What is that noise?!?
Do your parents constantly ask you to turn down your music? Well, as much as I hate to admit it, I’ve finally reached the age where my children’s music not only hurts my ears, but I question if it’s actually music.
Having two teenagers and two toddlers, the music in my household ranges from “Baby Shark, do do do, do do do do do,” to Panic at the Disco, and everything in between! I find myself constantly telling my teenagers to “turn it down, it’s way too loud,” “How in the world is that music?” and “Why are there so many versions of Baby Shark?!?” I never imagined I would turn into my parents, who constantly complained about my musical choices, as if blaring New Kids on the Block would be anything to complain about! I mean, come on, now that was music!
Recently, my 16-year-old daughter challenged me to listen to one of her favorite songs by Araki. Although I had never heard of Araki before, I realized that the same love and passion I felt for my New Kids back when I was 16 was the same love and passion she is experiencing now. This passion is what compels our toddlers to sing and dance when “Baby Shark” plays for the millionth time in a day! Although I may not completely understand or relate to their musical choices, I do understand their passion. So, instead of fighting with a small army of adorable dictators my husband and I created, we’ve decided to embrace the noise…um, I mean music. At least, we can all agree on the awesomeness of The Beatles and Jim Croce!
So, to our middle and high school students, I give you this challenge:
The next time your parents complain about your music, ask them to listen to your favorite song…really listen and read the lyrics. Then you can also listen and read the lyrics to their favorite song growing up. If you approach this challenge with an open mind and an open heart, you just might discover a love for the golden oldies and a deeper connection with your parents!
Want to learn more about the impact of music and how it has changed across time and cultures? Sign up for Music of the World. Learn more at FLVS.net/courses.
Caroline Lyles, FLVS 2016 Teacher of the Year, has been with FLVS since 2011 as both a Spanish instructor and curriculum writer. She has dual Master’s degrees in Spanish and Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. A passionate believer in life-long learning, she has been instrumental in creating and designing Spanish courses at FLVS. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring historical sites and kayaking with her family.
View all posts by Caroline Lyles
My sister always puts music on she listens to Korean songs its really loud now. she listens to two groups called BTS and BlackPink and she is so loud I can really understand, that was hilarious. But on the other hand I like music too but not overboard.
Well, I used to have a stepbro named Shane, and he constantly played Linkin Park. I used to like Linkin Park. Now I’m sick of the whole genre, so I just listen to UNDERTALE music. Which my dad hates. Well, I guess that there’s always someone that’s unhappy.
I totally understand I have a brother who keeps on playing the song Animal I have Become by Three Days Grace and it is really annoying unless you ask him why he likes it and he says “This is how I feel inside” because he has ADHD and I listen to hip hop and Taylor Swift.Which he is always like why do you like this?
For me, I do listen to modern day music, good old rock from 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, which really motivate me and its easy for me to understand the message from each song that I listen to. I also do enjoy Spanish music do to my background culture. Even my parents helped me out to even sing the songs and play the songs, and that to me is like a really great skill that I have earned.
I agree so much