Willie Nelson- Addison Anthes
Lyrics:
Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other
Whatever Happened it Peace on Earth
Question: How do the lyrics in Willie Nelson’s song show examples of southern culture?
Answer:
Willie Nelson has never been afraid to speak what he truly believes either through music or interviews. Considering that his genre of music is country, his song, “Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other” was a surprise to many of his fans. It holds powerful messages throughout the song. His lyric, “And a small town don't like it when somebody falls between sexes” (Nelson). This helps to highlight the clear homophobia that runs strong in “small towns”. This line also demonstrates his upbringing in Texas. Although a small town is not an exclusive phrase to southern states, it's highly rooted in southern culture for a few reasons, primarily agriculture and geography. Later in the song he states, “But the ones who brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer” (Nelson). This line adds a hit on humor on an otherwise serious song. Due to homophobia being so normalized in the south, many feel the need to over perform and hate to conceal homosexual feelings that they may have. This phenomenon is called “internalized homophobia” (Rainbow project). Later in the song he states, “And there's always somebody who says what the others just whisper And mostly that someone's the first one to get shot down dead” (Nelson). In many cases in the south, a person who is open about their sexuality faces discrimination, hate, and in some cases physical and mental abuse. This only serves to further advance the fear around coming out, thus prohibiting any form of societal progression on sexuality acceptance.
The song “Whatever happened to piece on earth” holds many significant lines. For example, “Babies dying Mothers crying” (Nelson). These two lines, although short, give a deeper dive into Nelson’s roots. When he says “babies” he’s not referring to infants. Rather “babies” is a southern term referring to a mothers child. Thus this line is truly talking about soldiers dying in battle and mothers crying as a result of that. The line, “But I remember a commandment Thou shall not kill”. This reflects the sixth commandment in the bible. Christian religion is highly dominant within southern states. Nelson himself grew up Baptist and many of his other works demonstrate that. These examples from both songs demonstrate how southern culture played huge roles in Willie Nelson's life and how that translated into his songs.
Create a visual representation, realistic or abstract regarding the theme, the feelings the songs evoke, the imagery, etc. Then, write a brief paragraph explaining how the image represents the songs to you.
This is a picture from the movie “Brokeback Mountain”. The movie explores a complex relationship with two closeted homosexual western men. Willie Nelson’s song “Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other” perfectly encapsulates the film. Nelson himself is quoted in an interview that the movie helped encourage him to release the song. The song says, “But the ones who brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer” (Nelson). This is seen in the character Ennis Del Mar, who throughout the film displays clear homophobia despite falling into that group himself. Another line in the song that can be seen in the film is, "And there's always somebody who says what the others just whisper And mostly that someone's the first one to get shot down dead” (Nelson). This can be seen in the character Earl. Earl was a rancher who lived with another man and was found tortured and killed because of it.
Prompt 2:
Any associations, personal connections, daydreams triggered by the reading/listening? What insights do these offer about the text and about you as a reader/listener?
I believe that “Whatever Happened to Peace on Earth” is highly relevant today with the United States entering a war with Iran. This highly triggering, truthfully I cannot speak on it with being sent into a bind rage. However, Nelson's song helps put into perspective the realities of what war will bring. Nelson states, “How much oil is one human life worth”. I believe this line has layers. Firstly, this speaks about nations' priorities never being their soldiers. Countries put economic priority over their citizens and soldiers' lives, no matter how much it may affect them. Secondly, it also speaks directly to citizens who advocate for war. It causes them to question whether they value the prices of their gas over their neighbors. Another line that stands out is “We believe everything that they tell us” (Nelson). I think this is highly relevant because we hear everything in a form of chain. One thing gets said, that's passed on continuously and eventually gets altered. This is paired with the fact that we often have no idea what is happening within the higher levels of government and are forced to believe or dismiss what we hear from them. An example of this is John Kiriakou. He is a former CIA officer and has been sharing experiences and events that he took part in. Many of his experiences seem unbelievable and insane; however, we are either forced to believe him or brush him off because we have no way of fact checking him.
“Internalised Homophobia.” The Rainbow Project, 30 Mar. 2021, www.rainbow-project.org/internalised-homophobia/.
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ReplyDeleteHi Addison! After reading the lyrics to each of Willie Nelson's songs, I found many examples of southern culture. In Nelson's "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other" there's a lyric where he says "a small town don't like it when somebody falls between sexes" (Nelson). The author references southern culture by explaining how homophobia is commonly rooted in small towns. Additionally, the lyrics " And there's always somebody who says what the others just whisper/ And mostly that someone's the first one to get shot down dead," represent the deep rooted hatred many had for those who were open about their sexuality in southern culture (Nelson).
