The Power of Music
Music is a universal language that has the power to inspire, uplift, and unite individuals from all walks of life. While music is often celebrated for its ability to entertain and evoke emotions, it can also serve as a powerful tool for social change, especially in communities grappling with poverty. Across the globe, poverty remains a pervasive and complex issue that affects millions of people, leaving them struggling to access necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare. While governments and nonprofit organizations work to address poverty through various means, music can play a crucial role in supporting those living in poverty by bringing communities together, giving motivation and hope, and spreading awareness.
Stories of Poverty from Prominent Artists
“How Much a Dollar Cost” by Kendrick Lamar (2015)
Kendrick Lamar grew up in poverty, and often incorporates his childhood struggles into his music. In “How Much a Dollar Cost,” Kendrick looks back on his situation and wonders about the value of money. He also thinks about the other poor families he grew up with. He then highlights the good in giving to people who have less than you. He tells stories of homelessness and says, “A humble man is all that we really need.”
“The Space Program” by A Tribe Called Quest (2016)
In “The Space Program,” A Tribe Called Quest shows how racism in our society has culminated in the poverty-stricken neighborhoods of today. They attempt to spread awareness about poverty and racism through lines like, “Mass un-blackening, it’s happening, you feel it y’all?” and “Imagine for a second all the people in poverty.” They bring the deep-rooted racism and poverty to the forefront and encourage people to make a change.
“Ghetto Gospel” by Tupac (2004)
Tupac tells the story of growing up in the ghetto, and his experience with poverty. He showcases the fight he was constantly in with, “From out of the fryin’ pan, we jump into another form of slavery,” Tupac shows how you can find good in these situations, with lines like “Tell me, do you see that old lady, ain’t it sad? Livin’ out a bag, but she’s glad for the little things she has.” Tupac is one the best storytellers when it comes to poverty, as his stories are so real, and he conveys them perfectly.
“Touch the Sky” by Kanye West (2005)
Kanye West speaks of his struggles when he was younger, and how poverty deeply affected him and his family. Everyone he knew when he was younger was poverty stricken. In the lines “Me and my girl split the buffet at KFC” and “Me and my momma hopped in that U-Haul van,” we can hear the problems Kanye dealt with. However, Kanye gives hope in this song by saying he’ll one day “Touch the sky” and to always look for the positives, even in bad situations.
Poverty is an important issue to bring awareness to as it completely devastates a person’s life. I have never had to experience extreme poverty but have had friends in bad situations that have been affected by poverty. I believe one of most selfless and thoughtful things one can do for another human is to help someone else. I have had the opportunity to help buy a less fortunate friend a new pair of shoes he really wanted, and the feeling is one of the best. Awareness of poverty is important because change needs to happen. If everyone did at least one thing kind for someone else a day, the world would be in much better shape. Even insignificant things matter, whether it is donating to charities, advocating for change in law and government, or even just giving your change to the homeless. Music is one the best tools for spreading awareness and gives hope, along with so much more. I believe music has the power to do anything, and used the right way can inspire change. Music can be a form of therapy as well, as many impoverished people turn to music to cope with daily life. By bringing people together with music, we have the power to change the world for the better and help bring people out of poverty. There are many people within our own country that still live in poverty, and with music we can come together and help bring better lives to those less fortunate.
- Music and the US War on Poverty: Some Reflections — Jstor.Org, www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.5921/yeartradmusi.45.2013.0074.pdf
- “Music Shapes Our Understanding of Inequality: Research for the World: LSE Research.” Music Shapes Our Understanding of Inequality | Research for the World | LSE Research, www.lse.ac.uk/research/research-for-the-world/society/can-music-shape-our-understanding-of-poverty-and-inequality
- Philipp, Jennifer. “Music and Poverty around the World.” The Borgen Project, 17 Dec. 2019, borgenproject.org/music-and-poverty-2/
- “The Relationship of Poverty to Music” — JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/10.5921/yeartradmusi.45.2013.0001
