Music that Represents Different Eras/Events

By Ainsley Benbow, Ava Carroll and Mackenzie Eyles

Ice Ages - ‘Let it Go’ by Idina Menzel, from Frozen (2013) 

“Let It Go” from Frozen connects to the Ice Age through its themes of winter and ice, mirroring the frozen conditions of that era. In the movie, the land is trapped in an endless winter, much like Earth was during the Ice Age when glaciers covered vast areas. The song’s lyrics and visuals of snow, ice and isolation reflect the harsh, frozen environment of that time. Just as the Ice Age shaped the world, Elsa’s powers transformed the land, making the song a literal representation of a world dominated by ice and cold.

Renaissance Period - ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ by Coldplay (2014) 

The Renaissance Period was a time of great scientific, philosophical and artistic awakening where much like in “A Sky Full of Stars”, captured the true essence of limitless possibilities. Just as Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo looked to the stars for inspiration and discoveries to pioneer mankinds knowledge of science, Coldplays’ lyrics reflect a deep admiration for the beautiful stars lighting up the night sky. Although this song is about a deep love for someone who shines brightly in the singer’s life, it also reflects the devotion people throughout the Renaissance period seeked for humanities growth in knowledge beyond the known world in the ‘sky full of stars’.

Industrial Revolution - ‘Big Wheels Keep on Turning’ (1970)

“Big Wheels Keep on Turning” can be linked to the Industrial Revolution, a period of massive change when countries had to adapt to new technology and ways of life. The song’s lyrics reflect the pressure to keep up, especially “rolling on the rhythm,” which connects to how nations had to follow the momentum of industrialisation to stay competitive. Just like factories, machines and railroads kept things moving, the song symbolises the unstoppable force of progress. Countries couldn’t afford to fall behind, the Industrial Revolution set the pace, and everyone had to follow its rhythm to keep up.

Boston Tea Party - ‘Bad Blood’ by Taylor Swift (2014) 

On December 16, 1773, roughly 340 chests of tea were destroyed in Boston Harbour in a political and mercantile protest against the British’s tax. The build-up of betrayal and retaliation against Britain by the colonists before this act of protest is mirrored in Taylor Swift's “Bad Blood” from 2014 where she too references themes of revenge and broken trust. The escalating conflict in the lyrics such as “Did you have to do this? I was thinking that you could be trusted”, displays the violation of trust and justification for the American colonist's response towards injustice for the Boston Tea Party to occur.

Declaration of Independence - ‘It’s My Life’ by Bon Jovi (2000)

The Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, was all about breaking free from British rule and claiming the right to life, liberty and happiness. That same independent, rebellious energy is what “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi is all about. The title itself screams independence, just like the Declaration, showing the need to take control and live life without being held back. The lyrics “It’s now or never” capture the same urgency the Founding Fathers felt, if they didn’t act, their future would be decided for them. Just like the colonies, the song pushes for freedom, control and making your own way in the world.

Australian Gold Rush - ‘Money, Money, Money’ by ABBA (1976) 

“Money, Money, Money,” by ABBA reflects the desperation and longings of those living in 1851, through the Australian gold rushes. The gold rushes transformed colonial Australia, expanding the population, boosting the economy, leading to the formation of a new national identity. However, all of a sudden, people’s identity began to rely heavily, forming around this hope of the acquisition of material wealth, transforming the lives of people. Though not based on this, “Money, Money, Money” truly holds a mirror up to the attitudes. 

Fall of the Romanov Dynasty - ‘Rasputin’ by Boney M. and Majestic (2021) 

“Rasputin” by Boney M. and Majestic, was named and created as a reflection of a key figure in the downfall of the Romanov Dynasty. Rasputin was a monk, who was known for his mystic healing powers. His reputation preceded him, with the Romanov family, the Russian monarchy of the time, calling upon him in consultation for an answer to their son’s, Alexei’s, hemophilia, a blood-clotting disease. Rasputin advised the family to refuse the treatment offered by the doctors, which modern day science has recognised as a blood thinner. The Romanovs, greatly appreciative of Rasputin’s advice, which saved their son, became very trusting of the monk. When Nicholas II left to go to the front during World War II, his wife Alexandra was left in charge, who took much of Rasputin’s political advice, leading to several issues within Russia’s political state. ‘Rasputin’ tells the story of its namesake, however, not necessarily distinguishing fact from fiction. 

First Moon Landing - ‘Rocket Man’ by Elton John (1972)

From July 16-24, 1969, the United States launched the Apollo 11 mission by NASA, where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin because the first people to ever set foot on the moon, with Armstrong famously stating “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Elton John’s “Rocket Man”, ironically stated in the title, truly captures the first landing on the moon and this whole journey into space, filled with feelings of isolation, adventure and sacrifice that the astronauts experienced through the responsibility of space travel. The song’s themes of leaving Earth behind and venturing into an unknown parallel, echo this grave adventure where they forever changed humanity’s relationship with space and the moon, being the ultimate “Rocket Man”, going “to Infinity and Beyond” - Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story (famously named in honor of Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the Moon).

COVID-19 - ‘Stuck with U’ by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber (2020) 

“Stuck with U” was a joint song made by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber explicitly reflecting the 2020 pandemic. Filled with lockdowns, zoom break-out rooms and social distancing, we all have our own hilarious and traumatic memories from quarantines which is what this song is truly about. It sheds light on these experiences shared with family and friends, along with all the ups and downs that come with it, in such isolated conditions. Further shown in their music video, where it highlights the quality time spent together with couples, families and more, growing relationships in such hard and confusing times.