first paragraph of paper

The meaning behind rock music is rooted in its sounds and rhythms and not in the lyrics of the song. This is not to say that the lyrics have no meaning because they have great meaning. What’s important though, is that the emotional response, the cultural effect, and the passion are found in the beat and sound, in the music itself. The lyrics come into play and manifest the deeper meaning in a narrative structure. How what you hear makes you feel is what is important in rock music, not what the words you hear mean. According to Simon Frith “the main reason we listen to rock music is to experience emotions.” For young adults, music can become a new version of fairy tales. It can guide people and help them cope with their own difficulties. It becomes an outlet, a coping mechanism for people who are experiencing these powerful emotions and helps them feel they’re not alone. It is the combination of the power of the human voice and the melody and instruments that create this musical wonder.