Music is a powerful tool that changes lives, impacts moods, and benefits listeners and musicians of all ages. It has also played an important role in affecting large-scale social changes around the world. Let’s take the example of a song that’s popular around the world: We Shall Overcome.
If you would like to try singing it yourself, here are the lyrics:
English
We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome some day
Oh, deep in my heart,
I do believe,
that we shall overcome some day
Hindi
Hum honge kamyab
Hum honge kamyab
hum honge kamyab ek din
Ho ho mann mein hai vishvas,
pura hai vishvas,
hum honge kamyab ek din
Kannada
Navu gedde geltivi
Navu gedde geltivi
Navu gedde geltivi ondu dina
Oho manadalli vishvasa,
purti vishvasa,
navu gedde geltivi ondu dina
How does music bring about change?
We Shall Overcome carries a message of hope to the people singing and listening to the song. For example, people who have been badly treated will receive the message that they are not alone, and that they can get through this. Many times, people who have been treated badly use music to tell their story to others around them.
How music plays a role in changing the world:
- Lyrics are a force for good. Songwriters use the power of language to create awareness and draw attention to the problem. Identifying the problem is always the first step to solving it.
- Music creates and unites communities. It helps other listeners realise that they are not suffering alone.
- It is one of the best tools to use in non-violent protests.
Note to parents/educator
Drawing connections between music and other subjects can help young students explore important concepts in simple ways. Music has long been a motivator for social change and the song We Shall Overcome has been translated into many languages to support social movements.
If you are interested in helping your child build 21st century skills through music, write to us to bring the SaPa in Schools program to your institution. Read more about us here.
