In the fall of 2009 Jazmine Sullivan released her hit single “Bust Your Windows”. This song’s lyrics portray an enraged woman, due to heartbreak, who intends on getting her full revenge by vandalizing the man’s car. I never forget one morning I was on my way to school and the radio talk show host on Hot 97 did not hold back when expressing his feelings about the magnitude of Jazmine Sullivan’s song, “Well thank you Jazmine Sullivan for making it okay for women to act like they have no damn sense” As funny as it was at the time, did the radio talk show host have a point? Do music lyrics influence our actions towards love and in Jazmine Sullivan’s case – A lack of love? It made it even clearer when a month after that my girlfriend found out her man was cheating and as she calls it “pulling a Jazmine Sullivan her way”, instead of a crow bar she used her house key to devilishly tag her ex boyfriend’s car. Could Jazmine Sullivan be responsible for letting the monster free out of many enraged women?
Imagine you just found out your woman or man has cheated on you and as you are driving home the radio seems to be feeding your overly emotional attachment towards your past relationship. It seems like every break up song in the world is coming on! That alone will definitely make you want to drive off a cliff!
A close male friend of mine recalls his ex girlfriend, after he ended the relationship, breaking into his apartment and stealing his wallet while he was at the gym. He describes, “This chick lost her mind! She steals my wallet and goes shopping! I get home to Blu Cantrell “Hit Em Up Style” playing on repeat”
Blu Cantrell’s song “Hit Em Up Style” basically gives a woman the go ahead to shop till she drops with her man’s credit cards after he has done her wrong. Yes indeed it was a pretty popular song back then and I am sure that it WRONGFULLY affected many women.
Now on a more positive note- not all songs promote negative gestures of love. I personally hold a large love and respect for Usher’s song “Let It Burn”. I have seen this song, even today; play a huge role in mature, adult breakups. It promotes the idea that after multiple endearing attempts towards a relationship and wanting it to work so bad, even though deep down you know it cannot, you get to a point where you know its time to let go and let it burn because “the party ain’t jumping like it used to”. Great song! Cuddos to Usher!
We underestimate the power of lyrical artists. Lauryn Hill for instance – her entire album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” is not a bitter album towards relationships and break ups, instead it includes songs from all different point of views of love. The lyrics will get you through the twists and turns and ups and downs of relationships THE RIGHT WAY.
We can name many artists, both male and female, whose lyrics motivate us to move on, love our partners better or to just appreciate the possibilities of love as a whole.
You may believe, “Music plays no role in how I love” However, Past artists have set the mood for the way we love today. You don’t believe me? Go ahead and ask your parents what song lead up to you being born? Believe me whether it was Lenny Williams, Teddy Pendergrass, Rick James, Luther Vandross, The Isley Brothers, Guy, Bobby Womack, Gerald Levert – I can name so many more of the artists who promote GOOD LOVE MAKING/ BABY MAKING music. We should pay homage to the artists who created lyrics like these because without those tunes many of us will not be here today!
Stay away from those songs that will have you cheating on a good partner, vandalizing that man’s car, being a gold digger or disrespecting someone you love. You think the song is good for you when really all that is behind it is an artist trying to make some good money! Do not let lyrics ruin something good, instead if it has any effect on how you love, let it lift you into being the best partner. I am personally in love with “Cater To You” by Destiny’s Child. It gave me great insight on how to treat a good man deserving of my love in a very sexy way. (wink) lol
If you are single, play a song that gets you going about self-improvement and loving you first. If you are recovering from a break up do not turn on sad lonely music, instead add some life to yourself and play music that gives you the strength to love again. If you don’t want to take this course in direction well go ahead and let Jazmine Sullivan sing you into busting that man’s car windows but she will not be in court with you on Monday!
The Written Words Of AJT
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