Introduction
Welcome to our fascinating exploration of the role of plants in the music industry! While we often associate music with instruments, lyrics, and melodies, there is a hidden world of botanical influence within the realms of books, movies, and culture. From symbolic references to actual musical compositions created by plants, the plant kingdom has made its mark on musical creativity and expression. Join us as we delve into this unique intersection between plants and music.
The Symbolism of Plants in Music
In the world of literature, symbolism plays a vital role in conveying emotions, themes, and deeper meanings. This holds true in music as well. While there may not be direct references to plants as symbols in music, the same plant symbolism found in other artistic mediums can be applied to songs and compositions.
Plants such as roses, lilies, and lotus flowers have long been used as symbols of love, passion, purity, and spirituality. Lyrics that mention these plants can evoke powerful emotions and add layers of meaning to the music. For example, songs like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison and “Rose Garden” by Lynn Anderson use the rose as a symbol of love with thorns of pain. Other songs, like “Lotus Flower” by Radiohead, explore the idea of freedom and exploration through the symbolism of the lotus flower.
Music Inspired by Plants
While plants may not directly create music, artists have drawn inspiration from the beauty, diversity, and symbolism of the plant kingdom. They have used plants as themes in their songs, album titles, and lyrics. Let’s explore some notable examples of songs inspired by plants:
- “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran: This emotional ballad pays tribute to Sheeran’s late mother, referencing supermarket flowers as a metaphor for the impermanence of life.
- “Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles: This iconic song was inspired by John Lennon’s visits to a Liverpool orphanage called Strawberry Field, with the strawberry field representing a place of solace and imagination.
- “Lemon Tree” by Peter, Paul, And Mary: This folk song uses the lemon tree as a metaphor for love and longing, comparing the fragility and vulnerability of love to the delicate nature of a lemon tree.
These songs demonstrate how plants can serve as rich sources of inspiration, allowing artists to explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.
Plants as Musical Composers
Did you know that plants themselves can create music? While plants may not strum guitars or play pianos, there are fascinating experiments and innovations that allow plants to compose music in their own unique way.
Devices like the MIDI Sprout, developed by Data Garden, translate the electrical impulses emitted by plants into musical notes. These instruments connect electrodes to plants that respond to variations in the plant’s electrical conductivity, generating MIDI notes. Artists like Mort Garson and Kurt Attard have even created entire albums specifically designed to be soothing music for plants.
This intriguing concept of plants creating music highlights the interconnectedness of all living things and provides a new avenue for artistic expression. By incorporating plants into the process of musical composition, artists can explore the boundaries of creativity and challenge our understanding of music itself.
Conclusion
Plants have undeniably left their mark on the music industry, whether through symbolic references, inspired compositions, or even their ability to create music in their own unique way. The influence of plants in music demonstrates the power of nature to inspire creativity and evoke emotions.
As we take a moment to appreciate the beauty and significance of the plant kingdom, let us not forget the role they play in our favorite songs, albums, and musical experiences. Next time you listen to music, pay attention to the plant symbolism, and let yourself be transported into a world where nature and music harmoniously intertwine.
References
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[^2]: NPR. (2019). Music For Plants Is Real (Even If The Science Isn’t). Retrieved from <a href=”https://www.npr.org/2019/06/21/734471703/music-for-plants-mort-garson-plantasia-stevie-wonder“>https://www.npr.org/2019/06/21/734471703/music-for-plants-mort-garson-plantasia-stevie-wonder](https://www.npr.org/2019/06/21/734471703/music-for-plants-mort-garson-plantasia-stevie-wonder)
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[^4]: Hellomusictheory.com. (2021). 17 Of The Best Songs About Plants. Retrieved from <a href=”https://hellomusictheory.com/learn/songs-about-plants/“>https://hellomusictheory.com/learn/songs-about-plants/](https://hellomusictheory.com/learn/songs-about-plants/)
[^5]: Zing Instruments. (n.d.). These 22 Songs about Plants Will Grow on You. Retrieved from <a href=”https://zinginstruments.com/songs-about-plants/“>https://zinginstruments.com/songs-about-plants/](https://zinginstruments.com/songs-about-plants/)