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Analysis Of The Beatles 'Timeless Song Blackbird'

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Famously stated by American musician Bruce Springsteen, “the best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with.” In times of distress and confusion, the meaning in music often serves as a guidance and gives a sense of inspiration and relief for those in need. The timeless song “Blackbird” by English rock band The Beatles is one of the best examples in which songs can provide encouragement to those in unfamiliar and uncomfortable situations. The soothing melodies and lyrics of the song contain techniques of metaphor and juxtaposition. British songwriters and former Beatles members Paul McCartney and John Lennon camouflaged hidden messages in their song “Blackbird” to serve as a sign of comfort to those who were …show more content…

Racism is a deep rooted part of American culture, whether we like to admit it or not. “Being black in the United States poses a risk of a very particular form of socially conditioned despair” (Styles). Starting with the slavery system, black Americans have faced discrimination and inequality for hundreds of years due to their skin color. Subsequently, the implementation of the Segregation Laws further divided the black community from the white by promoting racial segregation through every aspect of daily life, including public transportations, education system, and medical system. The numerous accounts of social and racial injustices inspired artists, like John Lennon and Paul McCartney, to write songs and broadcast their views on the issue. During his tour, songwriter McCartney revealed that the blackbird the song revolves around actually metaphorically represents a black girl as he stated “I don't know if any of you know, but in England sometimes we call girls "birds." You know? And I kinda wrote this song with that in mind” (Kapurch et al). Although there are many guesses regarding the main inspiration for the piece, every African American can relate to the encouragement of the song due to the versatility of the lyrics'

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