I will be the first to admit social commentary is not really my thing. Don’t get me wrong, there are those times I want to let it all out when it comes to specific issues that affect me and all other citizens, in one way or another. But I try to stick to music, doing so in a normally positive way.

However, in thinking about the role music plays in society, social commentary through song has been around, I guess, as long as words have been put to melody. I am reminded of Johnny Cash, as many of his early hits dealt with treatment of Native Americans, interracial relationships, and the Vietnam War. He also spoke his feelings through songs related to prison life and the oppressed.

Cash usually had a message in all of his songs, and is revered as one of the great artists ever. I agree. But he is but one of countless singer-songwriters who have addressed issues through their music. In doing so, fans across this country, and the world, have used these songs of protest and social consciousness to convey their own beliefs and ideas.

In doing a little research, I was surprised at many of the performers whose music sometimes entered the social issue arena – singers such as Loretta Lynn and Brad Paisley, for instance.

Lynn’s hits “The Pill” and “Rated X” dealt with … well, I guess it goes without saying. But she made strong statements for women in songs like these, and in many others. Paisley’s “Love and War” certainly tackles the subject of treatment of our returning from war veterans, in a bit of a turn from many of his easygoing, fun hits.

Kenny Chesney’s music usually reminds me of going to a beach. But his “Rich and Miserable” briefly speaks to the high cost of college and how you may not make enough to pay off that education. Jamey Johnson released “High Cost of Living” a decade ago, in which he sang about addiction and how it affects so many. (Sounds like it may have been a precursor of things to come.)

Country artists, like their cohorts in other musical genres, have long spoken of the problems we face. We can all relate with one of these songs at some point in life.

If you will allow me a moment to climb up on my soapbox too – with all the heartbreaking news we have witnessed over the past few weeks, if we would all take the time to be kinder to and more accepting of each other, even if we disagree on a particular issue, just maybe we can sing more about good times and happy events.

I can use a little more “happy.” What about you?

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of music. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.