Music has and always will have an amazing and vividly important role in the creation and shaping of a society and individuals. We all know music promotes a large range of emotions and can very quickly alter the way someone feels, but, do you think it can influence violent or even deadly behavior? Every year 1.6 million people die due to violence, with over 80% of these violent deaths being outside of armed conflict. Like music, violence is a worldwide phenomenon however, violence serves no real beneficial attributes. According to the study Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (Vol. 84, No. 5) violent song lyrics can intensify negative emotions and lead to an increase of aggressive behavior.

Songs such as ‘Kim’ by Eminem have a very strong and explicit message of violence specifically towards ones significant and intimate other. The message it sends is that infidelity is a logical and well means for violence even to the extent of murder. “You can't run from me, Kim! It's just us, nobody else /You're only makin' this harder on yourself! /Ha-ha, got ya! Go ahead, yell! /Here, I'll scream with you, "Ah, somebody help!"/Don't you get it, bitch? No one can hear you”. This is just one of the controversial phrases used within Eminem’s infamous song that he wrote about his (ex)wife, he used this as a way to tell his story and how he wished he could react if he were given a legal/safe chance. “You did this to us! /you did it! /it’s your fault”, this statement undermines any negative contribution Eminem had to the situation in an attempt to justify his words, feelings and potential actions by criminalizing Kim. Songs such as this have a profound impact on listeners (specifically easily influenced youth) and their day to day lives. Although, consciously most people understand the difference between right and wrong, song lyrics can have an almost subliminal effect (especially when played on repeat) that slightly alters ones persona making it grow more aggressive over time from exposure.

On the opposite end of the same spectrum is the acceptance of violence through love; “Kiss me with your fist, it’s alright /wrap your hands around my throat, I won't mind /I’m permanent now, I won’t go /I just want to be your shadow” (Be Your Shadow, by The Wombats). This conveys the message that love trumps all and that as long as you love the person the domestic and mental abuse is liveable. This can be a detrimental and life ending message; specifically, to young adults who are still trying to understand how life and relationships work. With women being 5 times more likely than men to need medical attention or hospitalization from domestic violence there is no doubt that there has been a lapse in communication about human rights and general ethics “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment” (article 5; The Universal Declaration of Human Rights). There is also some twisted implication of an almost idiosyncratic, dominatrix fetish; “You’re such a violent high”. The artist continuously implies that he finds pleasure from the euphoric like adrenaline state of abuse coming from his intimate partner. Messages like these can get drastically misinterpreted among youth and they can confuse developing minds between the difference of pain and pleasure and they will begin to view violence as an obligatory factor in a functional relationship.

“My windows cracked, they can be replaced /but your arm will tire throwing stones my way” (Words as a Weapon, by Birdy), Birdy demonstrates a psychologically damaging relationship but, rather than romanticising it as a ‘lovers quarrel’ she plays the part of an abusive boyfriends haunting past. She has utilised this song as a melodic uprising for self-respect and empowerment. Instead of sexualising and justifying abuse she has acknowledged its undeniable existence and has taken to the notion of rising above or using an abusive situation as a means to grow and develop positively. “I feel your knife as it goes right in /cut to my core but I’m not bleeding”, this is a strong and positive message that emphasises the realistic nature of a persons will power. It represents a person’s ability to be hurt emotionally time and time again but not let it ruin them. This is a fanciful message to be presented through music as it educates the audience subliminally about not accepting an abusive lifestyle.

Jay Z once wrote a song about police brutality and other forms of violence. However, his song ‘Spiritual’ emphasises the severe impact that violent acts are having on today’s society, rather than promoting or recounting cruel scenarios in a tone of mockery. “Pray your fathers father wasn’t touching his little daughter /creating trans-generational trauma”, this message is raw and confronting but it addresses the long line of people that are impacted by an individual’s suffering. When one person is abused, violated or murdered it may be only one person that is physically injured but an entire family or community can feel the psychological impact. “I am not poison, no I’m not poison / just a boy from the hood”, racial profiling is a leading factor within physical and psychological abuse with groups such as the KKK and Nazi extremist still existing. In 2013/14, 47,571 ‘racist incidents’ were recorded by police in England and Wales alone. When you look at all of the culturally diverse famous people, majority come from an unprivileged up-bringing and have worked hard to reach the positions they have today. Referring back to Jay Z and his wife Beyoncé who are both coloured Americans they have been noted as potentially two of the most influential and well-respected voices in modern society.

Music has shaped as well as embodied societies and individuals for centuries. It has been rumored to enchant people to abide by the musicians wishes or drag them to their deaths. Its lead army after army and destroyed many social structures and religions. Music is a powerful Subliminal message that can and will influence its audience. Although it might not lure a ship full of men charging into dangerous waters full of sharp rocks the psychological influence is definitely there and it certainly can promote unruly behavior.