Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Transcendentalist Songs

We see transcendentalist ideas everywhere. The past two days in class we have looked at quotes, comics, and essays that are a direct reflection of these ideals. After reviewing the list of songs, choose at least one song that you are familiar with and explain how this song refelcts transcedentalism. What is another song that can be related to transcendentalim that is not on the list? How does it relate?

40 comments:

  1. The song Higher by Creed is a really good example of a song that rates to trancendentalism. It speaks of getting away from this place, staying in the place we find in our dreams. This is talking about appreciation for something other than what we consider daily life.

    Another song that could relate is Under the Bridge by The Red Hot Chili Peppers. This talks of how the city is the only one that knows him, indicating that it's not other people or what they do, but what we personally find that let's us see ourselves... For him, his comfort is the city. The city knows him.

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  2. I believe the song Keep ya head up by Tupac is a great example of transcendentalism. It speaks of many of the qualities in a somewhat hidden manner but at least my opinion is that when he talks about treating women right and not using violence it is an example that we haven’t exactly covered as much as others but I interpret it as a quality. Some other qualities I find that relate to transcendentalism in the song are that when he was a kid he was rebellious of what his mother wanted him to do such as staying out past curfew and questioning authority.

    Another song i find that could relate transcendentalism is The Devil Wears Prada – Hey John Whats Your Name Again?. It speaks of society being to engulfed and to indulged in things that don’t better society. Such as television series and other things. These aren’t direct interpretations from the lyrics just concepts I believe are underlying meanings in the lyrics as a personal opinion. They also speak of people in positions of power abusing they're power and doing so giving all of us a reason to not conform to society and things of that nature.

    Here is the song if any of you care to watch it, it is a screamo or heavy metal song so many of you may not like it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZaKn8AKVDs

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  3. One song that i believe relates to transcendentalism in "Get Up, Stand Up" by Bob Marley. In this song it talks about standing up for what you want and your rights. Dont be a follower and stand up for what you want.

    Another song that i believe relates to transcednentalism is Tupac "keep ya head up". the reason i think this realtes to it is because he rises up against authority on several occasions.

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  4. I believe that "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles is a song that can be related to transcendentalism. This song is a extremely positive song, which is what transcendentalism is all about. It's about doing what you think is right and constantly being happy. Throughout the song, it's constantly repeating "here comes the sun", after every negative thing, so it's trying to persuade listeners that everything is going to be okay no matter how bad it gets.


    Another song that I believe relates to transcendentalism is "My Bestfriend" by Tim Mcgraw. I think this because throughout the whole song it talks about how many troubles he's had to go through thoughout his life, and how amazing it is to have one person who makes him happy, and how much he is happy with that person, and that's all he's worried about.

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  5. I agree with Nick Wagner, about the song Keep Ya Head Up by 2Pac. 2Pac states in many songs that he has about how he has went against authority.Another song is Hell Razor by 2Pac he talks about rebelling against the cops and shooting at them and killing them.He also talks about his friends in prison and that he wants to break them out. You should go to grooveshark.com and listen to it its real good song.

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  6. A song that I think represents what we have been learning very well is "Colors of the Wind", by Vanessa Williams.The song talks about how you should look at what all the beauty in nature represents. And how we should not drestroy it,and just take time to enjoy it.

    Another song I think represents what we have been learning is "Imagine", by John Lennon. In this song John Lennon sings about how society is bad, and what it would be like if it were changed.

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  7. I feel that a good song that shows transcendental thinking is the song by R. Kelly "I Believe I Can Fly". In this song R. Kelly says that he believes in himself that he can do anything he wants to. He also says he thinks about it every night and day. That is what transcendentalists believed, theycould do anything they want no matter what people thought of them.

    Another song that I feel shows transcendental thinking is a song by Brad Paisley called " I'm Still a Guy". I think this because in the song Brad Paisley explains that he sees things differently than others but he doesn't care about what others think because he is who he is.

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  8. Nick,
    Ia m going to check that song out. Thanks for the link!

