Arguments in Music

   

         Argumentation is generally thought of as occurring conversationally; however, we all often make arguments and protests in many other ways such as protesting with a sign or with our bodies. Perhaps one of the most impacting ways that people argue and make points is through music. For centuries, music has been a method of expression for people. Consider Billie Holiday's haunting song "Strange Fruit", addressing racism and the violence that erupts from it, or the song from the video above by Phil Collins, "Another Day in Paradise", which deals with poverty and the ignorance we all engage in on a daily basis about it. Through music, these artists strive to move people to action, to convince people that there is indeed a problem that needs to be addressed. Often times, arguments in music are much more effective, memorable, or emotional than a traditional conversational argument because the music adds an extremely moving quality to the logic presented within the lyrics.