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Article January 1, 2002 ISSUE

Lyrics DO THEY INFLUENCE US?

with contributions from Sarah Scott, Jasmine Mullins, Chris Rando, Jason Miele, Laura Settino, David Moore, Anthony Shaheen, Dave DuBuren

Artists have a responsibility for what they say, but not as much of a responsibility as the listeners have in choosing what music they listen to. Lyrics convey meaning in music that the spoken word can't.

Sarah Scott
Kirkland, WA

I definitely think lyrics have an effect on people. If you listen to junk, it will perpetuate itself in your life; the same thing applies if you listen to words that are true and positive. I try to listen to Christian music because it speaks to my life, and it helps me to remember what I believe in.

Jasmine Mullins
Dorchester, MA

Everybody listens to music, no matter what their race, color, or gender. It usually has to do with the words. But I don't think lyrics have an effect on your life unless you let them.

Chris Rando
Lakeville, MA

There are plenty of songs, like John Lennon's, that are about making the world a better place. They give you good vibes. But there's a lot of music that gives you bad vibes. I think if you're going to write a song it should mean something. But a lot of music out there is just for the sake of making money.

Jason Miele
Danvers, MA

Sometimes lyrics can act like a book that gives you the answers to problems in a musical form, singing out emotions and ideas. They're the heart of a song, and if they go along with the music, it's the most incredible thing in the world.

Laura Settino
Hingham, MA

I don't think lyrics have as much of an influence on people as what they bring to the music — it's what the audience brings to the art, not what the art brings to the audience.

David Moore
Boston, MA

Artists have a right to say what they want, and the public has a right not to listen to their music. If the lyrics to a song are catchy, I like them. If a song has lyrics I don't like, then I won't listen.

Anthony Shaheen
Boston, MA

Lyrics speak to different people in different ways. Some lyrics are like poetry. They should be a way for people to express themselves. But not everyone is going to be singing about butterflies, and happy stuff like that. I listen to Barenaked Ladies. The lyrics are intelligent and pretty funny.

Dave DuBuren
Kingston, MA

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