The paper presents an analysis of main themes addressed by country break-up songs and their specific features. They were selected according to the topic of breaking up and to the genre. The research is based on the material of 25 songs and four scholarly articles dedicated to this subject. The table presented above represents the findings, which are described in detail in the paragraphs below.
In order to fully comprehend the aspects of country break-up songs, it is vital to consider why music matters so much for people. Shepherd (2020) comments that music is a channel through which an individual can connect with their inner emotions. Having the above definition in mind, it is crucial to understand the main aspects of country music. The paper shall analyze the morals, rules and norms that guide the life in the Wild West.
Life in the Wild West
This section shall rely heavily on the observation that music reflects a combination of cultural practices; these practices resonate with the inner self. Therefore, country music reflects the hard life of the arid Wild West. It is a constant feature in all country music which can be seen even in the contemporary songs (La Chapelle, 2019). Consequently, in that kind of space, relationships were often strained, punctuated with conflicts and violence. Duties were allocated depending on gender and age, and to some extent, social standing. Men were expected to hide their feelings and to handle difficult situations calmly, which is reflected in the music (Chaney & Mincey, 2014). Survival was the dominant theme in the Wild West, and people adapted a lifestyle that enabled them survive in such environment. However, in some songs the male characters are quite tender and sensitive. For example, in “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones the story of a man who loved his wife to death is told. This song is also an example of the song which depicts a breakup due to death of one of the lovers. “Travelling Soldier” by Dixie Chicks (2003) tells a story of a girl waiting for her beloved soldier from war. Some songs are dedicated to harsh living conditions, which are not an obstacle for a true love. “Cause I Love You” (1969) by Johnny Cash illustrates it, telling a story of a poor man who loves his woman: “If we live in a cottage, you will feel it’s a castle”. “She Used to Love Me A Lot” by the same singer describes the relationships of the couple after a breakup. Thus, although the country characters are believed to be very masculine, they still can reflect on the relationships, express their feelings openly and even cry.
Alcoholism and Domestic Violence
Alcoholism in the Wild West can be attributed to the harsh living conditions in those regions. The violence depicted in the country break-up songs is even augmented by the fact that owning a firearm during that time was legal (Weber et. al, 2017). The singers of these country break-up songs show immense emotions against this sort of violence that is rife in the Wild West, an indication that indeed the society is ravaged by the effects of heavy drinking. Some songs that are not related to breakup but vividly reflect these themes were included in this analysis. For example, in “The Little Girl” by Montgomery the story about the dysfunctional family is told. A girl is hiding behind the couch from her heavily drinking father. In the “Concrete Angel” by Martina McGride the main character of the song, a little girl, is abused by her alcoholic mother. Some lyrics tell the stories about cheating and mistrust, for example, like the song “”Ring On Her Finger, Time On Her Hands” by Lee Greenwood (1982). “Don’t Come Home A’Drinkin” by Loretta Lynn (1962) describes a quarrel that is caused by a man’s alcoholism. Thus, a prudent analysis of country break-up songs reveals instances of domestic violence instigated by alcohol, which makes 28% from all the songs analyzed. Country musicians, thus, seek to inform and caution of the adverse effects of drinking on relationships. Thus, the characters of the country break-up songs are often reserved, they overcome difficulties, consume alcohol and gamble, which reflects the life in the Wild West.
References
Chaney, C., & Mincey, K. (2014). Typologies of Black male sensitivity in R&B and Hip Hop. Journal of Hip Hop Studies, 1(1), 121-156.
La Chapelle, P. (2019). I’d fight the world: A political history of old-time, hillbilly, and country music. University of Chicago Press.
Shepherd, J. (2020). Difference and power in music. In Musicology and difference (pp. 46-65). University of California Press.
Weber, B., & Miller, K. (2017). Poverty in rural America: then and now. In Rural poverty in the United States (pp. 28-64). Columbia University Press.
Appendix A
For the purposes of this paper, the following songs have been analyzed:
- “Monday Morning Church” by Alan Jackson, 2004.
- “The Grand Tour” by George Jones, 2004.
- “Where Do I Put Her Memory” by Charley Pride, 1979.
- “Believe” by Brooks&Dunn, 2005.
- “If You’re Reading This” by Tim McGraw.
- “Holes in the Floor Of Heaven” by Steve Wariner, 1998.
- “Waiting Around to Die”, Townes van Zandt, 1968.
- “I Don’t Call Him Daddy” by Doug Supernaw, 1987.
- “Chiseled in Stone” by Vern Gosdin, 1989.
- “I Will Forever Hate Roses” by Dolly Parton, 2008.
- “Life Turned Her That Way” by Mel Tillis, 1967.
- “For the Good Times” by Ray Price, 1970.
- “Travelling Soldier” by Dixie Chicks, 2003.
- “Old Sheep” by Red Foley, 1931.
- “Give it Away” by George Strait, 2006.
- “He Stopper Loving Her Today” by George Jones, 1980.
- “Sea of Heartbreak” by Johnny Cash, 1996.
- “I Never Picked Cotton” by Johnny Cash, 1996.
- “The Little Girl” by John Michael Montgomery.
- “Concrete Angel” by Martina McBride,2002.
- “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” by Hank Williams, 1973.
- “Cause I Love You” by Johnny Cash, 1969.
- “Ring On Her Finger, Time On Her Hands” by Lee Greenwood, 1982.
- “Don’t Come Home A’Drinkin” by Loretta Lynn, 1962.
- “She Used to Love Me A Lot” by Johnny Cash, 2014.