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  9. The song "Colors of the Wind" by Vanessa Williams discusses the beauty of our land. It tells about how everything has a spirit. It tells us multiple examples of wonderful things in nature and that we should take the time to enjoy nature once in a while.

    Another song I think represents what we've been learning that wasn't on our list is "Mother Earth" by Within Temptation. It talks about how within earth and all nature there is some almighty spirit, just like those who took part in transcendentalism thought about nature.

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  10. Forgot to post this, but, here's a link to "Mother Earth" if anyone happens to be curious. You might not like it.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb7juICCURU

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  11. i think its my live by Bon Jovi is a great example of this

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  12. The song "Hands" by Jewel is a great example of transcendental thinking. Jewel is talking about how important her hands are, even if they are small. Shes also talking about how she will fight for what is right. She is also explaining what really matters, kindness, praying, and beauty. A lot of other songs by Jewel are transcendental.

    I think a good example for a song that reflects transcendental thinking is Strawberry Swing by Cold Play. It talks about how beautiful the sky is, and how cold the water is. They also mention how beautiful a person really is.

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  13. "Earth song" is about the earth and how it weeps because we are slowly destroying it. The transcedentalist's believe in staying in nature and loveing nature. And today we keep on destroying nature in someplaces, just to get a certain mineral or other substance to fuel our societies need to get bigger and better things.

    I think that the song the sound of truth by as i lay dying is a good transcedentalism song. What i get out of the song is that we no longer listen to our conscience and we just listen to other people for guidence. but what we should be doing is what we think is right, by what our conscience tells us nit what someone else thinks is right. it also talks about someone who thinks that they are being an indivdual but are really just following someone else doing the same thing.

    look up the lyrics and the video it is a good song, but i warn you if you don't like screamo don't listen to it.

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  14. The best song that i think reflects trancendentalism would be i hope you dance because its about how you should be close to nature and how you should always be yourself. Its saying that even though nature is bigger then you dont be afraid to get out there.
    I think another song would be viva la vida by coldplay because he says he rules the world and one of the basic beliefs of trancendentalism is that a person is his or her own best authority.

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  16. One song that I believe relates to transcendentalism is "My Life" by Bon Jovi. What i get out of this song is to live your life the way you want to live it and don't just be another face in the crowd. This song goes against conformity saying how people should do their own things in life.

    Another song that relates is "Did My Time" by Korn. This song goes against conformity saying that you should walk your OWN path in life and just don't walk another persons

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  17. I looked up the lyrics to the song Corey listened to and i agree the lyrics are good, but the song could definalty go with out the screamo. haha

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  18. I think the song "Praying For Daylight" by Rascal Flatts resembles transcendentalism. In the song they're talking about waking up to a new day and the morning sun and making it a good day. Transcendentalist believe that the Earth is very valuable and we should be lucky to be living in it.

    Another song that resembles transcendentalism is "Best Days" by Graham Colton Band. This song talks about making the best of the day. It talks about being positive and open-minded, which is how transcendentalist think.

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  19. I feel like the song "Colors Of The Wind" was one that applies to Transcendentalism. Transcendentalists believed in nature and it being the purest and most simple thing in left. Everything in nature has a purpose and a life as said in the song. If you give nature a chance you'll find your answer and get to know yourself better.

    Another song that i liked was "I Hope You Dance". Just because people get in your way or life throws things at you that you don't like doesnt mean you should just give up. Think positive and live life to its fullest and everything will work itself out.

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  20. I think the song "Get Up, Stand Up" by Bob Marley is a great example of transcendentalism. It talks about how you shouldn't just live your life expecting 'heaven' when you die, instead you should look for a larger purpose in life while you're alive. It also talks about how you should stand up for your morals and follow what you believe in, even if your standing up alone.

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  21. i agree with petty. that song is a great example of Transcendentalism ideal of being an individual. and it is a good song too.

