Dick Clark of American Bandstand once said, "Music is the soundtrack of our lives." Perhaps it is time to tweak that statement a little; perhaps it should be, "Music is the soundtrack of our war."It is interesting to examine how the many aspects of American society and culture have been affected after almost four weeks of war - music is one of them. It is no surprise that wartime feelings are being expressed in muic as, historically, every war in American history had songs to accompany it.

Dartmouth College Professor Emeritus of Music, Charles Hamm, recently commented on the purpose of wartime music on National Public Radio. He cited three ways in which Americans have utilized music during war: as patriotic rallying songs, to deal with the reality of what is going on and as a diversion to get people's minds off the gruesome reality.

During the Civil War, World War I and World War II, mostly patriotic songs were heard. "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Over There" and "God Bless America" elicited only feelings of pride for American troops and America, in general.

Beginning with Vietnam, however, a great deal of wartime music has taken on a different sound - the sound of dissent. "... Rock and folk music (was) emerging as a platform for social and political issues," said Houston Chronicle reporter Louis B. Parks.

This new trend of using music as a vehicle to voice ideas and opinions for or against a war has played a major role in the current war in Iraq.

As if it were impossible to escape war coverage to begin with, wartime music has made it even harder. It is almost a guarantee that, by listening to the radio or watching MTV, you will be inundated with a plethora of songs spewing all sorts of war opinions.

Three Doors Down recently released a video for their song "When I'm Gone," showing support for the troops in Iraq. This video can often be seen playing on MTV. Clint Black, a country singer, has come out with a song in support of the troops, as well. "I Raq & I Roll" is not meant to make a political statement and Black has agreed to donate many of the proceeds to the troops in Iraq.

R.E.M. is one of the many groups that have come out in protest of the current war. The lyrics of their song "The Final Straw" begin, "As I raise my head to broadcast my objection / As your latest triumph draws the final straw." Likewise, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth started a Web site, www.protest-records.com, which allows people to download anti-war music for free.

Perhaps most startling, however, is the opposition some anti-war musicians have faced. The Dixie Chicks are a prime example. After expressing resentment towards President Bush at a recent concert in London, the country trio has been banned from more than 100 cumulus Media radio stations in the heartland and the band has reported to have received death threats, according to a Newsweek article by B.J. Sigesmund.

To avoid the same fate as the Dixie Chicks, Madonna recently pulled her new music video for "American Life." Apparently the video contained images Madonna felt would cause too much controversy, such as President Bush lighting a cigar with a hand grenade. "I do not want to risk offending anyone who might misinterpret the making of this video," she said.

MTV Europe has jumped aboard the banning wagon as well by removing from its playlist such videos as Aerosmith's "Don't Want to Miss a Thing," Outkast's "Bombs over Baghdad" and anything by the B-52's. According to Mark Sunderland, a department manager at MTV in the United Kingdom, "videos depicting war, soldiers, war planes, bombs, missiles, riots and social unrest, executions" are not to be shown. Luckily, this policy has not sailed over to the United States.

After examining all the current wartime music, I must say, I am extremely impressed. Thomas J. Crow, the chair of music and an associate professor of history at the University of St. Thomas said in an April 7, 2003 Houton chronicle article, "Music adds a dimension; it's a language to itself. It adds connotation you can't get any other way."

Political views aside, there is a soothing aspect of music that has carried us through the many wars of the past. Music is also a means of expression, and one that is especially crucial now. It is sad that many musicians, radio stations and MTV Europe are holding back songs on the erroneous basis that they will elicit negative feelings.

I am proud of the many musicians who have used their talents to get a message across. Whether I agree with them or not, I respect their efforts. After all - it is true - "music is the soundtrack of our war."

- Samantha Slater '05 submits a column to the Justice.