Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Believe





John Mayer’s song, Belief, appears to be his viewpoint about one of the most beautiful and destructive issues in society.  He explains that different religions, cultures, and social groups, etc., all believe in something completely unique.  Mayer explains, “Belief is a beautiful armor, but makes for the heaviest sword”.  Even though original beliefs may bring people together, it also separates one group from another, and may cause issues between people with differing belief systems.  A belief can become destructive when they are used to oppress other people.  The song is making a statement that groups of people are trying to push their beliefs upon others who do not wish to adopt a different way of life  

The song is a desperate attempt to help society see the light.  While this song is visionary, it is depressing as well.  John Mayer infers that society knows that the wars and the fights aren't going to end the discrepancies between rivaling groups.  To make matters worse, the cries of humanity are repeatedly ignored by those with any grounds to make a change in the world

Since the meter signature is a quadruple, it has four beats per measure.  The time signature 4/4 gives the tune a steady flow and an ominous tone.  The meter 4/4 suits this tune better than 2/4 because a 2/4 meter would create a “marching band” feel.  Instead, Mayer created this song with a fluid and free flowing melody.  The texture of the song is polyphonic because there are several different lines of music blended together.  The song begins with only drums and then proceeds to add guitar and then the vocals.  The guitar piece is somewhat mellow and is gradually blended with the drums.  Throughout the song the guitar and drums are always present and this represents the always lingering fights and disagreements within society.  As the song picks up intensity, the drums and guitar are played with more angst, thus displaying the frustration of society.  Overall, Mayer is saying that beliefs cannot be forced upon anyone.  Mayer ends the song with two downtrodden questions relating to the war on terror, and the guitar and percussion slowly fade away, suggesting that part of society is yet again being oppressed by another group.    

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