Clipse, I'm Good, Rap, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXIAaKN3bT4
Drake, Fear Success, Rap, 2009(explicit)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI8FoS7K3a8
Money, Pink Floyd, Rock, 1973
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkhX5W7JoWI
Biggie Smalls, Mo Money Mo Problems, 1997(explicit)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twkh0YiInPM
J. Cole, Til' Infinity, Rap, 2009(explicit)
Liberation
Nas, The World is Yours, Rap, 1994(explicit)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_srvHOu75vM
Rebelution, Courage to Grow, Reggae, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5PESJgUHx4
Bob Marley, Get up Stand up, Reggae, 1973
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuMlHdxiIZ8
Led Zeppelin, Ramble On, Rock, 1969
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3HemKGDavw
Common, Be, Rap, 2005
Finding songs about liberation and success is split between many genres. Funny thing was that I found many more songs about success in hip-hop/rap and more songs about liberation in rock and reggae. In the United States, the people in and outside the music industry tend to take Liberation and freedom for granted. When it comes to the Hindu aims, success and liberation in the American pop culture do not hold the same concept.
First we may see liberation as being able to do what you want, while in Hindu aims, it is the road to Moksha. Moksha is the ultimate sign of liberation as it may take many lifetimes for someone to achieve separation from the cycle of rebirth. Success is also seen differently between the American culture and Hinduism. To many people here in the United States being successful means being wealthy, having what you want, and being known(famous). Ironically in Hinduism, liberation and success can be somewhat associated with each other because if you achieve liberation, you have reached your goal in life which then makes you successful.
Like I said before, being successful means to be wealthy or famous which don’t actually tend to make a person happy. In Hinduism both roads come together in the end while in the American pop culture, both roads aren’t even associated with each other. I even believe the American pop culture exploits the American public into being more materialistic. This may give certain people limited happiness but it still doesn’t mean you spiritually successful (like it says in the Hindu aims). With so materials and good, people tend to forgot about self-realization which is so key in the Hindu aim.
In the end, liberation is taken for granted while success is based on how much money you have in your pocket. Materials and objects can also be seen as a way to show off how wealthy you are thus making you “successful”.
I have to disagree about the focus of success in Hinduism and American Pop Culture. Success in regards to the Hindu aim is much like the success discussed in popular music. Hindus on the path of success seek wealth and material desires, often to support themselves and their families (householder stage). Just like in our Pop Culture, Hindu liberation and success are seperate as well. The goal of the "success" aim is success, not liberation. The goal of the "liberation" aim is moksha. While seeking success, the Hindus are not trying to be liberated, they are trying to obtain material wealth. The same is true for those Americans seeking the same things. I do not think the cultural divide is as clear regarding the aim of success.
ReplyDeleteMaybe this is naive of me, but I feel success songs were more prominent in hip hop/rap for you, due to the "rags to riches" stories a lot of those artists have. I agree with your sentiment, that Americans take liberation and success for granted. Beyond just liberation and success, Americans take everything for granted.
ReplyDeleteAll around, I think this was a great and thought-provoking post.