It is apparent that music videos and lyrics in the 1950s and now contain striking similarities. Just by simply watching the videos of Elvis Presley's Jailhouse Rock and Justin Timberlake's Rock Your Body, many comparisons can be noted. First one may notice that both videos contain multiple dancers performing suggestive dance moves like 'grinding' in Rock Your Body and pelvic thrusting in Jailhouse Rock. Even these two moves can demonstrate how teen sexuality has stayed the same over the years. Although both moves are different in execution, they both are trying to send the same message: the use sexuality is fun, exciting, and popular. Aside from that more obvious comparison, perhaps the most important things to notice is that both of the videos include very attractive lead male vocalists who are the main focus of
attention. How does this relate to teen sexuality? Both of the videos target a young female audience by exploiting the sexuality of the young male vocal artist to sell music. In turn, these videos motivate teen males to be like these artists in style, actions, dance, etc. in order “get the ladies.”
attention. How does this relate to teen sexuality? Both of the videos target a young female audience by exploiting the sexuality of the young male vocal artist to sell music. In turn, these videos motivate teen males to be like these artists in style, actions, dance, etc. in order “get the ladies.”
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Even the lyrics within both songs contain lines encouraging sexual activity:
Jailhouse Rock
“Number forty-seven said to number three: You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see. I sure would be delighted with your company, Come on and do the jailhouse rock with me. Lets rock, everybody, lets rock. Everybody in the whole cell block Was dancin to the jailhouse rock.” |
Rock Your Body
“Don't be so quick to walk away Dance with me I wanna rock your body Please stay Dance with me You don't have to admit you wanna play Dance with me Just let me rock you Till the break of day Dance with me" |
The lines "You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see, I sure would be delighted with your company, come on and do the jailhouse rock with me" and "Don't be so quick to walk away, I wanna rock your body, dance with me" both suggest sexual acts with the words "rock." As one looks at the lyrics as a whole, it becomes clear that both of the speakers of the lyrics are men trying to coax an attractive woman to "dance" with them, indicating something sexual.
The desire for rebellion and sex build the foundation for a considerable amount of the music geared towards youth culture. Songs about sex, songs about parties, songs about money —all contribute to the way teens form their beliefs, behaviors, fashion trends, and relationships (Brown 42). It is no surprise that every teenager wants to separate him or herself from parental control. Music seems to provide the outlet for their distinction. Even today, parents look at the music their teens listen to and deem it as “racket” or “nonsensical noise”, when, in reality, the music largely defines who they are. It makes them stand out among an endless sea of generations.