History Through Song: An Analysis of Songs Written About Historical Events 

Abstract:

Throughout history, humans have used music to tell stories, commemorate events, and preserve cultural memory. Long before written language became widespread, oral traditions relied on song to record and transmit history, often blurring the line between fact and myth. This research examines the anthropological use and educational value of songs from the Modern period that are written about historical events.  This analysis will look closely at four songs written and produced in the 20th and 21st centuries, categorizing each song in one of three categories: Reactionary, Reminiscing, or Reclaiming. Songs categorized as Reactionary are called such because that is what the song is doing– reacting to something. Reminiscing songs are those that present historical events or people as a narrative. Reclaiming songs utilize songs to provide the perspective of historical events from communities underrepresented in the historical narrative.  Anthropologically, these songs can be examined both culturally and linguistically, a rich source for ethnomusicological studies. Furthermore, these songs have immense value as a form of oral history, especially reactionary songs, which become part of the historical narrative.

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