Conclusion American Folk Music As Protest Music In Conor Oberst’s Songs ferial

commit to user 90 CHAPTER IV CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

A. Conclusion

The popularity of folk music declines on the 21 st century. The cause of this decline is the emergence of other genres that were also talking about protest theme. These genres, such as Alternative rock, Metal, and Rap get more attention by the media rather than folk. However, it does not turn out the spirit of folk music as protest music. Rather than producing songs in a major label, the artists produce their songs independently. After all, folk music as protest music is still alive and adapts with the condition of 21 st century. One of the folk artists of the 21 st century is Conor Oberst. With his indie folk band Bright Eyes, Conor writes protest music protesting American government under George W. Bush as the President. Through his songs, Conor Oberst criticizes the unnecessary Middle East war declared by George W. Bush and his policies. Although his songs do not attract massive listeners like the decade of 60s, his songs have taken part in changing the public opinion toward certain issues at that time. Through the lyric and music, Conor presents some problems on his country. Through the lyric and music as well, Conor expresses his protest. The word choices of the lyric propagandize public to believe what the singer says. It tries to change public opinion toward the issues he points out. The music played on this song also works really well with the lyric. It supports the lyric and puts commit to user emotion into it. The musical elements can express the emotions of anger, hope, fear, and sadness. Furthermore, the mix of lyric and musical elements can provoke the listener to feel what the singer intends and arouse their sympathy toward the issues. The songs written by Conor Oberst are analyzed to show how Conor Oberst expresses his protest music and preserves folk music. The first song is Let’s Not Shit to Ourselves to Love or to be Loved. This song points out some problems in society, especially during George W. Bush Era. It illustrates the messed up condition happened at that time. The singer expresses his anger, emotion, and skeptical point of view toward the condition of his country and its government. The characteristic is the same with the characteristic of folk music which is used as medium to express anger, hope, and fear of the singer. However, the musical instruments are different with folk music as typical. It consists of various musical instruments, from guitar electric to brass instruments. Those instruments create music that support those three emotions; anger, hope, and fear. The way the singer which is added by screaming also makes this folk music different. On the other hand the melody of the song is a typical of folk music, monotonous and no refrain. The second song is No One Would Riot for Less. It protests the Middle East war that is believed as the unnecessary war declared by the government. Played in slow tempo and serene music, this song cries over the victim of that war. This song expresses the singer value in seeing apocalyptical war in Middle East. The war is felt unnecessary. It does not bring any victory, but only sorrow and death commit to user toward the innocent people and American soldier. The combination of musical elements, the way the singer sings, and the lyric attempt to arouse sympathy from the listener. Furthermore, this song attracts the listeners to believe that the war is useless and bring nothing except death and miseries. The third protest song is When the President talks to God. This song illustrates the President George W. Bush who legitimates his wrong action in the name of God. The song attacks and criticizes President action in solving his country problems through his policies. Through this song, the singer propagandizes the listeners to believe that George W. Bush as a president has done unacceptable mistakes that bring the country to the lowest level. The song is played in talk-like singing and one single acoustic guitar. It indicates that Conor Oberst plays the typical of folk music. The simple instrument also indicates that the lyric plays important role on the song rather than the music itself. The protest is clearly expressed from the lyrics and once again tries to change public opinion toward the issues. Moreover, this song can create moral unity among the listeners who disagree with The President’s policies and his action in declaring war. These three songs from Conor Oberst show that folk music as protest music has not died yet. It is still alive and continues until today. These songs can express the singer’s thoughts and experience, and then make them as protest medium. These protest songs tries to change public opinion toward certain issues at that time. Moreover, although the mainstream media does not put the protest music in a spot light but the tradition of folk music as protest music is preserved as well. With different style of singing and playing, folk music composed by Conor commit to user Oberst can adapt with the condition of 21 st century and make it enjoyable for young generation.

B. Recommendation