Song Analysis: The V-J Day Kiss

The V-J Day Kiss photograph captures the emotions felt after the end of World War II. The people of New York filled into Times Square when the announcement had been made that the war had come to an end. A new era of hope, peace, and happiness was now being spread not only in the United States, but globally. In the light of this new era, the song celebration compliments this new time perfectly. People all around the world were celebrating the close of a dark chapter in the human race. The song Celebration by Kool and the Gang and the V-J Day kiss are similar in the ways that they both appeal to emotions, their purpose, and the symbolic meanings.
Looking at the famous photograph of the sailor grasping the unknown woman clad in all white, it automatically makes the person who looks at the image happy; because they know the underlying circumstances of the kiss. The same goes for the song Celebration. Upon listening to it, the music makes you feel joyful due to its rhythm, beat, and lyrics. When the words, “Celebrate good times,

As Kool and the Gang sing, “A celebration to last throughout the years. So bring your good times and your laughter too”, it is obvious that the band wrote this song for the singular purpose that those listening would feel happiness. When the music begins playing the individual automatically responds to it. Whether it be through dancing or singing along to the lyrics it is noticeable that the person feels better. The same goes for the photograph post World War II. Looking at the image it is clear that the people inside the picture are filled with joy after such a sad period. The surrounding people looking upon the sailor kissing the woman are smiling and expressing genuine cheer. Just the same as those listening to the song. The photograph and the music give purpose in the sense that they both make an individual feel the joy being