Whether it is from performing in front of a crowd or just listening to some tunes on an iPod, music is definitely part of everyone’s lives. Music is a big part of my life. I play alto saxophone at band and the piano at home, listen to songs on my iPod, and perform at a local hospital and convalescent homes. What we listen to influences us and how we behave, sometimes in a negative way.

Sam McCroskey was a talented musician all throughout his life. A native of the Bay Area, he was heavily involved in the recording industry and had great potential. Sadly, his life went the wrong direction when he began to immerse himself in horror- core rap. Horror- core is basically a genre of music that talks about killing people. To everyone’s surprise, he got very into the words of his music and in Sept of 2009, he committed a quadruple murder. As a result, he is behind bars and facing a possible life sentence.

This was an unfortunate story of how music can affect one’s life negatively. Even though this might be considered as an extreme case, music has the power to really impact one’s life. If you spend 2 hours of a day (which is the average American teen consumption of music) listening to a song about violence, drugs, and murders, then, although you probably won’t become a serial killer or a sex- offender, you would certainly think and possibly talk about it amongst your friends. Another issue with the so-called “cool” music today is that the use of explicit language is rampant throughout the song. Hearing these words constantly through your ear buds will eventually affect how you interact with people.

Music was originally given by God as a gift. God gave us voices so that we could praise our loving father. People from the Bible like Moses, David, and the Levites were involved in praising God through their songs. Moses taught the Israelites a song to remind them that God is all powerful and that he is the one that led them out of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 32). David sang songs to his king, but more importantly, he praised God through his Psalms. (2 Samuel 22) Last but not least, the Levites were the “praise band” of the Israelite nation. These musicians ultimately used their talents to give glory to God.

Because God gave us music, is it not right for us to give it back to him? Why do teens today rave about people like Beyonce or Kanye West; don’t get me wrong, Beyonce sings beautifully and Kanye is very clever with words. But what are they missing? We have music so that we can give God the ultimate praise that he deserves. We can bring back the original intention for songs by knowing and acting on the true purpose of music through worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

“We will sing, sing, sing
And make music with the heavens
We will sing, sing, sing
Grateful that You hear us
When we shout your praise
Lift high the name of Jesus”

(Chris Tomlin)

Andy Suk, San Ramon Valley High School, Class of 2012