NUR403W Music Lyrics Activity by Lora Walter https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow Music is powerful and song lyrics often relay messages though many people may not realize the message through the rhythm and beat. Music is also a very important part of culture. Follow the directions provided below to complete this activity. en-us 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC 2025-06-17 14:46:22 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f3bc.png Directions lwalter27_1 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628070 Music is an extremely powerful tool and can influence people without people realizing it.  Catchy melodies and mesmerizing choruses can anchor themselves into people's subconsciousness without effort.  How many songs can you sing along to without realizing that you know all of the lyrics?  Can you hear a song that you loved from high school and sing every word, yet can you easily list the normal result ranges of blood tests that you draw on patients daily?  How many songs have influenced your beliefs without you realizing it?  Can a song make things seem 'normal' though, if it weren't in a song, you might think otherwise? Can music shape the way we, as a culture, feel about healthy relationships, domestic violence, and abuse? 

Provided below are six songs that all pertain to relationships in some way. An effort was made to include songs that highlight a variety of times, artists, and styles of music.  Note that some of the songs listed below may have graphic, vulgar, and offensive lyrics.  For this activity, you are to listen to two of the songs, in their entirety, and read the song lyrics. Then, you are to select a third song of your choosing (not repeating a song selected by a classmate) that relates to the topics being discussed this week. Each student must start a post (directions to the right in purple) sharing a link to the song they chose and analyzing all three songs listened to, comparing them to one another.  Some things you could consider in your analysis include:
  • Do the songs exemplify health and healthy relationships or are they negative? 
  • How does listening to these songs make you feel? 
  • Did you immediately notice the message of the song or did you easily get caught up in the rhythm or other parts of the song?
  • Any other thoughts you would like to share.
At the end of the post, provide your thoughts to this question:
  • On average, does today's music send a positive message to our culture? 
If there are any questions on how to complete this activity, contact your course instructor. 
]]> 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628070 How to post on Padlet lwalter27_1 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628071 To create a post on Padlet either 
  1. Double click anywhere on the screen to start a block
  2. Click on the pink + sign in the lower right corner of the page
  3. Or, hit Ctrl+v to paste an item from the clipboard
To add a link to a post
  1. click on the "..." symbol at the bottom of the block
  2. select 'Link'
To move a block (so blocks do not overlap)
  1. simply drag and drop the block to where you want it
  2. FYI - the size of the Padlet is pretty big, you can extend the page vertically and horizontally
To adjust the size of a block
  1. move the mouse to the right edge of the block, click, and slide to preferred size
To connect one block to another (in case you need to use multiple blocks)
  1. click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the block
  2. click 'connect to a post'
  3. select the post to connect to
To edit a block you posted in
  1. double click on the block and it will be active again

BE SURE YOUR NAME IS ON YOUR POST!
