Religion and politics in music

Dylan, Lennon, Rush, Zappa, XTC and many others, have lyrics addressing their thoughts on religion and politics. There is a one star review on Amazon for the new Pat Metheny album. One 4 minute song from a 77 minute album has lyrics that voice an opinion of Trump. The reviewer gave it one star because they feel politics have no place in music. Personally, I would never rate an album one star that has one bad song but this reviewer is angry that Pat did this. There are quite a few comments and discussion on this topic from others. This is also one of the reviews that has the "most helpful votes" for this album so the reviewer is not alone with this opinion.

So, do you think artists should or should not write lyrics about these topics? This also applies to all the arts, movies, books, etc.

This is like asking should birds seek takeoff clearance?

I don't care at all. All kinds of lyrics can exist, including the ones about religion and politics. I just prefer they wouldn't dominate the scene; as such lyrics do not that much interest me. 

Artists can express anything they want. I personally don't care about lyrics for the most part. I love the music first and if the lyrics happen to be excellent then that's a bonus.

A song like Lay Down by the Strawbs, that's inspired by a bible psalm, is fine with me. It's only songs that are either overly critical of religion or sing it's praises that I find objectionable.  

Edited by SteveG - March 06 2020 at 11:53

Snicolette wrote: Having grown up in the era of protest songs, I think there is a place for artists to express their views on both of these issues, sometimes they are the only ones who will openly do this (and sometimes, to the near destruction of their careers).  Like most things, if you don't like it, turn it off, don't buy it.  Thinking of Strawbs, Steve, "The Hangman and the Papist," is one of my favourite Strawbs tunes, certainly very pointedly looking at how religion can divide, and I think, actually, in a constructive way, despite the sad ending.  So, I'm voting, "Yes."

H&P is not one of my favs so perhaps my view is all Dave Cousin's fault.   But it does have some killer organ by Mr. Wakeman.

I think music can be about any and all aspics of life including politics & religion. 

Edited by Argo2112 - March 06 2020 at 11:22

SteveG wrote: Snicolette wrote: Having grown up in the era of protest songs, I think there is a place for artists to express their views on both of these issues, sometimes they are the only ones who will openly do this (and sometimes, to the near destruction of their careers).  Like most things, if you don't like it, turn it off, don't buy it.  Thinking of Strawbs, Steve, "The Hangman and the Papist," is one of my favourite Strawbs tunes, certainly very pointedly looking at how religion can divide, and I think, actually, in a constructive way, despite the sad ending.  So, I'm voting, "Yes." H&P is not one of my favs so perhaps my view is all Dave Cousin's fault.   But it does have some killer organ by Mr. Wakeman.

Oh, I'm not opposed to it in any way, it's just not my cup of tea. After all, I am the free speech guy.  

Option #3. An artist should be free to sing anything what he or she wants. If I don't agree with the views expressed in a song, of if it hurts my oh so vulnerable Achilles heel, I can take it or leave it. There are other records or streams to choose from.

Of course, but don’t bore us with sermons, insult our intelligence with platitudes, or embarrass us with sententious proclamations about the state of the world. Your audience is readers and thinkers, we don’t need a concept album to tell us that Bad Things Are Bad.

If on the other hand you can express something with wit or elegance or a surprising insight, even a touch of poetry, then you’re golden whatever the subject matter