We Shall Be Free
Music Universal Language of Equality
Nick Gonyea
Issue date: 1/30/09 Section: Features
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These lyrics to Garth Brook's smash-hit song "We Shall Be Free" filled the hearts of millions of people on the streets of Washington D.C for the Presidential Inauguration Celebration on Sunday, January 18.
"All these spectators, people from every race, culture and nation came to watch, listen, and enjoy the music. In a time where it seems people just cannot agree about anything; where prejudices separate people and drives countries apart, music is the tool that seems to bring us all together," says Sarah Valley Rose, a University of Tennessee employee committed to exploring how music can be used to reduce racial and domestic violence.
Other musicians performing at this celebration were: Jon Bon Jovi, U2, Beyonce, John Meloncamp, Usher, Mary J Blige, Bruce Springsteen and Pete Seeger, Josh Groban and last of all, Steve Wonder. From John Meloncamp's, "One Love", to the heart felt "We Shall Be Free", the music played had one message: diversity.
"People from every ethnic background, religion and culture held hands and in one voice shouted when Josh Groban sang The National Anthem, everyone was free from racial, and cultural prejudices," said Elizabeth Duncan, a college freshman majoring in education at the University of Virginia who attended the festivities. For a small time, people set aside their prejudices and differences and united in the one thing they all could agree on…music.
For decades music has been the answer to prejudices. It cuts through cultural walls and affects people in a very humane and personal way. The syncopations and vibes from the American jazz movement were based on African-American spirituals, but Americans as a whole embraced the magical swing sounds of jazz without complaint, or when Jimmy Hendrix, thought of by many as the greatest guitarist of all time, plucked the strings of his Stratocaster for millions of people to enjoy. No one complained that he was African-American. Why? Jimmy Hendrix sent his message through the beautiful and awe-inspiring sounds of his guitar. No matter what prejudices exist between people, music speaks to them and makes them come together, not in racial groups or political factions, but allows Caucasian and African-American, Korean and Arabic, to join together and enjoy what they can agree on: the beauty of strings, chords, piano and voice.
Forty years ago no one would have thought that an African-American would be president. Maybe, just maybe, we can credit this national accomplishment partly to music's ability to bring people, regardless of race or culture, together. And as Garth Brooks says when that happens then "We Shall Be Free."
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