Politics are a complicated topic that affects all aspects of life, including, and sometimes integrating, art. Patriotism lies in the heart of every nation, yet it must be supported by an idea or ideology that unites people under one flag. Patriotism can be defined as the attachment to a country and its core attributes, which does not always equal loyalty to the government or a sense of superiority (Kallio & Partti, 2013). Music can be used to directly address a sensitive national topic or indirectly evoke emotions associated with the country.
Patriotism in music is a complex set of recurring themes that can be linked together by their purpose. These compositions are an expression of an individual that reverberates in their listeners to produce strong patriotic emotions (Nussbaum, 2012). Patriotic songs can present different opinions regarding one political topic, yet they are united by the fact that they were created to promote an active political position (Meacham & McGraw, 2019). Ideas that lay in the foundation of a patriotic song must have a solid tie to national ideas or issues.
Lyrics are often included in patriotic musical pieces, however, patriotism can be traced in numerous compositions with no words in them. Patriotic Western Art often expresses determination and evokes strong feelings that the author experiences toward his country (Nussbaum, 2012). When present, lyrics can be “corny,” yet they are always visual and emotional (Meacham & McGraw, 2019). Patriotic songs touch on common characteristics that express the country’s cultural identity.
In conclusion, music has the power to move people’s hearts and minds toward ideals promoted by its authors. The ability of music to affect human emotions is widely recognized and utilized by governments across the globe. Simultaneously, music can be used as an instrument of rebellion, making it a dangerous political force. In either case, a large portion of musical compositions is heavily influenced by sociopolitical themes of modern society, which can not be separated from the notion of patriotism. Patriotic music can take up many forms, but they are all unified by one context and powerful emotions they aim to stir.
References
Kallio, A. A., & Partti, H. (2013). Music education for a nation: Teaching patriotic ideas and ideals in global societies. Action, criticism, & theory for music education, 12(3). Web.
Meacham, J., & McGraw, T. (2019). Songs of America: Patriotism, protest, and the music that made a nation. Random House.
Nussbaum, M. C. (2012). Teaching Patriotism: Love and critical freedom. The University of Chicago Law Review, 79(1), 213-250. Web.
List of patriotic songs:
- Western Art Music 1: “Revolutionary Etude” by Frederick Chopin.
- Western Art Music 2: “Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius.
- World Music: “Las Mañanas de Hidalgo” by Oscar Chávez.
- “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood.
- “America the Beautiful” by Katharine Lee Bates.
- “In America” by John Legend