Discussion Leader Presentation
Coldplay - The Scientist :
“The Scientist” by Coldplay is a song which dives into self-reflection, introspection, and the overall desire to go back in time to fix past mistakes. In an interview with the lead singer of Coldplay, Chris Martin, he explained that “It’s weird that whatever else is on your mind, whether it's the downfall of global economics or terrible environmental troubles, the thing that always gets you most is when you fancy someone.” He went on to say that the song is “just about girls.” In this way, it explores themes of love and loss as well as the constant search for meaning in one’s life. The lyrics convey a strong sense of regret and longing and allows the listener to contemplate the consequences of their actions. This is how this beautiful song continues to resonate with so many people emotionally.
The music video is known for its reverse narrative which uses reverse motion throughout its entirety. This was not the first time reverse motion was used in a music, as it is seen in The Pharcyde’s music video of “The Drop” in 1995 as well as Danny Wilson’s “The Second Summer of Love” in 1989. The use of reverse motion in this piece is really meant to be, since it describes Martin's wish to turn back time both visually and through the lyrics. It portrays Chris Martin moving backwards in time and eventually leading up to a frightening car crash with his girlfriend. This music video was also awarded multiple MTV Video Music Awards including best direction, best group video, and breakthrough video of the year in 2003.
Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry
You don't know how lovely you are
I had to find you, tell you I need you
And tell you I set you apart
Tell me your secrets and ask me your questions
No, let's go back to the start
It's clear in the first set of lyrics that Martin wants to start over with his girl and regrets parting ways. He also reinforces his feelings by describing his willingness to tell his deepest secrets in return to be in love again.
Louis Althusser, Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses :
Both Coldplay’s “The Scientist” and Louis Althusser’s writings on ideology and ideological state apparatuses explore themes of introspection, self-reflection, and the influence of societal structures on individuals. While they may approach these themes from different angles, they both touch upon the complexities of human existence and the role of ideology in shaping our perceptions as well as our behaviors. Martin describes feelings of complexities in his life by clarifying his frustrations with the way his relationship fell apart and how the same situation is replayed in each attempt he makes. In mentioning "heads on a science apart," Martin emits the message that by looking at their relationship through a logical sense may evoke the feeling that it may never work, just as scientists analyze in a logical manner.
Runnin’ in circles, comin’ up tails
Heads on a science apart
Karl Marx - The German Ideology :
Karl Marx’s “The German Ideology” also shares similar themes to “The Scientist” by Coldplay in the way that both dive into critique of social structures and introspection. Although they may approach these themes from different perspectives (music vs. philosophy), both pieces touch upon the complexities of human existence as well as the influence of ideology on individuals in society.
“Consciousness can never be anything else than the conscious existence, and the existence of men is their actual life process.” (Marx 656)
I feel as though this quote from Marx represents how one can only learn his mistakes through his own life experience and that the existence of one's ideology is based on the process of their direct actions. Both in the lyrics and the music video, I think Martin's piece is parallel to this thinking.
The Beatles - Yesterday
Written and performed by Paul McCartney, Yesterday was first released in 1965 on the Beatles album Help! and reached number one in the U.S. Charts that year. With over 2,200 cover versions of the song, it stands as one of the most covered songs in the history of recorded music.
Although there is no music video to this song, this live performance by the Beatles at Studio 50 in New York City is still important in music today as it was extremely high production at the time. While it is an emotional song, the mass popularity of the Beatles was is quite evident by the constant yelling of fans throughout the act.
“Yesterday” by the Beatles is similar to “The Scientist” through its ability to describe lost love, self reflection, along with a longing for a different outcome of the past. Both evoke a strong sense of consciousness, nostalgia and the desire to go back and change how relationships or experiences turned out. Martin and McCarthy share a similar message in their attempts to return to their former feelings and ponder as to how their actions may have soured the relationship. While the Beatles “Yesterday” displays a slightly different style of music, both pieces equally resonate with the listeners who can relate to these emotions and experiences conveyed by the artists.
Yesterday
All my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday
The lyrics of the hook, "Oh I believe in yesterday," are used to describe how McCartney wishes to go back to the troubles of his past relationship instead of remaining by himself and reflecting on how it could have gone differently. He then goes on to reflect on his own actions and wonders why she even walked out,
Why she had to go
I don’t know, she wouldn’t say
I said something wrong
Now I long for yesterday
Discussion Questions :
Are feelings of self-reflection, introspection, and critiquing social structures still relevant in a lot of music today?
Both songs use metaphorical language throughout the lyrics. What do these metaphors reveal about the artists' perspectives on life, regrets, and the human condition? How do they challenge or reinforce societal norms and expectations?
What personal lessons or societal critiques can listeners take away from these songs? How do they inspire or discourage us to reflect on our own lives and the world around us?