Examining Music's Impact: A Philosophical Case Study on Lyrics

This case study explores the philosophical implications of music, particularly focusing on the ethical considerations and social impact of music lyrics. It presents a dialogue between a musician, Henry, and a court representative concerning allegations that Henry's music incites violence. The discussion delves into themes of artistic freedom, social responsibility, and the potential influence of music on individuals and society. Henry defends his right to express himself through music, while the court emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and the need to avoid lyrics that could provoke harm. The case study highlights the tension between individual expression and the broader social consequences of artistic creations, ultimately questioning the role of music in shaping perceptions and behaviors.

Running head: PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1PHILOSOPHY
Music is considered to usher peace and tranquility in individual life. However, seldom it
creates cacophony and turmoil because of its lyric, the sound it resonates and so on. I am a
musician and I started music at the age of 6. I can remember that it was a beautiful and pleasant
summer sunset when my grandfather gifted me a guitar in 1997. From that day my musical
journey has been started. This nascent passion for music gave me solace and I wanted to create
something unique and creative. Gradually in course of time my knack towards heavy metal
became increased like other teenagers of my time. After that I got acknowledged with sorrow,
grieve and all the dark things in human psychology and get attracted very soon. I never wanted to
hurt people rather I was willing to give them peace that they cannot afford in the daily
cacophony. So I started composing lyric with dark characters and violence to some extent. In the
meantime, someone someday from a pharmaceutical company sued against me that my lyrics
and music instigated people to choose the path of violence in the name of retribution. Therefore,
I had to set a meeting with the representative of the company who lodged complaint against me.
Henry: I lived on a friendly neighborhood in my childhood and during the summer we the kids
were went to the local church and playing music whatever we wanted. The Church Father was
very kind and he always motivated us to go for it. Somehow, I succeeded to make it my
profession. In fact, in my childhood I lost my father and I do not have any siblings. So my
mother worked on a nearby music shop. I used to go there and helped my mother sometimes. My
mother never prohibited me from singing and writing. On the contrary she was my patron. After
her pre-matured death I was taken as foster child by a couple. But I grew up with domestic
violence and negligence. My foster father was a drunk and my mother was self-obsessed.
Therefore, I started playing guitar. It drove me to depression and I suffered with trauma and

2PHILOSOPHY
mental bloc. After spending 3 months in rehab I tried to write about individual pain and
grievances. Sometimes it turns out with a political angle.
Court: I presume your music damages the social and political cohesion and disturbing the people
psychologically.
Henry: See I have little idea about the purpose and motives of music. I am not intended to
destroy or cause any harm to the humanity. Neither I have any intension to draw some debatable
or dispute argument over the political activities. Whatever, I know is that I compose music for
myself and I do not care about people and what they think about me or my compositions.
Court: So you are trying to say that you do not want to influence people?
Henry: Yes! But I do not bother about their perception. I just want to compose music till my last
breadth. However, there are some friends of mine who help me a lot and I do care for them only.
Moreover, as per the fundamental rights I think freedom of speech is supposed to be one of my
fundamental rights. Do not you think?
Court: Yes of course you must enjoy the freedom of speech as your fundamental rights. But at
the same time there are some roles of ethics in individual personality. You can say that there are
a number of people who are not familiar with your genre of music. But there are also some
people who love to listen your songs and take it very personally. You have some responsibility
regarding the society and politics.
Henry: Actually I hate people who idealize me or love me. I do not believe in love or any such
emotions. There are always dark shades in life whether you believe it or not. Moreover, there are

3PHILOSOPHY
lots of things to do in life. Playing and composing music is a part of it. I must say I live for music
and will be committed to music till the day end.
Court: That is very thoughtful. But you are a social animal, is not it?
Henry:Yes of course! What kind of question is this? Am I supposed to look like any other animal
that you know of?
Court: Do not take it differently. We have no intentions to say you that you must stop music or
composing it. But as a social animal we all have to follow some social restrictions and we should
follow some general social norms that are easy to practice. Once you deviate from the path of
morality there will be no human remains in yourself. I presume you should take of the society as
well. You can try it from your neighborhood where you had grown up or the church you told,
you can donate there for the betterment of the poor and distressed ones.
Henry: That can be arranged but do not you think the society which murdered my childhood has
no right to treat better. I see people suffering with poorness, gasping in agony and murder each
other for the sake of a slice of bread. I pity them and thankful to me because at least they gave
me inspiration. Moreover, I cannot see any problem with my music and lyrics and never thought
that for doing music the court can alleged someone. Is that you called justice?
Court: This is what we are trying to say. It is true that the court and the existing legislations are
put more focus on the fundamental rights. But there are some other layers regarding it. You can
play whatever you want and whenever you want but you have to understand that you cannot
harm others through your music.
Henry:Yes! I got your point. Perhaps you do not suffer as much as I do.

4PHILOSOPHY
Court: The suitability regulations are also enlisted into the legislative framework. Therefore, any
breaching can cause harm to both the individual and the society as well. So you have to take
initiative regarding establishing a social cohesion. You cannot just say that you are not bother
with other people. But that cannot be taken understand considerations.
Henry: yes I do. You told me that my lyrics influenced a lot of people and I think they will thank
me for that. May be you are not so fond of my music and therefore it creates problem for people
like you.
Court: Do not take it personal. All court cares for is the benefits and prosperity of the world.
Chaos and turmoil will never give you such mental peace that you can get from serving other
through your music at least. Because as far as I know music is a global language and it connects
people belonged to different culture and traditions.
Henry: Yes I think you are right. Actually I do not know that people misinterpret my music and
my music will let them chaotic. You have enlightened me so grossly and help me a lot to
rejuvenate my thoughts more progressively and positively. There is lot of things to do in life as I
said earlier. Hope that helping the people and keep them motivating will be a great achievement
for me and it can also provide me positive vibe in future. Thank you a lot. At the same time, you
cannot say that my music can perturb people politically and socially. There are no foul words or
anything that portray against humanity. May be I can do more for making a positive image of
mine but that music has no role to play here. This is my fundamental right and you cannot take it
away.
Court: we are not taking away anything from you. We just want to aware you that do not write
any provocative lyric that can create vindication. Thank you.