Introduction
Songs are artistic creations, but have strong emotional and philosophical undertones that lend themselves to straightforward interpretation by psychological theories. The three songs selected for analysis are “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, “Lose You to Love Me” by Selena Gomez, and “Yesterday” by The Beatles. Operant conditioning, Kohlberg’s moral development, and information-processing theory are the three theories employed for the study. They provide important insights into how these songs elicit emotions and relate to our brain functions.
Songs Review
“The Uncharted Path”
Young adult Alex, who is in his mid-20s, is caught between the standards set by society and his fierce desire to pursue his aspirations. Being raised in a traditional home, he learned to value monetary security and conventional achievement. Consequently, Alex faithfully sought higher education and got a good job. His life seems picture-perfect on the outside, with a secure job, encouraging friends, and a devoted girlfriend.
Lyrics
“Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality
Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see
I’m just a poor boy, I need no sympathy
Because I’m easy come, easy go, little high, little low
Any way the wind blows doesn’t really matter to me, to me” (Queen, 1975).
“The Journey to Self-Love”
Young Sophie, who is kind and understanding, has just gone through a difficult separation from a lover who abused her love and trust. She had to give and sacrifice a lot throughout the relationship, just to have her partner take advantage of her and lie to her. When Sophie reaches her breaking point and realizes she deserves better, she ends the toxic relationship after feeling betrayed and emotionally spent. She sets off on a voyage of self-discovery to comprehend her value and the significance of loving herself.
Lyrics
“You promised the world and I fell for it
I put you first and you adored it
Set fires to my forest
And you let it burn
Sang off-key in my chorus
‘Cause it wasn’t yours” (Gomez, 2019).
“The Longing for Simpler Times”
James, a middle-aged man, just suffered a terrible loss that has left him feeling alone, lonely, and yearning for his earlier, simpler times. He struggles to deal with the intense feelings that are flooding his head and heart, making the once-vibrant world around him look bland and lifeless. He is overwhelmed by the agony of the loss, which makes it impossible for him to find comfort in his day-to-day activities and forces him to withdraw into his recollections of happier times.
Lyrics
“Why she had to go
I don’t know, she wouldn’t say
I said something wrong
Now I long for yesterday” (The Beatles, 1965).
Analysis
Applying the Information-Processing Theory to “The Uncharted Path”
We may use the information-processing theory to analyze the first story and its lyrics. This theory focuses on how people organize, save, and access information from their memory. Alex’s cognitive processing of the material is evident in his doubts about reality and his discontent with existence. The lyrics highlight his internal turmoil and desire to rebel against cultural standards as he assesses his life’s events.
Alex becomes increasingly aware of the tension between social expectations and his goals as he reassesses his priorities and beliefs via the Information-Processing Theory perspective. His developing understanding of this dissonance prompts him to review his previous decisions and think about different options for the future. The song’s lyrics capture the core of Alex’s internal struggle and the emotional agony that emerges when he considers defying social conventions, reflecting his changing thought process.
Applying Operant Conditioning to “The Journey to Self-Love”
The song lyrics for the second story may be examined using operant conditioning. According to this view, actions have consequences that might be either positive reinforcement or negative punishment. Sophie’s discovery of her partner’s treachery and her choice to put self-love above all else may be observed in the detrimental effects of her previous relationship. The song’s lyrics depict her path to recovery and how her conduct changes as she learns to put her needs first.
Sophie discovers as she begins her road to recovery that by putting her needs first and drawing boundaries, she receives positive reinforcement through boosted self-esteem, personal development, and emotional healing. The song’s lyrics beautifully capture her change by showcasing her newfound fortitude and resiliency as she discovers how to put her needs and self-care first. The story of Sophie illustrates the importance of consequences in influencing someone’s behavior and decision-making via the perspective of operant training.
Applying Moral Development Theory to “Yesterday”
Kohlberg’s moral development theory may be used to analyze James’s experience in the third story. This theory focuses on the several phases of moral reasoning as they develop. James’s attempts to understand his loss and his feelings cause his nostalgia for the past. His struggle to cope is expressed in the lyrics, as does his seeking for comfort in music, which enables him to connect with his earlier recollections and calmer times.
The song lyrics in James’s tale capture his effort to come to terms with his loss and the variety of emotions he experiences along the way. He finds peace in the well-known songs and lyrics that bring back memories of happier times as he turns to music for solace. This link to his past offers him a momentary respite from his sorrow and a reminder of the fundamental principles and ideals that have guided the formation of his moral character.
Reflective Conclusion
This investigation into the impact of music on psychological functions taught me a lot about myself. First, I understood that the listener’s psychological theories and personal experiences often contribute to songs’ emotional impact. Second, I learned that music can be an effective means of understanding and expressing complicated emotions and a source of solace in trying circumstances. Finally, I realized that music can encourage personal growth and self-reflection, enabling people to better comprehend their feelings and experiences.
References
Queen. (1975). Bohemian Rhapsody. Genius. Web.
Gomez, S. (2019). Lose You To Love Me. Genius. Web.
The Beatles. (1965). Yesterday. Genius. Web.