Melancholy and Marvin Gaye
This weekend I was exposed to exactly 153 songs ranging from 1939-1990 and I had to write my personal feelings on each one. Due to this fact during the lecture this week when the professor began to explain poetic melancholy I thought of a record I listen to by Marvin Gaye called; "What's Going On". The professor described Poetic Melancholy as something that can be pleasant; it is self-conscious and thoughtful, as well as seeking intellectual thought. These elements of Poetic Melancholy are depicted on this record; especially the songs; "What's Going On", "Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler)", and "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)".
Just like the poets of the past, there came a time in Marvin Gaye's life when the realities of war and death became clear and personal after the return of his brother from Vietnam. All three of the songs mentioned, are composed of the Poetic Melancholy that the professor described. Marvin decides to be more observant, strives to educate those around him and reach a new level if intellectual thinking. Each of the songs brings awareness to the affects of war, violence and death. Although this description seems dark and depressing Marvin Gaye uses the rhythm and beat of his songs to create more of an optimistic message. Like the poets of the eighteenth century he is reacting to his surroundings and expressing his feelings connected to those surroundings. During a period of time when the Vietnam War had come to an end people did not know where to turn next or what to do. People began to forget about the peace that they were fighting for and I believe that through this album Marvin was able to re-direct people and remind them about what they were fighting for.
* If you are interested in hearing samples of these songs go to: www.allmusic.com*
Just like the poets of the past, there came a time in Marvin Gaye's life when the realities of war and death became clear and personal after the return of his brother from Vietnam. All three of the songs mentioned, are composed of the Poetic Melancholy that the professor described. Marvin decides to be more observant, strives to educate those around him and reach a new level if intellectual thinking. Each of the songs brings awareness to the affects of war, violence and death. Although this description seems dark and depressing Marvin Gaye uses the rhythm and beat of his songs to create more of an optimistic message. Like the poets of the eighteenth century he is reacting to his surroundings and expressing his feelings connected to those surroundings. During a period of time when the Vietnam War had come to an end people did not know where to turn next or what to do. People began to forget about the peace that they were fighting for and I believe that through this album Marvin was able to re-direct people and remind them about what they were fighting for.
* If you are interested in hearing samples of these songs go to: www.allmusic.com*