With the current tumultuous political climate in the U.S., many CHS students are concerned about their future and how it is being molded by society, social norms and politicians. For centuries, music has been used to address political issues and controversies, and this has continued through the earbuds of Community High students. From 20th-century folk to recent pop songs, the range of feelings attributed to tunes is never-ending.
Sadie Palay’s choice is “Die With A Smile,” released in August 2024 by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. The title serves as a metaphor: even in the face of mortality, joy can be found. Palay feels that the song also relates to how the world is changing—and how democracy might be leaving—so one shouldn’t go down without a fight. The specific lyrics, “nobody’s promised tomorrow” and “If the world’s ending, I’d want to be next to you,” speak to her, saying that one should make the most of the world now.
“I think that our world is definitely changing a lot,” Palay said. “If something bad happens, we at least gotta go down with a fight.”
Palay describes the current state of the world as looming, like a possible World War Three. With important governmental programs shut down, people becoming jobless and U.S. aid diminishing, she finds it almost impossible not to feel this way. This song helps to remind Palay that change can happen and that she should make the most of what she is given.
Rosie Matish doesn’t need a reminder to fight; she wants the comfort that music brings. Her pick is “TV” by Billie Eilish. Released in 2022, the song has an overarching theme of neglecting relationships, discussing how personal matters can cause individuals to set relationship priorities aside. Matish describes the song as depressing yet comforting. The tune can be molded to fit many different eras, and she finds it helps to console her considering the weight of the daily news. Matish often returns to the song after a long day.
“It’s a slow song,” Matish said. “It’s kind of sad, which I think is how the world is feeling post-election.”
Similarly, Willow Rosenfeld describes the state of the world in the song “America,” released in 1968 by Simon and Garfunkel. The song is a representation of the American Dream, while writer Paul Simon traveled across the country. Rosenfeld believes the song clearly conveys the message that the United States has lost sight of important parts of its culture and hope. She felt like there was a positive outlook for the future of the U.S. during the election, especially with a female candidate on the ballot.
“We had this vision of the country run by a woman, and it’s full of hope,” Rosenfeld said. “I saw a future where a lot of good things would happen, and that seems to be gone.”
Rosenfeld also feels the song captures the shift in the political climate after the election. She describes feeling disillusioned about who’s in power in the U.S. Rosenfeld describes feeling sad when she realized that new governmental officials might no longer factor in public opinion.
“When I was a kid, I felt that the people who are making the decisions have our best interests at heart,” Rosenfeld said. “I don’t really feel that way anymore.”
As the political climate continues to shift, so will the music industry. Artists and songwriters will continue to adapt and reflect on the struggles and changes of time; songs will continue to navigate society and snake through the ears and minds of not only teenagers but people around the world.
