WHAT'S THE POINT OF... Songs Based On Breakups?

 

Remember when there used to be songs about facing and overcoming challenges, loving someone unconditionally, and having faith, because that is the only thing that can get you through life?

Yeah, those were the good old days. They were the songs that we could either dance to, or exercise to, or help us relax. The lyrics were almost poetic, their meaning profound. Just listening to these songs helps us feel motivated to keep going. Or at the very least, offered comfort when we were down. 

And now we have these songs about breakups. Let me correct that…the artist’s breakups. It barely relates to the common folks, us, anymore. It’s all a gossip column given a tune and an obscure music video. Songs are no longer about finding motivation; it has become a game about guessing which ex the artist is singing about. 

The song, no matter how boring it is, goes viral because of what it represents: a clue to the celebrity that the artist has dated in the past. Conspiracy theory videos are made. The song lyrics are dismantled and compared to past gossip articles. These songs have perpetuated the notion that it is acceptable to be nosy and interfere in everyone’s business. 

Worse, most of these songs include innuendos that are supposed to make people gasp and commend the artist for being so brave to accept themselves completely. But it also throws shade on the ex whom they were dating at that time. 

Within weeks of the song’s release, the ex, who sometimes is also an artist, releases a comeback, but again, in song form. 

The artists could be sitting in a room, face to face, and talk to each other, but that wouldn’t be entertaining enough or earn them any money. Releasing barbs in song form is much more profitable. 

It sort of begs the question: are these artists actually feuding? Were they even together in the first place? Or did they come up with these breakup songs beforehand and decided to give them some context and started to “date”? 

Yes, another conspiracy theory. 

So while the internet is buzzing with who dated whom, and whether the latest release is about the last ex, let’s ask the important question here: what is the future of music?

Years from now, will any of these songs make it to our playlist? Will these be the songs we want to listen to when we are down, or need motivation, or just feeling lonely? Is it providing us with any value at all?

However, we, the consumers, give value to these songs by paying for them, listening to them to decipher a mystery, all the while fattening an artist’s pocket. This only encourages the artist to become lazy with their talent. 

Their future releases will contain the same subpar material, but will have a mystery that the internet will try to solve. Better mysteries can be found in novels, you know. 

So, what is the point of listening to songs about a celebrity’s breakup? They may provide you with entertainment for the duration of the song, but after that, how is this piece of art enriching your life as a whole? Wasn’t the purpose of a good song to entertain and to motivate?

Let’s encourage artists to put their talent to good use instead of using this platform to air their dirty laundry. After all, not many are fortunate to make it in the big league. They have that opportunity to showcase their talent and show respect for their hard work. So why not produce better material?