Introduction
People Loving People by Garth Brooks conveys a powerful message of love, harmony, and hope. The music is referred to as catchy and patriotic country rock, though it isn't particularly provocative. Originally published in September 2014, People Loving was penned by Busbee, Chris Wallin, and Lee Thomas Miller. The song makes an effort to address the long-running sociopolitical and economic issues facing the globe. The music addresses racial tensions, drug abuse, and other problems plaguing mankind. According to the song, "people loving people" is the solution to all of these disasters. The wordings of the song are symbolic in nature while the title is carefully selected to suit the enthusiastic audience. Upon assessing the language of the song as well as the message in it, it is fair to say that "People Loving People" is somewhat unrealistic. To say that love can bind people whose families have been slaughtered and beheaded is a show of short sightedness. The following paragraphs therefore are an analysis of Garth Brooks' People Loving people with focus on the language of the text, themes and counterarguments surrounding it.
Analysis of People Loving People
People loving people can be categorized as a patriotic country song. The song attempts to show some leadership in the entertainment sector while depicting the vacuum left by political leaders. The artist's objective is to address beheadings, civil war, violence and other inhumanities. The world's largest problems "are a complicated riddle" according to the song (Brooks 1). Diversified cultural background in addition to evils of war and other socio-political problems is the narrative spread by Garth Brooks. Accordingly, Garth sees the solution of all these issues in "people loving people". Restoring peace, curing ailments and generally fixing all these issues can be done by upholding forgiveness and love (Leight 1). The message is easy to embrace as it is relatable by his target audience. The simplicity and clarity of the message explains why the song has been easily welcomed.
Symbolism and Language
The composer employs symbolism, repetition and metaphoric language. The line "Doctor you ain't got a pill, for whatever's making this world ill," symbolizes how huge the problems are in the world (Brooks 1). Political divisions, unending deaths and other evils cannot be quickly fixed, not even by the experts. "Talk is cheap and lies are free" signifies how the world is rotten in that words spoken have become meaningless (Brooks 2). Empty promises by politicians along with acceptability by the society to the extent that lying becomes a norm are the reality according to Garth. To further clarify his sentiments, the singer employs metaphoric language. "You won't find no resolution in the bottom of a bottle, in the stars or Aristotle", demands a literal interpretation. Ideally, the artist implies that people have no other choice of dealing with ailments except through love. The difficulty in remedying the situation is as hard as reaching out to Aristotle. People loving people depicts constant use of repetition. The words, "People loving people" are reiterated over the text (Brooks 2). Garth acknowledges the importance of love among the people. It is the love among diverse cultures that can eradicate the challenges encountered around the globe. By using repetition, audiences can easily grasp the message as intended.
The Language and Audience
The language used is friendly and the tune, instruments and emotions are in favor of all sought of audience. It represents the types of melodies that parents can feel comfortable watching and listening with their children (Moss 2). While addressing the current issues in the society, it entertains the world at large. It is a catchy feel-good song that begs stage performance. People loving people is further beautified by its lightweight production, glossy piano lines and polished guitars.
Counterarguments
Taking a sincere look at the lyrics and the message in it, the song is a little short sighted and a mockery of intellectualism (Moss 3). It is obvious that all people should love each other, but it is quite unrealistic to say that love can be exercised by all. Arguing that people loving people is the solution to all the social, political and economic challenges faced by Americans is inapplicable. Many individuals are forced to live in fear, anger and hatred which are prompted by the ill actions of others. The abusers on the other hand have no conscience left of them hence asking love out of them is ridiculous. Love as well cannot solve the sinking economy, social injustice and misuse of power by politicians (Leight 5). Logic as well demands that remedies that are pragmatic can be put in place but not ideals that show innocence. As much as love in inherent to human life, justice, equality, rule of law and accountability is expected.
Conclusion
To sum up, Garth Brooks' People Loving People taps into themes such as love, fighting social injustice and restoring social order. It is a well written song that employs figurative language as well as clarity in its output. The audience is fairly considered since the issues addressed are relatable and the language employed is well-balanced. In my opinion the piece attracts a 4 star rating. The singer could have done better if he had acknowledged that his music can offer better solutions apart from love in quest of addressing social, political and economic injustices.
Works Cited
Brooks Garth. People Loving People. Music match. AZLyriccs.com.2014
https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/garthbrooks/peoplelovingpeople.html
Leight, Elias. "Garth Brooks Releases Comeback Single 'People Loving People'". Billboard.com. Retrieved on 9 September, 2014.
Moss R. Marissa. Garth Brooks Realeases New Song, New Tour Dates. RollingStone. 2014.
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/garth-brooks-new-song-people-loving-people-tour-dates-20140903
