MSNBC - Musicians use their talent to further the cause

MSNBC - Musicians use their talent to further the causeMost of us have grappled with the task of figuring out song lyrics. Recently I attempted to decipher out what Johnny Rotten was saying in an old Sex Pistols song called “Revolution in the Classroom.” The only lyrics I could make out with any certainly were the words, “revolution in the classroom.” The rest of it sounds like a man with a lisp experiencing convulsions after a two-week drinking binge.

Artists in the music business have a long history of social commentary, even if they don’t always vocalize their views with pinpoint clarity. Sometimes you can be listening to a song about saving the whales and mistakenly believe it’s about global warming. As important as the message may be, it’s even more essential that it be heard.

These days, stars of the music world are not only getting the word out, they’re jeopardizing their careers to do so. Fans may still struggle to sort out the words, but the message is perfectly clear.

By Michael Ventre
MSNBC contributor