ReplyDeleteThe lyrics in Nelson's "Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth?" focus more on religious culture. For example, the lyrics state, "Do unto others before they do it to you/ Let's just kill em' all and let God sort em' out/ Is this what God wants us to do?"(Nelson). Nelsons use of Bible versus, and references to God's power, show how religion was commonly valued in southern culture.
Works Cited
Internalised Homophobia.” The Rainbow Project, 30 Mar. 2021, www.rainbow-project.org/internalised-homophobia/.
Nelson, Willie. “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other.” YouTube, Willie Nelson, 30 Oct. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bWuCOlesz4
Nelson, Willie. “Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth.” YouTube, Willie Nelson, 4 Sept. 2018,
youtu.be/7YtFEa6y2cY?list=RD7YtFEa6y2cY.
In this blogger post asked the question "How do the lyrics in Willie Nelson’s song show examples of southern culture?". Willie Nelson showed a particularly interesting view point that I haven't really seen from country music. In the song "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other" he said the line "No, a small town don't like it when a cowboy has feelings for men" showing the fact that often times in the south they frown upon homosexuality often stuck in traditionalism ("Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other"). The writer of this blog touched on the song and gave some insight that I agree on "Considering that his genre of music is country, his song, “Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other” was a surprise to many of his fans." (Addison). I can understand that it would be shocking about such a taboo in such a normal manor. In the song "Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth?" it touched on some unfortunate realities that people face. In the south natural resources are often taken advantage of and that can be seen in the quote "How much oil is one human life worth And what ever happened to peace on earth" ("Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth?"). It shows the truth that greed is often has more power to some people than human lives. I am particularly well educated of southern hospitality due to my grand parents on my fathers side so the line "But don't confuse caring for weakness" made so much since to me ("Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth?"). They can say every pleasantries but have very strong opinions underneath. So over all in the south they are often holding on to tradition even if it is against there own feelings and they can wear a smile while hating what is going on.
ReplyDeleteWork cited:
Nelson, Willie. “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other.” YouTube, Willie Nelson, 30 Oct. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bWuCOlesz4
Nelson, Willie. “Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth.” YouTube, Willie Nelson, 4 Sept. 2018,
youtu.be/7YtFEa6y2cY?list=RD7YtFEa6y2cY.
Willie Nelson’s songs “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other,” and “Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth,” show examples of southern culture by addressing common lifestyle and religious taboos often found in the south. In “Cowboys Are Frequently Fond of Each Other” Willie Nelson uses lyrics such as, “And a small town don’t like it when somebody falls between sexes,” and goes on to clarify, “No, a small town don’t like it when a cowboy has feelings for men,” (Cowboys). In these lines he is directly noting the homophobia LGBTQ+ individuals face in small southern towns. In later lyrics Nelson hints at the thought that every individual in small southern towns have something quirky about them that they feel the need to bury inside them for fear of discrimination. This is evident in the lines, “And I believe to my soul that inside every man there’s the feminine And inside every lady there’s a deep manly voice loud and clear,” (Cowboys). He then notes that people who are most likely LGBTQ+ are the loudest about why they are straight, as if they are trying to overcompensate. They might do this because they feel guilt that stems from their upbringing and the culture surrounding them as they grew up. Christianity also greatly effects social values in small southern towns. In “Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth” Willie Nelson comments more so on the common language found within southern culture. Along with language, he comments on lifestyles as well. The lines, “How much oil is one human life worth,” and, “Let’s just kill em’ all and let God sort em’ out,” show both ideas (Whatever Happened). Also shown in these lines is the idea of children and men from the south are commonly expected to go to war and fight for their country for an idea of peace but sending them to fight in a war they will most likely die in is not peace and mothers commonly greave.
