What's the Good?
from Yellowcard's Only One
In the new Yellowcard video Only One, the scene is reminiscent of the WTO riots here in Seattle back in 1999, young hipsters facing off against the big bad police force. Ryan Key, lead singer for Yellowcard, declares his desire for peace (it's a love song, though) by putting a flower into the barrel of a gun. Not terribly subtle, but...okay.
Here's my question after spending a couple of days rolling around in popular music: with a couple of exceptions, U2 being the most notable, the messages (and the music) seem to be about energy, freedom to do whatever you want (especially as it relates to sex and whatever else can give you intense visceral experience), and romantic love. Lots of angst and loneliness, anger and identity issues. Much of which is important - don't think I don't like what I'm hearing, I really do - and worthy of serious attention.
But in the end, what is "the good" that the pop music culture is suggesting?
"The good" I take to mean the broad philosophical category people have been wrestling over since way before the Greeks. What is "the good" for people, for cultures, for nations, for the world? What is "the good" for families, for each gender, for children - name your category of human being and ask: what is "the good?"
My friend Nikki sent me the lyrics to U2's new song called Yahweh from the How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb this afternoon. Go read them. Now here's a group of guys who have a suggestion. "God, break our hearts and help us serve."
That's pretty clear. And in my view, perceptive and wise.
So, now...Yellowcard, Eminem, Britney, Destiny's Child, Nickelback, Snoop Dog, and the rest...what's "the good" you want us to follow?
9:14:47 PM
