School Days” behind TV commercials instead of “I Ca n’t Get No Satisfaction.”
What is it that creates strong feelings? The lyrics, obviously, but also the tempo and the rhythms; a strong march-like beat with strong lyrics engages most people and makes the words more memorable. Think “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” That song has been sung for generations and will endure for many, many more.
Music enhances and reinforces every human experience. Watch and be selective about what you include in your sonic environment. Music can heal and it can also hurt. Treat yourself to the healthiest, most beautiful and uplifting music you can get.
