New Look on a Catchy Song
Here's a new take on the subject of money. At first, listening to Sam Smith's song "Money on My Mind", I was only jamming out to a catchy tune. After researching all the concepts involved with money I can now take Smith's lyrics and understand where he is coming from and what he's trying to tell his listeners. When he states "I do it for the love", he is exemplifying exactly the purpose of our inquiry. He doesn't sing and perform for the money; he does it because it is his passion and what brings him happiness.
With such a heavy influence we define success with, Sam is telling the world he doesn't care for the fame or money because in the end he's doing what he loves. I think it is so great and refreshing to see for once a mainstream pop artist speaking the truth. What I mean by truth is that he isn't influencing others to believe that money and fame is the key to success nor happiness. Thinking deeper into our society and the media as well as pop culture, Sam is starting a new wave for teens and young adults. He's speaking to the brainwashed norms of all young adults thinking to strive for riches.
Now a days we only hear about "gettin money" and living the life, getting drunk, pulling girls, but we don't hear enough of what Sam is trying to tell us. We are so heavily influenced by the media and music plays a large role in young adults. In a way, the music out today often creates social norms and trends in modern society. This is the reason why young adults live the no consequence lifestyle's of Drakes coined term "yolo" or "you only live once". We have to face it, we all find ourselves embodying a lot of what music artists release in their lyrics.
With all this in mind, I don't think our generation is doomed for total failure with artists like Smith who isn't afraid to be different. After all he is one of few artists who isn't afraid of de-glamorizing fame. He isn't fearful of being the odd ball and saying he doesn't care about the money, he's doing what he loves and in the end that's all that should matter. Not only for him but we should all do the same and not focus too much on if it's making us money. That's not to say that if you're pursuing your passion and lining the inside of your pockets it's a bad thing, but don't let money be your only motivator and purpose.