]]> 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628071 Girl in a Country Song lwalter27_1 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628072 "Girl in a Country Song" was performed by Maddie & Tae on the 2014 album Start Here]]> 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628072 Girl in a Country Song lwalter27_1 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628073 The lyrics are available below]]> 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628073 Voices Carry lwalter27_1 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628074 "Voices Carry" by 'Til Tuesday from the 1985 album Voices Carry]]> 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628074 Voices Carry lwalter27_1 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628075 The lyrics are available below]]> 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628075 Can You Control Yo Hoe lwalter27_1 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628076 "Can You Control Yo Hoe" by Snoop Dogg from the 2004 album R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta):  The Masterpiece]]> 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628076 Can You Control Yo Hoe lwalter27_1 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628077 The lyrics are available below]]> 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628077 Respect lwalter27_1 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628078 "Respect" by Aretha Franklin released as a single in 1967]]> 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628078 Respect lwalter27_1 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628079 The lyrics are available below]]> 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628079 Kim lwalter27_1 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628080 "Kim" by Eminem from the 2000 album The Marshall Mathers LP]]> 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628080 Kim lwalter27_1 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628082 The lyrics are available below]]> 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628082 Every Breath You Take lwalter27_1 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628083 "Every Breath You Take" by The Police from the 1983 album Synchronicity]]> 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628083 Every Breath You Take lwalter27_1 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628084 The lyrics are available below]]> 2021-09-13 10:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/1735628084 All of Me https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2026154242 Kayla Codling 
I Chose to listen to Respect by Arethra Franklin and Every Breath You Take by The Police. I have listened to these songs several times, but paid more attention to the lyrics this time and the results were very interesting. Respect and All of Me are based on healthy relationships and even though I did get trapped in catchiness of the song both of them emphasized what it means to have a healthy relationship, having respect in a relationship and accepting the person even their quirks and faults, but loving them anyways. Conversely, Every Breath You Take is not a healthy relationship. I have herd this song many times over and after everything we have read and discussed this week listening to this song made me feel a little sick, in that I liked it and didn't look at the context and lyrics in the song. Watching someone's every move is not only considered stalking, but is a huge warning sign of an abusive relationship. Every Breath You Take only focuses on what the stalker wants and doesn't take into consideration the other person's personal space and feelings. While the other two songs emphasize mutual respect and working together. Overall, I think songs usually emphasize unhealthy relationships. I can't tell you how many songs I have listened to that are basically breakup songs and how mad the person is at the other person calling them names and saying it was great at first and then they cheated or whatnot. Based on songs like this it makes people think a normal healthy relationship is either impossible to find or that abuse and cheating is normal and to expect it. That is not a healthy way to look at relationships.

]]> 2022-02-02 19:28:50 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2026154242 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2026347788 I choose the three songs "Can you Control Yo Hoe", "Respect", and "Stay with You" to all relate to each other. Each of these songs is very different from one another. "Can You Control Yo Hoe" is a very vulgar song that objectifies women. Throughout the song it calls women very offensive names and even talks about hitting women to "put them in their place". Reading these lyrics and listening to the song it makes me think how terrible it is that an artist actually wrote a song that conveys this message to the public. This song does not convey a healthy relationship at all. While listening to this song I immediately understand the message of the song and do not think it is catchy at all. I think that this song displays a terrible message to our culture, especially if the younger population is listening to this, they will think that since this song is saying it is okay to hit women then it must be. The song "Respect" displays a completely different message. This song is emphasizing the respect women should be getting from their partner in their life. This displays a healthier relationship because the women is sticking up for herself saying that she deserves respect from her partner. Although the song is very catchy, it is easy to understand the meaning of it. The last song I choose was "Stay with You". This song displays a very healthy relationship. Throughout the song the artists sings about staying with their partner no matter what happens, even in the good times and bad he will always stay with you. This song makes me feel good and describes a healthy marriage to me. I think this song sends a positive message to our culture because it shows that not