How can one simple song change the perspective of the world?
More than entertainment for the listening, music has a long history of conveying deeper messages to the mind that are easy to leave in any other plain conversation. Using a melodic, catchy tone, music flows further throughout your body than just the ears, keeping you thinking.
Music has always been political. A vital tool in especially political movements, music is an anthem of expression and connection to the people during a time of disorder.
Politics in music has been around for centuries, starting from the 1800s where well-known composer, Beethoven, dedicated his piece “The Eroica Symphony” to powerful leader, Napoleon. This would suddenly turn when Napoleon declared himself to greater power, taking place as Emperor of France in 1804. Beethoven was disgusted, he saw this as a betrayal to the original revolutionary ideas of Napoleon’s and ultimately scratched his name out of the dedication. 
In the rise of Jazz during the early 20th century, the genre known for its fusion between both European and African music; devices was famously used for the purpose of protest. Especially in the struggle of the Civil Rights movement, Jazz carried messages to listeners.
A great example of this was in Duke Elligton’s piece, “Black, Brown, and Beige,” where he advocated for the civil rights movement and equality altogether. Behind the title of the song represents three big meanings, “Black” representing the era of slavery, “Brown” representing emancipation, and lastly, “Beige” representing the reflection of all that has been gone through. In only an album, a message could be so clearly expressed.
As music can advocate for change, it can as well bring the people together. Music can act as a common ground, even in times of political divisions, connecting people through a shared emotional connection within a rhythm.
Recently, from Jan. 2 to Jan. 31 of 2025, Los Angeles was met with a total of 14 destructive fires, causing the many evacuations, losses, and even deaths of the many residents of Los Angeles. Organizations were quick to move, Fireaid scrapped together a concert in order to raise funds to treat the victims involved in this misfortune. This concert brought together artists across the industry, from Green Day, to Lady Gaga, to Stevie Wonder, to many more. Connecting fans from all over the world into one stadium, filled with music.
“If I lose everything in the fire, I’m sendin’ all my love to you.”
A specific performance that touched the hearts of fans was the feature of Billie Eilish on the song “Last Night On Earth” by the famous band, Green day. This song held great significance, especially in the time of the crisis. A song that was originally written for love turned into a dedication for all those who suffered deeply.
As a result of the Fireaid Benefit Concert, this organization was able to raise $100 million dollars, providing many lives with support in housing, food, environmental recovery, work, and mental health services.
Music has always brought people together, whether that’s by changing perspectives, asking for change, or giving people a voice. Without the power of music, who knows where we would be.