One Song Can Change The World

Bob Dylan got me thinking today. His lyrics have a way of doing that to me. Much like any good book of poetry, you can listen to the words, or read them on the page, and there will always be some new meaning or insights to be found.

I have always been fascinated and inspired by the power and beauty of the singer-songwriter. First of all, it is quite an undertaking to peel away layers of your own soul and reflect upon the raw emotions that lie under the surface. That is tough enough. Putting them into rhyme and verse is yet another compelling task. But beyond all of that, there is a real vulnerability in baring your soul to the world – one person, one guitar, one song – raw and uncensored. Powerful stuff – even when there is a full band behind the lyrical musings.

What makes it all the more tremendous is how songs have the power to change our world on a moment’s notice. One song at a time, they can start revolutions, quell angry mobs, and put a smile on the faces of 80,000 people simultaneously.

In our youth, angst and passion are transformed into musical meaning or a statement about the world around us. Just look to the roots of rock and roll on that one. As we grow older, our literary and musical vocabulary expands as well. We have a different understanding of what to say and how to say it. Throughout the ages, one man’s (or woman’s) anguish can bring musical eloquence and beauty to the world. Brilliant lyrics can tell the tale of one person and resonate for many. The world doesn’t seem quite so large and daunting.

A number of years ago, I had the pleasure of seeing another of our era’s great singer-songwriters, Neil Young, play a solo acoustic set. It will forever be in my top 10 live performances. Why? Because to this day, it portrays purity, simplicity, and raw emotion – at least to this listener.

It only takes one song to be inspired or to be touched deeply. It only takes one song to realize that the angst you have been feeling has been felt before and that you aren’t alone. It only takes one song to rouse the passions of a culture.

Songs become milestones in our lives. Lyrics can resonate deeply. They can provide us with personal meaning in an oftentimes confusing and impersonal world.

One song can make the world a better place – one person at a time.

Photo credits: Greencolander