Leela James's song "Music" discusses the shift in the music industry and how it has moved away from its soulful roots. The lyrics highlight the nostalgia for the music of the past and the artists who brought soul and emotion to their songs. The opening lines mention the guitar strings, which immediately bring back memories of favorite songs. The reference to Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Steven Tyler, and Chaka Khan further emphasizes the longing for the music of an earlier era, where these iconic artists showcased their powerful voices. The phrase "Can't go back to yesterday, Can we just put the thongs away" suggests that while it may not be possible to turn back time, the desire is to move away from the current trends and return to a time when music was more authentic and meaningful. The chorus repeats the plea to fall back in love with music, emphasizing that it's all about the music and nothing else. The lyrics then address the loss of music legends, such as Marvin Gaye, and express a need to convey what is happening in the industry. The line "Said the music gone" suggests that the soulful essence of music has disappeared or is dwindling. The refrain "Where did all the soul go? It's all about the video, We don't sang no mo'" laments the commercialization of music and the focus on visuals rather than the artistry and vocal talents. The phrase "Where's the music gone?" is repeated to emphasize the question and the longing for the music that seems to have been lost. The lyrics highlight how artists like Donny Hathaway, known for his soulful piano playing, sang about freedom and understanding. However, the current state of the music industry seems to be lacking that depth and substance. The reference to explicit lyrics and shallow content in popular songs portrays a contrast to the music that once resonated with the African American community. Overall, Leela James's "Music" reflects a yearning for the soulful music of the past, criticizing the commodification and shallowness of the contemporary music industry. It reminisces about the power of music to evoke emotion and calls for a return to the authentic and meaningful artistry.