ReplyDeleteWorks Cited:
Nelson, Willie. “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other.” YouTube, Willie Nelson, 30 Oct. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bWuCOlesz4
Nelson, Willie. “Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth.” YouTube, Willie Nelson, 4 Sept. 2018, youtu.be/7YtFEa6y2cY?list=RD7YtFEa6y2cY
Willie Nelson’s lyrics show examples of southern culture by talking about religion, small-town life, and the expectations people have about masculinity. In “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other,” Nelson shows how small towns in the South often expect men to act very traditionally. When he says, “And a small town don't like it when somebody falls between sexes” (Cowboys), it shows how people who are different are often judged or rejected in those communities. At the same time, the song points out hypocrisy in that culture. Nelson writes, “But the ones who brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer” (Cowboys). This suggests that some of the people who act the most against homosexuality might actually be hiding those feelings themselves. A similar type of hypocrisy appears in “Whatever Happened to Peace on Earth.” In that song, Nelson reminds listeners of the biblical commandment when he says, “But I remember a commandment, Thou shall not kill” (Whatever Happened). Since Christianity is very important in southern culture, this line points out the contradiction between religious values and the reality of war. Even though many people claim to follow Christian teachings, wars still continue, and people still die. Another line that shows this is “Babies dying, mothers crying” (Whatever Happened), which focuses on the emotional cost of war for families. Overall, both songs show how southern culture influences Nelson’s writing while also criticizing the hypocrisy that can exist within those values.
ReplyDeleteWork cited:
Nelson, Willie. “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other.” YouTube, Willie Nelson, 30 Oct. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bWuCOlesz4
Nelson, Willie. “Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth.” YouTube, Willie Nelson, 4 Sept. 2018,
youtu.be/7YtFEa6y2cY?list=RD7YtFEa6y2cY.
I think the lyrics in Willie Nelson’s songs show southern culture by reflecting the strong social traditions, religion, and attitudes often found in southern communities. In “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other,” Nelson highlights how small communities can react to people who do not fit traditional expectations. For example, he sings that “a small town don’t like it” when someone challenges gender norms (Nelson). This line reflects the importance many southern towns place on tradition and conformity. At the same time, the song uses humor and honesty to criticize those attitudes, especially when Nelson suggests that those who “brag loudest” might actually be hiding something themselves (Nelson). This shows how the culture can pressure people to hide parts of their identity to avoid judgment. In “Whatever Happened to Peace on Earth,” Nelson connects southern culture to strong religious beliefs and moral values. When he refers to the commandment “Thou shall not kill,” he draws directly from Christian teachings that are very influential in many southern communities (Nelson). By combining themes of religion, small-town life, and social expectations, the lyrics in both songs reflect important parts of southern culture while also encouraging listeners to question those traditions.
ReplyDeleteWork cited:
Nelson, Willie. “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other.” YouTube, Willie Nelson, 30 Oct. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bWuCOlesz4
Nelson, Willie. “Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth.” YouTube, Willie Nelson, 4 Sept. 2018,
youtu.be/7YtFEa6y2cY?list=RD7YtFEa6y2cY.
Hi, Addison!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to add that the lyric "But the ones who brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer" may have taken on a different meaning as time passed ("Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly"). Especially in modern discourse, homophobic people are often labeled with derogatory terms for queer people by queer people or queer allies. However potentially problematic it may be, the notion of calling a homophobic person queer, at least in modern discourse, is done oftentimes because homophobic people despise the notion that someone else could mistake them for what they hate. Aligning someone with a group they hate is a surefire way to upset them, which is unfortunately frequently the goal on the internet.
As most know, the Southern US is steeped in religion. Nelson constantly notes this, appealing to the mostly southern audience of country music. He makes direct references to the bible, with a particularly overt reference in the lyric: "I remember a commandment/Thou shall not kill" ("Whatever Happened to Peace"). This highlights his commitment to representing the American South's sometimes problematic, always complex, culture.
Works Cited:
Nelson, Willie. “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other.” YouTube, Willie Nelson, 30 Oct. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bWuCOlesz4.
Nelson, Willie. “Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth?” YouTube, Willie Nelson, 4 Sept. 2018,
youtu.be/7YtFEa6y2cY?list=RD7YtFEa6y2cY.
Hi Addison! Willie Nelson uses his music to talk about the different parts of Southern culture, from its traditional symbols to its deep values. In the song "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other," he uses the classic image of the cowboy, which is a big part of Southern and Western history. He mentions items like "boots" and "spurs" to show the physical style that many people associate with the South ("Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other"). By talking about these characters, he shows that Southern culture is often defined by a "manly" image. In "Whatever Happened to Peace on Earth," Nelson focuses more on the religious and moral side of Southern life. He mentions "Jesus" and the "Bible" to show how faith is a major part of how people in the South think about the world ("Whatever Happened to Peace on Earth"). He uses these lyrics to ask if the culture is staying true to its peaceful roots. The song asks why there is so much fighting when the culture claims to value love and kindness. By using simple words about family, God, and hard work, Nelson shows a picture of a place that is proud of its history but also struggling with modern problems. This shows that Southern culture is not just one thing, but a mix of old traditions and new.
ReplyDelete