everyone is perfect and relationships are never going to be easy, but being there in the good times and bad makes it a healthy committed relationship. Overall, I think most of today's music sends a negative message to our culture. Especially the music that the younger population listens to is very vulgar and offensive. The music you listen to everyday can have a huge impact on the way you think and feel throughout your day and life. ]]> 2022-02-02 21:39:09 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2026347788 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2026458320 The two songs I listened to were Respect by Aretha Franklin and Kim by Eminem. The song by Aretha is talking about the respect that should be earned and given to women. Eminem’s song is aggressive and shows the disrespect and abusiveness that can occur in a relationship. If a couple shows honestly and respect, they are more likely to have a heathy relationship. If a relationship is like the one in the song rapped by Eminem this is a very unhealthy relationship. After reading the lyrics and hearing the song it made me feel sad because all of the shouting and arguing is happening in front of his young daughter. The song I chose to talk about is from Beyoncé Lemonade album called “Don’t Hurt Yourself”, this song is about empowerment, knowing your own worth, letting go, and dealing with the haters. The track features Jack White singing the chorus, which points out that any negative actions you put out into the universe are really a reflection of yourself. When I played the songs by both women, I feel like I could relate to both of them and I could immediately notice the message of the song. Especially when Beyoncé opens the song asking, "Who the f**k do you think I am?" because only she could truly get away with that line. As she sings on, it becomes clear that Beyonce is directing this song at someone who took her for granted and did not value her. I think that Beyoncé song sends a message to women that they don’t need a man in their life, and they can do better with or without one. Everyone has a personal relationship with music, it has the power to change one’s mood, perception, and inspire change. Music helps teens explore ideas and emotions in a safe way and express themselves without words. Exposure to positive influences through music can help teens learn coping mechanisms and appropriate responses to stressful situations. Music also helps teens connect to social groups and gain a feeling of belonging. Music can be a great tool to bring people together for special events. However, it can impact illness, depression, spending, productivity and our perception of the world. Some research has suggested it can increase aggressive thoughts or encourage crime. ]]> 2022-02-02 23:35:07 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2026458320 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2026489808 I listened to Respect by Aretha Franklin and Every Breath You take by the Police. "Respect" is a song about how women should be treated with respect and not taken for granted. "Every Breath You Take" is about jealously and ownership, obviously this is an unhealthy song even though it's thought to be a cute, meaningful song. I chose the song 1 step forward, 3 steps back by Olivia Rodrigo. This song is about a relationship that is bad and does just what the song title says. The beginning is talks about her calling the guy and he snaps at her out of no where. The song goes on to talk about wether she's in love with him or the pain he is causing her. She begins to doubt herself and wonder if she's the problem. She doesn't know if this is normal or what is going to happen next its always something different. The song is what I think of as the textbook definition of an unhealthy relationship. I think this song is really easy for a lot of girls to relate to, including myself, and younger girls who are in their first relationships and don't know what is normal or not. I was that younger girl who didn't know if things were normal or not once and wish this sound was out when I was 15. Music is a great way to express yourself and can help you cope with things going on in life. I think music sends a positive message to our culture because it can make you feel like you're not alone and someone else has gone through what you are. It's a poor feeling to feel isolated and music can help us not feel that. ]]> 2022-02-03 00:10:17 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2026489808 Kim-Eminem https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2026615719 Elizabeth Stermel 
The first two songs I listened to were "Every Breath You Take" by The Police and "Girl in a Country Song" by Maddie & Tae. The first song depicts an unhealthy relationship. The singer is portraying stalking and ownership of the person of their interest. The second song represents women being sick of being objectified in songs, as with many male-written songs, they are. The music video even goes as far as to make the men dress in what many women are dressed as in typical country songs. I am a fan of country, but I do agree that many of the song forces unrealistic ideas onto women. The song I chose for this assignment was "Kim" by Eminem. This song exemplifies an abusive relationship between a man and a woman, in fact many of Eminem's songs do. I often listen to these songs without thinking of the message, but after what we learned this week and analyzing this song, I was honestly disturbed by it. If anyone knows the backstory between Eminem and his ex-wife, it is easy get the message of the song by just reading the title. Eminem portrays an unhealthy relationship with abuse, cheating, and obsession. He even includes his daughter in the beginning of the song to show that the daughter will most likely be affected by their relationship, despite the parents' efforts. Unfortunately, there are many relationships like this, and they negatively affect the children involved. A lot of women's music today exemplifies ways of taking back power and owning your own body. Many