Misunderstood

As I was looking around for music yesterday, an interesting thought struck me. Most of the songs with so called meaningful lyrics were about depression, drugs and being misunderstood.

Firstly, I don't think dark lyrics necessarily qualify something as meaningful. I think lyrics based on the singer's experiences are meaningful..and they don't have to always be so morbid. It could be about love or the nice things in life.

Secondly, maybe its just me, but being misunderstood has become something of a fad lately. I guess it just satisfies rebellious feelings on some level. Makes us almost feel like we belong to a cult. The darkness, the gloom, just makes us feel....cool. While I certainly don't deny that there are artists whose lives are exactly as such songs portray, I am far from convinced that all of them are. This is just the kind of music that sells. That's why they make them. Likewise love songs.

Let me give you examples of songs that are based on life but not necessarily love or depression.
I'm never speaking up again by John Mayer is about an uncomfortable date. It's quite funny actually. Daughters by the same artist is about neglectful parents. Most of the Coldplay songs are quite astute. Photograph, which is immensely popular, is reminiscent of childhood.