[blparent] Kid music- Shrek

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

First, the Shrek movies, especially 1 and 2, were written more for
adults and not family-oriented. From what I understand, the Broadway
musical, however, is very family-friendly, but I admit I don't know much
about it or the songs apart of it.

The song in question, "Hallelujah," was written and originally performed
by Leonard Cohen, a songwriter. The song is not intended to be spiritual
in the sense of one specific belief or ideal, and as most forms of art
do, it's full of metaphor and imagery, so of course it takes poetic
license. He does refer to King David and Samson and Delilah from the Old
Testament, but again, he is waxing poetical and not necessarily literal
or doctrinal. His references to Samson and David are focused on their
sexual relationships, Samson with Delilah and David with Bathsheba,
particularly on the adulterous and/or lustfulness of each relationship.
Many views are held on the meaning of the song, and more than 200 covers
have been made by other musicians, some changing a few lyrics, but most
agree the song reflects on the varied levels of a romantic relationship
especially the sexual and how that either helps or hinders a
relationship. Some suggest the use of hallelujah means orgasm, but that
is one interpretation.

So not a song for children, and included on the Shrek soundtrack
because, as already mentioned, the film was meant more for adults, and
in fact, it's not even a Disney film, so to play it on a Disney radio
station seems funny, though just because it's Disney affiliated doesn't
mean they can't play any and all music. Most people don't pay attention
to lyrics or analyze their meaning, so people don't always realize that
what kids listen to may in reality not be all that appropriate.

But the reference to David being tied up, well, Cohen did simply only
use a couple Biblical figures as metaphorical characters, but he was not
trying to "sermonize" or maintain any religious ideals; they were simply
drawn upon for a metaphorical inspiration. Plus, not to become
controversial, but many people, including Christians such as pastors and
church leaders, add fluffy context to scripture that when doing an
exegesis of the text, is not present or accurately depicted. So to use a
Biblical character and take some poetic license to create imagery
doesn't seem a whole lot different especially when the intent was not
meant to be religious in nature.

Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Read my blog at:
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
 
"History is not what happened; history is what was written down."
The Expected One- Kathleen McGowan

Message: 10
Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 03:28:07 -0600
From: "Tay Laurie" <j.t.laurie at gmail.com>
To: "Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [blparent] children's music: Shrek
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the bit about the kitchen chair is part of a folk song that is
definitely! 
not kid friendly.