Music as Literature 1: Songs That Speak to Our Society

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Joy Olu-Ajayi

Music is one of the most powerful ways to communicate ideas to people. It is not just for entertainment; it can also serve as a form of literature, using words, rhythm and emotion to tell stories, share experiences and teach lessons. When lyrics are meaningful and carefully arranged, they function like poetry or prose. They reflect society, expose problems and encourage change. In this way, music becomes literature in sound, reaching both the mind and the emotions of listeners.

Many musicians use their songs to highlight social ills such as corruption, injustice, insecurity and poor leadership. These songs do not only entertain as earlier stated; they make people think deeply about the reality of their society. Even more interesting is the fact that many of these songs were written years ago, yet the issues they address are still present today. This shows that music can record truth and preserve it over time, just like written literature.

One strong example is Beautiful Nubia’s “Ohun Oju Ri”. The title translates to “what the eyes have seen,” and the song focuses on the importance of facing reality. In the lyrics, Beautiful Nubia repeatedly reminds listeners that what the eyes see cannot be said. This suggests that people are aware of the problems in society but often choose to ignore them. He speaks about how a nation may claim to be free, yet its people are still trapped by selfishness, corruption and irresponsibility.

The song also reflects on colonialism and its lasting effects. Beautiful Nubia suggests that although Nigeria gained independence, the impact of colonial rule is still very much visible in the way society operates. Systems of inequality, weak institutions and dependence did not disappear with independence; however, they have eaten deep into the fabric of the country. Through his lyrics, he blames everyone, both young and old for the failure of the society and calls on everyone to take responsibility for change.

Another important feature of the song is the use of both Yoruba and English. The Yoruba language carries traditional wisdom, while English helps to reach a wider audience. Through repetition, Beautiful Nubia turns the song into a moral lesson, much like a piece of literature. 

Similarly, Falz’s “This is Nigeria” is a direct critique of modern Nigerian society. The song uses strong and sometimes shocking lyrics to describe the experiences of life in the country. Falz talks about corruption, insecurity, poor leadership, presenting them in a way that is clear and very difficult for anyone to ignore.

One striking part of the song is where Falz describes money disappearing and people treating it as if it were an animal that is responsible for its disappearance. This metaphor highlights how corruption is often normalised, with stolen public funds explained away or ignored. It shows how deeply rooted the problem is in society.

In another line, he points out that police stations close by 6 p.m. for security reasons, which is very ironic because the police are actually meant to provide security. The song also touches on everyday struggles such as poor electricity supply, which seriously affects both daily living and economic activities of Nigerians. Let us not even begin to talk about how people have lost their lives or businesses that have plunged into debt because of this. In addition, Falz mentions violence linked to Fulani herdsmen, drawing attention to conflicts that have caused fear and displacement in many communities. These references make the song very realistic, as they reflect issues that people experience. 

Through these lyrics, Falz creates a clear picture of society, using music to expose truth and demand attention. Like Beautiful Nubia, he uses simple language to ensure that the message stays and dwells with the listener. Even though the song was released years ago, many of the issues it raises are still present today, showing that change has been so slow.

In conclusion, music can clearly be seen as a form of literature when it uses words to reflect society, tell stories and teach lessons. Songs like Beautiful Nubia’s “Ohun Oju Ri” and Falz’s “This is Nigeria” go beyond entertainment as they expose social ills, critique both past and present systems and challenge listeners to think and act differently. The fact that these songs were written years ago yet still describe present realities shows that music, like literature, has the power to preserve truth, provoke thought and inspire change across generations.