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  22. I think the song you gotta be by Desiree is a good example of transcendentalism. The song talks about how you have to be yourself no matter what. Also it says you should be your own person and not do things because someone else does.
    I also agree with nick p. that is a great choice for a song about transcendentalism

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  23. I believe that the song "I'm Real" by Jennifer Lopez is an example of transcendentalism all because its talking about how she is real. Being real means being true to yourself and others. Not going against people and not joining into other peoples actions. Such as being a conformist.


    Another song I think that shows transcendentalism is "Where Is The Love" by the Black Eyed Peas because it's talking about how the world needs to be. Also about terrorists, bloods, the crips, and the KKK, and other groups that people joined to be like other people and became conformist.

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  24. I think "I Hope you Dance" is an amazing song that has a lot to do with Transcendentalism. The song has great lyrics that reflects life and never taking anything for granted. " I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean. Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens. Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance." The lyrics are very powerful to me and it shows a lot of the transcendentalist ideas.

    Another song that was not on the list is "Waiting on the World to Change." by John Mayer. In the song he sings about being misunderstood and that people are just sitting back waiting for the world to change itself.

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  25. The song "It's My Life" by bon jovi is a great example of transcendentalism because he was talking living his life and his life only. His thoughts, ideas, and wants are his only, not someone elses. His not trying to act like someone else. He is himself.

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  26. The song that I picked that would best describe Transcendentalism is " Beautiful Day" by U2. This song is saying how you can hate the place you live at and how you want to just go away and be in your own imagination. That is how Transcendentalism was that people went against society and wanted to do there own thing and just live in nature.

    Another song that I could think of that would relate to Transcendentalism is " Where is the Love" That is one song that is true about the world. People are out there in society trying to fight for a living and people hate one another and do what they want to do. No one has love for one another. We need to find the love!

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  27. I know that Nick Master's used this song. But the best song on this list that represents transcendentalism has to be Higher by Creed. It talks about what you can find in your own mind, and how powerful your thoughts can be. It is just an overall good song.

    A song that i think has good transcendentalist meanings in it is An Ocean Between Us, by As I Lay Dying. It is a bit of a stretch, but depending on how you interpret the lyrics, transcendentalist meanings can be found in them. It is a good song, with good lyrics. Look up the video and lyrics if you want. But, i doubt that anyone will like it, since it is screamo. But check it out nonetheless.

    I also agree with Corey Bernard. The Sound Of Truth by the same band is also a good example of transcendentalist meanings in a song.

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  28. I think the tong "Just The Way You Are" by Billy Joel is a good example. It talks about how you should be yourself, and not pretend to be something that you are not. It talks about how the real you is more likable than whatever you pretend to be, and how people want the real you and not a pretend one. If you were pretending to be someone or something you are not and someone liked you and they found out that you were just pretending they would not be very happy. It is all about believing in yourself and having faith in who you are and being confident that you are who you are an that you don't need to be someone else. This song relates to transcendentalism by talking about individualism and how you should be yourself and not pretend to be something or someone that you are not. It talks about how people like the true you and not fakes, and how you should be confident in yourself so that you don't have to pretend to be something that you aren't.

    I Think The Song "Muddy Water" From Big River Relates To Transcendentalism. It is a good song because it talks about going and finding himself in the river. How the river has many mysteries, and how he needs to climb on its back and ride it. He wants the river to protect him, which is finding a god in nature. In the song he say " But I put my pole to the river bottom and I've got to hide some place and find myself again." That relates by going out and finding yourself in nature. The song also talks about getting away from everything because he talks about how he needs to get away but he, he is running, but he doesn't know where he is going. That relates because it is about getting away from the complications of everyday life.

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  29. I agree with Phibbs on both song choices. The Im just a guy talks about how brad see nature in a completly different way.

    An in i believe i can fly Rkelly is tryin to say he can do anything and no one can stop him from trying

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  30. I think Bob Marley's "Get Up Stand Up" is a good transcendentalist song. It is urging society to stand up for their rights and gives a message to not conform to government. If we all stood up for ourselves as the individual we would be much more powerful and have more rights.

