I posted on Monday about working my way through the Spotify “Top Tracks List” at the coffee shop. Here are five more songs that were on that list, and some thoughts about each of them. (Click the song title to see the lyrics.)
We Found Love by Rihanna
I’ve written about this song (and video) here and here.
HYFR (Hell Ya F**king Right) by Drake
Umm. Yeah. I’ll let you check out the lyrics for yourself.
We’ve got you covered on this one — click here for our re:tuned discussion starter for “Stronger.”
Bangarang feat. Sirah by Skrillex
This is “the” sound of the moment. And I’m reminded that kids don’t pick music based on the words. They pick based on what it sounds like. And this song sounds really cool.
A** Back Home feat. Neon Hitch by Gym Class Heroes
Once you get past the language, this is a gut-wrenching song about the struggles of maintaining a relationship while on the road. I know a lot of people who live this life, and I found myself praying through a list of names while I listened. I also bet a kid who was dealing with his parents splitting up would connect with this song.
I don’t know where you’re going
Or when you’re coming home
I left the keys under the mat to our front door
For one more chance to hold you close
I don’t know where you’re going
Just get your a** back home
If you want to check out these specific songs, I created a Spotify playlist. Or do what I did and just go to Spotify and check out their “Top Lists” playlist.
Choosing to be uncomfortable
I had a conversation with a friend who went to his daughter’s middle school dance (something all parents and youth leaders alike should think about doing — you’re local school will probably welcome your presence as a volunteer or chaperone). He didn’t recognize all the songs they were spinning, so he used the Shazam app on his iPhone to figure out what he was hearing. It wasn’t pretty — it was actually shocking to hear what qualifies as the “clean” version of some songs — but it gave him some valuable information to use in discussions with his daughter over the next few weeks.
I don’t make the choice to listen to a song entitled “Hell Ya F**king Right” lightly. And I’m not adding it to any of my personal playlists. But I am making a choice to be aware of what students are hearing. And sometimes that means putting on my headphones and being uncomfortable for a few minutes over a vanilla latte.
Music can be such a powerful influence, so I think it is great that you are choosing to be a little uncomfortable in order to be aware of what students are hearing.
As a supposed Christian entity (Interlinc) you should not be listing these kinds of songs in any kind of list for others to see. Then you are making excuses for listening to his drivel. As a parent i do not need to know about these songs but thanks for your advice in raising my kids. I raise them to turn this kind of stuff off and walk away if they hear it. Don’t be part of the world. This is partly why i cancelled my pizza boxes.