Timeless Work: an Analysis of Marvin Gaye Essay Example

Timeless Work: An Analysis of Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye grew up surrounded by the art of music. Born in the nations capital on April 2, 1939, Gaye’s ageless sounds and intriguing vocals still influence the world today. Gaye’s father, a minister in the Apostolic Church, played a foremost role in Marvin’s musical education. In fact, most of Marvin’s inspiration for religious topics came from the church music he grew up singing. Through the art of song, musical icon Marvin Gaye uses pathos, symbolism, and imagery with an objective to connect to listeners on tremendously personal levels. Marvin Gaye’s first hit “What’s Going On?” makes use of symbolism in his general topic covering the agonizing conditions of the everlasting matter known as war. All throughout history there has been a parade of endless conflicts with country vs. country. Written in the 1960’s, “What’s Going On?” specifically targets the Vietnam War. During this war, countless men were killed, their loved ones wept, and scores of the population opposed its escalation. Likewise in today’s society, the War on Terror battling between the United States and Iraq continues to surge against the wishes of the U.S. citizens. “You see war is not the answer- for only love can conquer hate”(Gaye) This quote relates today’s society to the 1960's in many ways. It implied that the majority of the people oppose fighting and issues must be resolved peacefully. The technique that must be used interprets that disagreements must be resolved peacefully. This quote also expresses that disagreements must be overcome by using a loving heart as opposed to a hating mind. “father, father, we don’t need to escalate.”(Gaye) In this quote presented, Gaye takes symbolism and connects the government to being a “father”. The government’s fatherly roles are to rule and make decisions for its country. Although Gaye conflicts with the government, therefore supposing it to be corrupt. In the lyrics, Gaye beseeches with the