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  31. I think the best song is Survivor by Destiny's Child because it talks about how all you need is your self to live and that you need to be your self not to lean on others. Another song would be Independent but i dont know who the artist is.

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  32. I believe the song "I Believe I Can Fly" by R. Kelly represents trancendentalism the best. I think they both relate the same way by not giving up and have a positive attitude at doing whatever it is in your own way.

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  33. I think one of the songs that reflects transcendentalist is, dixie chicks, wide open spaces(thanks angela!). The song talks about how everyone knows they just want to get out on their own, live by their own rules with noone bothering them and telling them what to do. It talks about making your own decisions and just living your life and becoming your own person without anyone telling you what to do and what not.


    I think another song that wasnt on the list that displys transcendentalism is John Lennon's Imagine. It's about wanting the world to just be peaceful, with no conflicts and everyone just getting along and everyone is basically just one. It's one of my favorite songs, and it was the first to come to mind.

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  34. I think one of the songs that reflects transcendentalist is, dixie chicks, wide open spaces(thanks angela!). The song talks about how everyone knows they just want to get out on their own, live by their own rules with noone bothering them and telling them what to do. It talks about making your own decisions and just living your life and becoming your own person without anyone telling you what to do and what not.


    I think another song that wasnt on the list that displys transcendentalism is John Lennon's Imagine. It's about wanting the world to just be peaceful, with no conflicts and everyone just getting along and everyone is basically just one. It's one of my favorite songs, and it was the first to come to mind.


    ^totally didnt mean to do that last one.

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  35. I feel the the song "Higher" by Creed is an excellent way to explain transcendentalism. It explains escaping, seeing where blind men see, and appreciating dreams. Its not taking advantage of what we have and being grateful for everything that we do have.

    Another song that i feel is connected with transcendentalism is Come Sail Away by Styx. I feel this connects to transcendentalism because it's about being yourself and doing whats best for you. He says he's the captain and is telling the audience he is in control and knows what he wants.

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  36. I respectively agree with Kristen. John Lennon for one is amazing, but also has to understand how his words affect others. Peace and tranquility among society is what he wanted and decided to put it in a song.

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  37. I'd say the song Keep Ya Head Up by Tupac Shakurrepresents trancendentalism really well. The whole song is about how you don't have to accept your current status in life just because that's what you're used to. You have choices to make everday and even if it isnt the easy choice you can still do what feels right. You have to look out for you before you look out for others, you can get to a better place, there's always hope, even when it seems like there isnt any. You just have to Keep Ya Head Up and make the smart choices and before too long you'll be where you want to be.

    The song I would say really represents trancendentalism well is "All the Above" by Maino featuring T-Pain. The whole song is about how Maino came up from the bottom and took everystep no matter how small to make it as a rapper. Maino went from having a 10 year incarceration, two drug addict parents and having to fend for himself and his brother, he made some bad choices to try and stay alive but they were choices that he rose up from and nows he's doing his own thing for the rap game and making great progress in it.

    Also i agree with Phibbs about I'm Still a Guy that song is all about Paisley doing his own thing because that's just who he is.

    Here's a link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLTFpoWvQho&feature=related

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  38. I know this is an old post , but Searches up with Trancendental Songs ! so Thought I would post now anyway.
    You have to hear 'Touched By The Sun' ( Carly Simon) >
    "If you want to be brave
    And reach for the top of the sky
    And the farthest point on the horizon
    Do you know who you'll meet there
    Great soldiers and seafarers,
    Artists and dreamers
    Who need to be close, close to the light
    They need to be in danger of burning by fire
    And I, I want to get there
    I, I want to be one
    One who is touched by the sun."
    And Nahko Bear (Medicine for the People) is doing great stuff too.

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  39. This Is Me Greatest Showman
    Unwritten Natasha Bangerfeld
    Seasons of Love Rent
    Lose Yourself Eminem
    Fight Song

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