The best songs are those of which the lyrics can tell a story. Lyrics that can relate to one’s life, bring emotion upon someone, or create nostalgia is true artwork.

In 1974, Harry Chapin wrote a vengeful song about a son and his father. It was named “Cats in the Cradle.” As the son grows up, his father is missing in his life because he is too busy with work. In the end, once the son had become a man, his father needed him. However, the man was too busy working.

“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” written by Journey in 1979 is another revenge song. A girl cheats on her boyfriend. Then, in a fortunate turn of events, the man who she cheated with cheats on her.

In 1973, Lynyrd Skynyrd released a little song called “Freebird.” It is about a guy and a girl, a love story in which the guy must leave the girl. However, the interpretation of it varies. The frontman of the band, Johnny Van Zant, was told by fans that they used “Freebird” as a graduation song, or a song at a funeral. It’s all about moving on.

Bob Dylan is known for writing protest songs in the 60s about the war in Vietnam and the civil rights movement. Songs like “Blowin’ In the Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’” highlights his poetic masterpieces which earned him a Nobel Peace Prize in literature!

The point is, I am a huge supporter of classic rock music because of its meaning. The lyrics are what matters. I will proudly admit that I have listened to classic rock songs where the lyrics have made me cry, and I’m a grown man. Those are the best songs, the songs that can bring out true emotions.

Now I’m not saying that every other genre sucks. I like other music too. And I’m not saying that all music nowadays have no meaning, because I know there are still some deep songs. I just think that almost every classic rock song goes beyond just the music.

Music nowadays is just not the same. Rap songs tend to be about just drugs, sex, and violence. And it is written in the most vulgar ways. Music videos are filled with half-naked women being exposed and used as a sex figures. There is an F-bomb and an N-word in every line. To me, it’s just hard to listen to.

Country music does not have much meaning at all. Yes, there are some country songs that do. But what do you think of when you think of country music? Trucks, beer, and women. Most country songs all focus on the same thing. There is no deep interpretation involved with that.

I think this is all tied to the change in songwriting. Back in the day, the band or singer actually wrote their own music. Shocking, right? Now, singers are handed a sheet of lyrics from songwriters, and all they have to do is sing it. Singers are no longer lyricists who write their own music from the heart. That is true talent. MANY people can sing. Not many can produce meaningful writing to go along with it. I wish we could get the REAL music back. I miss it.