History in Music

Emily Potts

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBnqglhRYHNnIf5HUr_6THkryfLp3cR0_
1. Louisiana
Purchase

1803

Irreplaceable

Beyonce

2. War of 1812

1812

Waves

Mr. Probz

3. Burning of White
House

1814

My Songs Know
What You Did in the
Dark

Fall Out Boy

4. Era of Good
Feelings

1815

Best Day of my Life

American Authors

5. Missouri
Compromise

1820

Up

Olly Murs & Demi

Lovato

6. Monroe Doctrine

1823

Shouldnt Come Back

Demi Lovato

7. Revolution of 1828

1828

Something Big

Shawn Mendes

8. Underground
Railroad

1830

Dangerous

David Guetta

9. Indian Removal Act 1830

Prayer in C

Lilly Wood & Robin

Schulz

10. Panic of 1837

Bad Day

Daniel Powter

1837

1.

I chose the song Irreplaceable by Beyonce, to represent the Louisiana Purchase in

1803. First of all, the songs key line, to the left, to the left shows the westward expansion of
the land. Next, the word, Irreplaceable symbolizes the previous border being replaceable as
the boyfriend is, in Beyonces song. Lastly, in the song, the artist is speaking to her boyfriend,
telling him to pack up his stuff and get out. This correlates to the Louisiana Purchase because of
the citizens packing up their belongings and moving to the newly purchased property. In
conclusion, the Louisiana Purchase became irreplaceable to the evolution of America.
2.

I chose the song Waves by Mr. Probz, to stand for the War of 1812. To start, the words,

I can see the sands on the horizon, every time you are not around represents the fact that
America was fighting this battle without clear allies. Also, it shows how this led us to victory.
Next, the words Im slowly drifting away and pulling against the stream both symbolize
Americas breaking ties with the British. Also, it expresses that the American ways of
involvement were different from Europe. Lastly, the War of 1812 was caused by the impression
of U.S. sailors, which correlates to the song title, Waves.

3.

I chose the song, My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark by Fall Out Boy to

symbolize the British burning the White House in 1814. To begin, the words Burn everything
you love, then burn the ashes represent the attempted destruction of American history.
Although, the White House was left in ashes, Dolly Madison saved the beloved artwork and
treasures. The concept of revenge is also expressed in this song, since we were the ones who
burned down the British government building first. The words In the end everything collides
symbolize how this event backfired on both of our nations. Finally, this songs angry tone stands
for the tension between the British and the Americans.
4.

I chose the song Best Day of My Life by American Authors, to symbolize the start of the

Era of Good Feelings in 1815. The words, We danced with monsters through the night
represented the tough war that was fought in 1812. Also, the Americans leaving European
affairs, especially Britain, behind them is shown in the song. For example, the artists say, Im
never gonna look back and Im never gonna give it up. This speaks for the independence
being kept by America in both wars. Finally, the positive and uplifting tone of this song
represents the happiness felt throughout the Era of Good Feelings.

5.

I chose the song Up by Olly Murs and Demi Lovato to represent the Missouri

Compromise in 1820. First of all, the words Do what it takes to make this fly stand for the U.S.
Government and Henry Clay making sacrifices. The song also stands for the willingness to
compromise from both sides like in the slave and free states. This is shown through the line, So
let's a build a bridge, yeah, from your side to mine. Lastly, the songs title, Up symbolizes that
from this compromise, the American government will only improve.
6.

I chose the song Shouldnt Come Back by Demi Lovato to represent the Monroe

Doctrine of 1823. First of all, the words Maybe you shouldnt come back to me stand for the
Americans message toward the European nations. Also, the song expresses that nothing good
came from their relationship in the past. This is equal to the relationship between Britain and
America. The lines, Stop right now, Youll only let me down symbolizes there has been
repeated encounters with disappointing results. In conclusion, the strong tone of the song
stands for Americas stance in political matters.
7.

I chose the song Something Big by Shawn Mendes to represent the Revolution of

1828. The words, Play the lotto, you might win it stand for the risk that was taken when
Jackson ran for president. The song also expresses the fact that something exciting was
beginning. The chorus, Something big, I feel it happening stands for the start of a new era.
The Revolution of 1828 and the rise of the common man are shown in the song as well. The last
significant line from the song is, Yell so loud, wont forget our names. This song as a whole
symbolizes the rise of America as a powerful nation.
8.

I chose the song Dangerous by David Guetta to symbolize the underground railroad in

the 1830s. First of all, the lines, You got me running all the lights, Dont make a sound stand
for the struggle of the African American slaves of this time. The song depicts them escaping
authorities and staying low key. Also, the line, I cant turn back now stands for the risk taken
when the slaves made the decisions to leave their owners. The songs suspenseful tone
correlates to the dangers of the runaways and those who kept them safe.
9.

I chose the song Prayer in C by Robin Schulz to represent the Indian Removal Act of

1830. First of all, the line, See our world is slowly dying stands for the perspective of the
Natives. It depicts the Native Americans being torn from their homes and belongings. In

addition, it shows the accidental death of many during the removal. Next, the artist says, And
see the children are starving and their houses were destroyed. This correlates to the harsh
treatment by the Americans. Also, the depressing tone of the song relates to the sadness of the
Indian Removal Act.
10.

I chose the song Bad Day by Daniel Powter to represent the Panic of 1837. First of all,

the lines Where is the moment when needed the most represents that when America needed a
strong economy, money was nowhere to be found. Next, the line Sometimes the system goes
on the blink is significant. It relates to the American economy and its first low point in history.
Also, the line You sing a sad song, just to turn it around stands for the comeback that was
needed to restore the banks. In conclusion, the sad tone of the song correlates to the
depression of our country at the time.