rap songs today still portray women in negative ways and objectifies them, talking about murder and assault. ]]> 2022-02-03 02:04:25 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2026615719 LeAnn Griffith https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2026651348 I chose to listen a girl in a country song and kim by eminem. These songs are very different music style wise and message wise. A girl in a country song talks about how women are objectified and how men think women are looking for gratification. The beat of the song is very catchy but the lyrics talk about how in their own genre of music there is little representation for women other than physical. Kim by Eminem is a very dark song full of anger and thought of violence. it made me Feel very uncomfortable that someone could display so much anger and wish of violence in an unhealthy relationship. The song i chose to analyze was selfish by madison Beer. This song is about an unhealthy relationship that is very one sided. Begging someone who is not providing in a relationship can lead to very deep rooted problems in a relationship.]]> 2022-02-03 02:41:19 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2026651348 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2027376601 I have always loved the song "Voices Carry" for its catchiness and the voice of the lead singer, but after reading the lyrics, I didn't realize how little I paid attention to what she was actually singing. The verse "I try so hard not to get upset/ Because I know all the trouble I'll get" refers to the narrator getting punished if she does something not to her abuser's liking, and is reiterated with the verse "He wants me/ But only part of the time/ He wants me/ If he can keep me in line." It depicts a very sad message, and the main chorus of the song, "hush, voices carry" refers to the narrator needing to be quiet about what's happening to her. Alternatively, "Every Breath You Take" is another catchy song that I've always thought was a little creepy, because it sounds like the singer is obsessed with a lost lover, and is plainly stalking her. But, I think the singer wrote it to be haunting, since he says he wrote it in a time of turmoil, and admits that it's a "really rather evil" song. To continue this string of unhealthy relationships, "Cherry Wine" is a beautiful song by Hozier, which is actually about a man being abused by a woman, with the main chorus of "The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine/ Open hand or closed fist would be fine/ The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine." The song goes on to explain how he is overtaken by her, and actually wants her. But, the music video shows a woman, alone in her room at the end with a black eye, with mostly romantic moments in the main part. It's a fantastic example of all the different manifestations of partner abuse, and how it can go either way, and continue in a vicious cycle. It reminds me of the "Power and Control" documentary from this week, and the victims being asked 'Why didn't you just leave?"- often times they become accustomed to the abuse, and create an unhealthy liking for it to deal with the pain. All three of these songs are multifaceted, showing unhealthy relationships through great songs, whether that be intimate partner violence or stalking. 
I think today, music can either empower people, or it can be very negatively influential on their thoughts and feelings. A lot of rap songs depict violence and lack respect for women, while others lift women up and let them know they're not alone. I love music and couldn't live without it, but I fear it could poorly influence our youth just like social media and video games with the way it's evolving. ]]> 2022-02-03 12:35:58 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2027376601 https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2304191457 The first song I chose to listen to was Every Breath You Take by the Police. The rhythm to this song sounds comforting and slow. It reminds me of when it was played in Stranger Things as a slow song at a school dance while two lovers danced together. The meaning is far from one I thought was about a loving relationship. According to Genius, the songwriter just divorced his wife and fell into a spiral of control and power over his wife. It was all about a toxic and unhealthy relationship but sounds so comforting and catchy when you are not listening to the lyrics. The second song I listened to was Can You Control Yo Hoe by Snoop Dogg. This song is similar to the first one in a way that the man wants to control the woman. It is sad how women are talked about in a catchy way that makes artists money. The phrase that stuck out to me was “you got to put that bit** in her place, even if it’s slapping her in her face”. This song encourages men that it is OK to feel above women and to hurt them if they start to gain confidence. I immediately noticed the message involved in this song rather than the first. Both songs convey very negative connotations towards women in relationship. The song I chose to pick is Joy of My Life by Chris Stapleton, a country singer. This song is more on a positive note as it speaks highly of a woman and their love together. “She’s sweet to me, must be the luckiest man alive, did I tell you, baby, you are the joy of my life?” This portrays their relationship a lot different compared to the first two songs. I enjoy this song because it is calm and relaxing, and it is a positive vibe. I did immediately notice the message of how much he loves his wife and how she is the joy of his life. This song makes me feel happy when I listen to it. On average, I think that today’s music does not send a positive message to our culture. When thinking about other teenagers listening to Can You Control Yo Hoe by Snoop Dogg, I do not think it sends a good message for the way a woman should be treated. The profanity is also a huge issue with new music we hear everyday.]]> 2022-09-20 04:19:19 UTC https://padlet.com/lwalter27_1/z21favgdu49nfgow/wish/2304191457