2 Laments That'll Move You~~ Chris Brown-Loyal (Explicit Language); Janelle Monae-Sincerely, Jane

If you are really upset or sorry about something, you might lament it. Many of the oldest and most lasting poems in human history have been laments (pronounced 'lah-mint'). There are examples of lament in the Hebrew and Christian Holy texts, as well as classical and Hellenistic Greek and Islamic songs. It is a global phenomenon, both ancient and continuously created form of human expression, which includes and spans the Hindu Vedas to the Blues and Jazz genres of music, created by the African descended people of America.

A lament or lamentation is a passionate expression of grief, often in music, poetry, or song form. The grief is most often born of regret, or mourning. 

In a lament, one gives expression to one's feelings and emotions by expressing complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness. Included in the definitions are that it's a loud cry or repeated cries of pain or rage or sorrow.

In her book, "Lyrics of Lament: From Tragedy to Transformation", Dr. Nancy C. Lee states, "If we ask what songs or lyrics today might fit the “lament” genres, a good signal is whether or not they contain a description of distress". I offer two contemporary examples for your listening pleasure. I find these great examples of the angst and trials our young people feel today. Both Chris Brown and Janelle Monae are unique, dynamic and outstanding artists that have great authentic talent.

Some may wonder how I could post Chris Brown's video because of the language. If you saw the 2014 BET Award Show last week, then you know why I'm sharing this. It has been years since I've been moved by a performer like I was while watching him sing, 'Loyal'. The camera panned the audience of stars, catching John Legend and Pharrell watching Brown perform. EVERYBODY was up, and totally entranced with his performance. He was thrilling. It was on the level of watching Michael Jackson's artistry. 

It was only clouded by the fact that Brown had just been released from a jail sentence, and the lyrics were mostly blocked out being too profane for television. Still I haven't seen an artist connect with his music, body and soul like I saw that evening. I don't even watch BET, but I've watched the Award Show 3 times now, to catch his performance (It's about 45 minutes into the show). I then went to youTube, to hear the actual song, which I'm sharing with you. 

Being able to hear the lyrics that'd been left out on TV, got me thinking deeper about the song, it's message and Chris Brown's journey. And one morning out of my meditation came the words, "It's a lament". 
A very legitimate creative art form.

 en-joy!
Kendke

http://youtu.be/JXRN_LkCa_ohttp://youtu.be/JXRN_LkCa_o