CHAPTER COMMENTARY

This category contains song quotes that make reference to friendship. 

Music can be like a friend to the listener.  Everywhere everyday, people feel alienated, confused, frustrated, angry, rejected, dejected, and lonely, particularly teenagers and young adults.  Music can provide friendship and act as a reliable companion to people.  Sometimes it is the only friend they can turn to. 

However, friendship by definition is someone who can be trusted and looks after their friend's best interest.  Are some entertainers and the music they produce really looking after their friend's best interest?

Another way music can be positive is that can be used to promote social opportunities by bringing together individuals with common interests and creating groups.  This may be important at fulfilling an important emotional need of belonging.

However, the problem with some types of groups is that they can be misguided and promote negative and destructive ideas.  Also, groups can sometimes be narrow-minded, restrictive, and may not promote dissent.  In addition, some people's desire to belong to a group may driven by insecurities and low self-esteem, or be a substitute for void or emptiness in their lives.  The end effect is that some individuals that join groups may intentionally or unintentionally give up their ability to think for themselves and follow the pack instead.

If a friend or group asks you to do something that you know is wrong or questionable, are you strong enough to voice concern or dissent?  Are you bold, courageous, independent, or mature enough to walk away?

Are "friends" that do not look after your overall best interest really your friends?

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