“Where words fail, music speaks”. This is a quotation from Hans Christian Anderson. The
tune of a guitar, the tenderness of a voice and the melody of a song can change our views
on life. Music has an impact on people, especially young people. The young people add
value to the earth because they make positive changes. The powerful lyrics of songs
inspire the youth and motivate them to continue fighting for change. Today, I will speak
about a song that inspired the youth to fight for a change worldwide.
The song Another Brick in The Wall P2 by Pink Floyd is an anthem. It is a protest against
rigid schooling and the abuse of authoritative figures (teachers) in schools. Roger Waters
is the songwriter of this song. He said that he is passionate about education and the song
is a rebellion against an errant government. “We don’t need no education” is the opening
line. This line does not mean that education is useless. It means that the education system
must be reconsidered because it is killing creativity. The standardised exams and
curriculum are teaching children to have no individuality. There is no critical thinking
because memory is tested in examinations. Children need to know that memorization is
not the only way to succeed. Different talents and skills are valued. We should not conform
to this system and reform it. The song inspired young people to fight against this system.
The song applies to abuse. It was an anthem in South Africa during the apartheid. During
the 1980s, South African school children were upset with the inferior apartheid-era
education system and chanted the lyrics of this song. In February 1980, boycotts at black
schools started in Cape Town. A month later, the song was a hit on the radio. Protests
occurred in the nation and the racist government was threatened. In May 1980, the
government banned the song and they said it was politically undesirable. The apartheid
ended 14 years later but this song was an important part of the revolution.
Pink Floyd teaches us that we are victims to a corrupt system and we have the power to
demolish this system. Young people create change with the assistance of music. When
you listen to the radio, increase the volume and listen to the lyrics. Your interpretation of
the lyrics can the change in the world!