MUSIC AS LITERATURE



Music As Literature...


    Before I list many reasons why I consider music to be literature... hear this first, AND then you'll see the beauty behind this form of literature called "Music." 

    Paul Simon's album "Graceland" is considered a masterpiece by many people. The motive and effort put into it and the story behind it is enough to make one who doesn't even like that kind of music want to take a listen to it. It is commendable for Paul to have made a genre more relative to our  American culture. As Paul is considered a musician, I also consider him an author. Every song he sang has meaning, and written out; you'll find yourself reading a poem.
    As for myself, I am a huge fanatic of Vocal Group harmony, I live, walk, breath and talk Doo Wop - anyone knows that. Knowing many people associated with the genre, Artists, Collectors and Enthusiasts alike all know that Doo Wop is a storytelling genre. Most of the times in a ballad, you hear the most heartfelt pleas to a lover, or a boy or girl pouring their heart out because of a bad breakup. Here is an excellent example of a boy telling a girl how much he loves her. 
    Instrumental music, I can also consider to be literature as well; however, it takes imagination on your part. Listen to this instrumental called "Eternal Love." I imagine that, if there were words in this song; it'd be a happy song, a together forever type of deal to a man's girl. The lead guitar seems to tell a story of promises and happiness, it's own lover's plea, but it takes YOUR mind to imagine and appreciate a beautiful instrumental like that. 
   The difference between a novel, a poem, a rap, a song, an opera, and a symphony is simply, the style and format. A novel is classic literature in itself; a poem, rap, song, opera, and symphony I consider to be poetry. As for symphony, again - as an instrumental; it is YOU to decide the words and message along with the music. All in all, I consider music to be the most beautiful form of literature... because deep within me is the beating of a bass drum for my heart; and music is my life. 
    Now ... for the hell of it, take a listen to one of the greatest Doo Wop ballads (and rarest as well) i've ever heard! This is my copy of the record, listen here. Here is a scan below 

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