The Dark Side of Music: How Films and News Affect Our Perceptions of Songs
Music, often a joyful and enriching form of expression, occasionally takes on a darker hue when its context or implications become intertwined with negative experiences. Like many others, I’ve found myself in situations where a beloved song is forever tainted by its association with less pleasant elements. This article explores these scenarios, discussing the songs Every Breath You Take by The Police, Another One Bites the Dust by Queen, and the theme song from the movie Bagdad Cafe. It aims to shed light on how our perceptions of music can be altered by external factors, and ultimately to acknowledge the complex relationship we have with such songs.
Every Breath You Take: A Song of Fear and Stigma
Every Breath You Take, a song by The Police, is a classic that captured the spirit of many with its memorable melodies and lyrics. Initially, my kids and I loved it and even knew most of the lyrics. However, this changed after reading a novel that theorized the song being about a stalker and their stalking process. This new interpretation completely altered my perception. Even if it wasn’t Sting's original intention, the implication that the song might be a form of creepy surveillance cast a chill over it. Consequently, I no longer find myself comfortable requesting the song or singing along to its lyrics.
The Theme Song as a Distraction: Bagdad Cafe
The theme song to the movie Bagdad Cafe is another example of a song that holds a special place in my heart. When I first heard it playing in the background at a local college radio station, it captivated me and even led me to purchase the DVD. The song's presence was a constant companion throughout the movie, from the intro, opening credits, and scenes, to the final scene and closing credits. However, there was an irony in the song's omnipresence as the movie never seemed to focus on someone calling anyone. While the movie itself is great, the constant presence of the song left a lingering discomfort.
The Queen Affair: Trauma and Association
Queen's “Another One Bites the Dust” is a song that ranks among my favorites, but it also holds a dark reminder of the Atlanta Child murders. These horrific events took place in the late 1970s to 1981, and a series of radio DJs in Atlanta played “Another One Bites the Dust” after the announcement of a found victim. The public reaction was immediate and intense, and the DJs faced severe backlash. Despite the intent to use the song for topical reference, it ended up causing distress and trauma for the victims’ families. Consequently, hearing the song on the radio now evokes a mix of memories and adverse emotions.
Conclusion: Acknowledging the Complex Nature of Music
These stories highlight the complex and at times conflicting relationship we have with music. Songs can take on new meanings and become charged with negative associations, significantly altering our perceptions and comfort levels. Understanding these dynamics can help us navigate our musical experiences more thoughtfully, ensuring that we acknowledge and address the emotional impact that different songs have in our lives.
Keywords: music perception, song interpretation, music stigma