Living and Dying: The Inevitabilities of Life as Explored through Music
As human beings, we all have to face the fact that we were born to die. It's an inevitability that weighs heavy on our hearts and minds, and has left many artists and musicians struggling to make sense of our time here on earth. In this article, we'll explore the themes of living and dying as they have been explored through music, and how they can aid us in coping with the more difficult aspects of our existence.
One of the most poignant examples of the exploration of this topic can be found in the late David Bowie's album "Blackstar". Released just days before his death, its themes of mortality and the afterlife are impossible to ignore. In the title track, Bowie sings "I'm a blackstar, I'm not a gangstar, I'm not a pornstar, I'm a blackstar", coming to terms with his own death in the most beautiful way possible. Throughout the album, he grapples with his own mortality and the legacy he will leave behind, an issue that is all too familiar to anyone who's ever contemplated the fragility of their own life.
Another artist who explored the theme of living and dying is none other than the legendary Queen singer Freddie Mercury. His song "The Show Must Go On" is an anthem to the power of the human spirit even in the face of death. It's a testament to Mercury's unwavering courage and determination, even as he was dying from AIDS-related complications. The lyrics "I'll face it with a grin, I'm never giving in, on with the show" are a reminder to all of us that we must never give up, no matter how difficult the journey may be.
Moving from music to literature, we find an exploration of death that has captivated readers for centuries. The highly acclaimed novel "The Fault In Our Stars" by John Green tells the story of two teens, Hazel and Augustus, who are grappling with their own mortality. The novel is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, offering a glimpse into what it's like to live when you know that your time on this earth is limited. Hazel and Augustus' story reminds us of the importance of living every moment to the fullest, and cherishing the people we love while we still can.
In addition to individual pieces of work, we have entire genres of music and art that touch on the theme of living and dying. One of these genres is bluegrass, a type of American roots music that originated in the 1940s. At its core, bluegrass is about the struggles of everyday life, and how to overcome them. Many of its songs deal with the themes of love and death, and how they intersect in our lives. For example, the song "Angel Band" is a beautiful and comforting reminder of the idea that, after we die, we will be reunited with our loved ones in an eternal peace.
In conclusion, the theme of living and dying is one that is universal, and touches all of us on a personal level. Through music, literature, and art, we can explore this theme in many different ways, all of which can help us come to terms with our own mortality. Whether we are contemplating our own death, or the death of a loved one, music and art can be a powerful tool for healing and understanding. So let us live our lives to the fullest, and face whatever may come with a brave heart and an open mind.
