“LAND OF THE FREE”, Joey Bada$$
I had first heard LAND OF THE FREE in a class I had taken here at SJU. We had to analyze it in that class but I don’t think I ever paid much attention to it even then. I did make sure to add it to one of my playlists because I knew it was a song worth going back to. The song has a solid beat that captures your attention as well as a catchy tune, but the lyrics are full of emotion. He speaks about being a black man in America while also seeming to be striving for some hope. I am honestly surprised this song wasn’t on anyone’s list, unless I just didn’t look hard enough. It discusses all the topics that these classes seem to beat us over the head with.
I think from here I could really delve deeper into protest songs in the hip-hop or rap genre. Of the songs I listen to, those genres are probably the least represented in my playlists so I would be interested in adding more songs. This song also could be written about any time in history because the challenges of being a black person have not gotten any better. However, he does mention Obama so it does give us a clear time period.
Obviously, I am a very white person so I do not truly understand everything in this song and maybe I will find myself disagreeing with some of it. I am willing to take that chance and learn all that I can from the song and the artist.
Blood//water was introduced to me by an ex boyfriend who pretty much only listens to music genres from rock to metal. I could never get into full out metal but this was one of the harder rock songs that he thought I would like. I immediately liked it, it just sounded so angry. There is a lot of graphic imagery that I think would be really interesting to delve into. A lot of rock and metal songs actually talk about rather deep topics and I think it would be worthwhile to analyze a song from a genre that has a negative connotation, even though a lot is protest songs we could all relate to. I can’t specifically connect this song to a moment in time right now, but a lyric that I think could have some great information is “But the system is done for”. Seems like we are all fighting against some sort of system and I wonder which one grandson is specifically talking about. The lyrics in this song aren’t as clear as the first one and the artist isn’t as well known so I could face some challenges. The artist is definitely angry about something and I want to find out what it is.
Overall, I can’t say I have many concerns about completing the project. I have experience in podcasting and audio editing so I think I could do well. I guess I just hope that I pick a good song and have enough material to work with.
February 21, 2021 at 11:29 am
Hi Skylar,
Either of these songs would make for an interesting podcast, but I think “Land of the Free” offers more opportunities for nuanced discussion due to the direct reference to “Star Spangled Banner” and the video, which is rich with imagery, among other things that Joey Bada$$ sings about.
The only thing that I’m hesitant about is that you discussed in another class. But, if that discussion was surface=-level (for you) then you should be able to find new directions with it here.
Looking forward to which you decide and seeing what you are able to do with it!
Bill