Songs of the 50s
Songs of the 1950s
Songs of the 50s
In this paper I will research and identify 5 songs of the 1950s and what the songs reflect about the culture, mood, and values of the 1950s and the ethnic groups the artists came from. I will also discuss how accurately the songs reflect the mood, value, and perceptions of the 1950s as discussed in our readings, Nation of Nations.
“All I Have To Do Is Dream”
The first song I would like to address would be: “All I Have To Do Is Dream,” by the Everly Brothers. This song reiterates the basic ideology of the 1950s associated with “the good life.” The song offers a neat synopsis of the mood, values, and perceptions of this era, for example, the song states “only trouble is, gee whiz, I’m dreamin’ my life away….” This quote shows the leisure time available to Americans, it also reflects the time of hope during this era. The song also reflects a strong sense of optimism, confidence, and overall comfort afforded by this era. This song also seems to echo the general sentiments of the time in terms of the open attitudes toward sex with some of the romantic lyrics. Since the baby boom initiated during this era the lyrics to the mood and values are represented in the lyrics above. Since America emerged from World War II, in this era this song reinforces the American Dream. The song gives the mood and perception of happiness at having a secure job, owning a house, etc…
“A Lot of Livin’ To Do”
“A Lot of Livin’ To Do” by Sammy Davis Jr., Mr. Davis represents both the African American and Hispanic races and this song’s lyrics also embody the era because of the references to the “good life” with “And there’s wine, already for tasting. And there’s Cadillac’s, all shiny and new. Gotta move, cause time is wasting. There’s such a lot of livin’ to do.” These lyrics indicate the era because it was called “the culture of consumption.” The Americans experienced a large scale of spending during this
Songs of the 50s
In this paper I will research and identify 5 songs of the 1950s and what the songs reflect about the culture, mood, and values of the 1950s and the ethnic groups the artists came from. I will also discuss how accurately the songs reflect the mood, value, and perceptions of the 1950s as discussed in our readings, Nation of Nations.
“All I Have To Do Is Dream”
The first song I would like to address would be: “All I Have To Do Is Dream,” by the Everly Brothers. This song reiterates the basic ideology of the 1950s associated with “the good life.” The song offers a neat synopsis of the mood, values, and perceptions of this era, for example, the song states “only trouble is, gee whiz, I’m dreamin’ my life away….” This quote shows the leisure time available to Americans, it also reflects the time of hope during this era. The song also reflects a strong sense of optimism, confidence, and overall comfort afforded by this era. This song also seems to echo the general sentiments of the time in terms of the open attitudes toward sex with some of the romantic lyrics. Since the baby boom initiated during this era the lyrics to the mood and values are represented in the lyrics above. Since America emerged from World War II, in this era this song reinforces the American Dream. The song gives the mood and perception of happiness at having a secure job, owning a house, etc…
“A Lot of Livin’ To Do”
“A Lot of Livin’ To Do” by Sammy Davis Jr., Mr. Davis represents both the African American and Hispanic races and this song’s lyrics also embody the era because of the references to the “good life” with “And there’s wine, already for tasting. And there’s Cadillac’s, all shiny and new. Gotta move, cause time is wasting. There’s such a lot of livin’ to do.” These lyrics indicate the era because it was called “the culture of consumption.” The Americans experienced a large scale of spending during this
References: © The McGraw−Hill Companies, 2002 Lyrics Depot: © 2008 LyricsDepot.com http://www.sammydavisjunior.com/Alotoflivin.htm Muddy Waters Biography APRIL 4, 1915 - APRIL 30, 1983 -Pete Welding, excerpted from "Gone to Mainstreet," Bluesland, E.P http://www.muddywaters.com/bio.html Blues Lyrics On Line by , Latest update on June 11, 1999