Welcome to Music Monday! As many of you know, music contributes a great deal to my writing process. Whether it’s a song’s lyrics, beat, rhythm, or tone, I find myself constantly inspired by it.
For quite some time, I’ve debated about sharing this week’s Music Monday choice with you. It revolves around a controversial topic that I’ve been scared to connect myself with in any way.
However, I’ve realized many songs are controversial in their own way, and just because I like one doesn’t mean I agree with its message. In fact, I so strongly oppose this song’s message, it’s exactly why I love it. “Tomorrow Belongs To Me” from the musical Cabaret makes me angry, sick, and horrified…which, let’s face it, is an excellent combination of emotions to feel when creating a villain and/or conflict, right?
To put it simply, this song is evil. It might not sound like it. Actually, when you first hear it, you’ll likely think it’s beautiful and sweet–motivational, even. But once you stop and listen to the lyrics, you’ll quickly realize what’s being sung about and your stomach will drop and your heart will sink.
The babe in his cradle is closing his eyes
The blossom embraces the bee
But soon says the whisper, arise, arise
Tomorrow belongs to me
Tomorrow belongs to me
Yes, this song is about the rise of The National Socialist Party before World War II, and yes, it’s downright horrible.
“Tomorrow Belongs To Me” drips with supremacy, arrogance, and bloodlust. What makes it even more disturbing is the actor who performs it in the video below. The fact that he basically has the voice and face of an angel makes it a hundred times creepier and sickening.
So, if you’re looking for a song to inspire the evilness and corruption in your story, listen to this one.
What song(s) are you in love with right now? Which one(s) offer you inspiration? Let me know! I’m always searching for songs that motivate my writing.
Photo credits:
http://www.newyorkcitytheatre.com/theaters/studio54/cabaret.php
http://cinema-fanatic.com/2013/02/04/oscar-vault-monday-cabaret-1972-dir-bob-fosse/
Jen's Pen Den 
I most recently listened to Diamonds by Rhianna. Not my usual fare but I heard it in a clip from a show and had to hear the whole thing. It’s not that I don’t think Rhianna is talented, in fact I think she is incredibly talented, but I just don’t think she needs to sell the sex part of her package so much, it cheapens or takes away from her vocal talent. But the sound of the music combined with her voice led to a lyric poem I wrote called Soul Lives. I basically get the feel from the sounds and then shut it off and go with it and see what happens. I am all for music setting a mood in writing. A happy person might need help getting angry. You know, that person with super powered dimples probably needs that outside influence to bring on the anger and the evil.
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I’ll admit, I love a lot of Rihanna’s music. I have many songs of hers on my playlists. In fact, I might be using one of them soon as a Music Monday feature. I’ve been obsessed with it lately.
I do need help getting angry, lol! I actually asked a friend if he could burn me a CD with his favorite hardcore rock. All that screeching and rage does wonders for my “angry” scenes, haha.
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