Harmonizing With Nature This Environment Day
Music has a way of bridging gaps between different spheres and raising awareness for many things. Artists across the world have used their influence and talent to encourage their audience to take interest in a sustainable future. From upbeat pop songs to emotion-provoking ballads, there is a little bit of something for everyone. This World Environment Day, let’s take a look at the songs which have honored the environment in the past.
- Mother Earth by Neil Young
The song ponders “Oh Mother Earth, how long can you give and not receive and feed this world ruled by greed.”
Neil Young’s lyrics treat the Earth with reverence and acts as a gentle warning of what will happen in the future if our planet is not taken care of. A spotlight is placed on nature’s intrinsic charm and the need to save it. The audience is implored to preserve the environment and give back or forsake their children’s future.
- Imagine by John Lennon
The legendary John Lennon wrote ‘Imagine’ which went on to become a classic, 50 years since its release. The song paints a picture of a world where people live in harmony with nature and in peace with one another. The song’s essence encourages us to picture a world where people coexist peacefully with nature, promoting a sustainable future, even though the lyrics do not directly address environmental issues.
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- Earth Song by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s iconic ‘Earth Song’ cannot be left out when talking about environmental songs. With a mix of poignant lyrics and a mesmerizing tune, Jackson urges us to pay attention to the havoc we are wreaking on the planet. He asks that we work together to protect it. The lyrics “What about sunrise? What about rain? What about all the things that you said we were to gain?” pushes us to hold ourselves accountable for our actions.
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- Mercy Mercy Me by Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye’s ‘Mercy Mercy Me’ was before its time. Though the song was released in 1971, it only gained popularity when climate change became a prominent global issue. The lyrics touch upon topics such as air pollution, oil spills and environmental degradation. The song acts as a reminder to cherish nature’s beauty.
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As can be seen above, music has the power to evoke transformative change within people. Soulful melodies and lyrics merge together to create an impactful message.
These songs highlight the importance of spreading awareness, making eco-friendly choices and living as sustainably as possible. Evolving to become something larger than life, these songs have transformed to green anthems urging listeners to create a greener future for themselves and those around them. Let us all exist in the hope for a planet where nature and people coexist harmoniously.
–Ira Bhowmick
