Should We Take Care Of Our Own: Does Art Have A Higher Purpose?

Bruce Springsteen is an acclaimed American rock artist. He is famous for writing songs with a greater purpose than just to entertain. Springsteen’s lyrics are however ambiguous, thus they can be interpreted as one sees fit. In this text, I will give my interpretation of the two songs “We Take Care of Our Own” and “Death to My Hometown”. I will then discuss whether art should have a higher purpose.
At first glance, “We Take Care of Our Own” seems like a patriotic American anthem. The title suggest a praise to the American people and the American government for doing a great job of taking care of its own. The chorus, “Wherever this flag’s flown. We take care of our own” only confirms this belief. Thus, it is easy to conclude that Springsteen

The lyrics are vague enough for them to be relevant for both groups. With this song, Springsteen wishes to make the listener aware of the lack of compassion people have for each other. In addition, he wants to know where the judicious government is and why they refuse to take their responsibilities seriously. This song conveys an idea of the declining humanity found in the American people. Springsteen appeals to the men in charge and the average man to ask for a shift in attitude. Without this, America will end up as an inhumane, ignorant country with people lacking

Bruce Springsteen on the other hand, seems to adhere to the belief that art should have a higher purpose. One can therefore consider whether art should simply exist for the sake of beauty or whether it should exist to make a statement. There are two sides to this question. On one hand, artists can take advantage of their position to stir up a debate. By asking thought-provoking questions, artists might raise awareness for certain social issues. In addition, people generally respect artists, thus they can use their music to influence the views and opinions of others. In this context, music is a political tool used to enlighten the ignorant. On the other hand, art could exist for the sake of beauty. Some artists use music as a way to express themselves. Others make art for their own pleasure. In these instances, art has no higher purpose. I believe art without a meaning is still art. In addition, art is in essence useless. It is not a necessity. I therefore believe a higher purpose is not essential when it comes to art. Art for art’s sake is enough. In a world where everyone tries to find their own meaning, it can be relaxing to focus on something meaningless. To quote Wilde again, “All art is quite