The 70s was a decade of immense musical creativity and diversity. One of the genres that gained popularity during this time was the magic song. These songs were characterized by their mystical and ethereal sound, often incorporating elements of folk, rock, and psychedelic music. One of the key features of magic songs in the 70s was their emphasis on surreal and fantastical themes. Many artists drew inspiration from mythology, medieval literature, and occult practices, creating music that was both enchanting and otherworldly. The lyrics often revolved around themes of magic, spirituality, and the supernatural, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
ELA-Literacy RL 6 5 Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics.
The lyrics often revolved around themes of magic, spirituality, and the supernatural, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. Musically, magic songs were known for their intricate and layered arrangements. These songs often featured lush instrumentation, including acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, and strings.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond Themes, Symbols and Motifs
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify themes and symbols from the novel, and support their choices with details from the text.
Themes to Look For and Discuss
Independence and Self-Determination
This theme is conveyed through Kit as well as the colonists in general. Kit stands out from the others because of her independent spirit. She traveled alone all the way from Barbados, and acts according to her own judgment rather than the dictates of her society. The Connecticut colonists value independence too. They object to control by a British governor and hide their original charter in a tree to preserve their right to self-determination in the future.
Appearances Can Be Deceiving
Many of the villagers judge others quickly based on superficial qualities. Both Hannah Tupper and Kit are labeled as witches because of how they appear or how they act. In reality, however, Hannah and Kit are some of the kindest people in the colony. The judgments the colonists make based on appearance are not accurate.
Motifs & Symbols to Look For and Discuss
Books and Reading
Books play a positive role in Kit's life. In Barbados, Kit found joy and adventure reading poetry and plays with her grandfather. Even in Wethersfield, where the Puritans disapprove of secular texts, Kit's favorite activity is listening to John Holbrook read the Bible. Reading is also the key to Prudence's friendship with Kit and her newfound confidence.
The Meadows
The meadows symbolize peace for Kit. The waving grass reminds her of the billowing waves surrounding her home in Barbados. Kit comes to the meadows when she is worried or upset, and the meadows bring her a sense of calm.
William’s House
William's house is a symbol of marriage. The new home will be the first place he and his wife will live together. He begins building his house only after he has decided upon marrying Kit. The timeline of his courtship with Kit is determined by the building process. As his house nears completion, Kit knows she must make up her mind about William.
The use of diverse and unconventional instruments, such as harpsichords and mellotrons, added to the magical atmosphere of the music. Some of the iconic magic songs of the 70s include Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven," which is renowned for its mystical lyrics and epic guitar solos. Another notable example is Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon," a hauntingly beautiful song inspired by Celtic mythology. Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" is also considered a magic song, with its dreamy soundscapes and introspective lyrics. The magic song trend of the 70s was influential not only in the realm of music but also in popular culture. It captivated audiences with its enchanting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. These songs continue to be celebrated and appreciated to this day, as they evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when music was truly magical. Whether it was the result of sheer creativity or a reflection of the cultural climate of the era, the magic song remains a testament to the enduring power of music..
Reviews for "Healing and Transformative: The Healing Power of 70s Magic Songs"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Magic Song 70s". The songs were all so repetitive and it felt like I was listening to the same tune over and over again. The overall production quality of the album was also quite poor, with the vocals sounding muffled and the instruments lacking depth. I was hoping for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but instead, I got a headache from the monotonous sound. Definitely not my cup of tea.
2. Mark - 1 star
I can't believe I wasted my money on "Magic Song 70s". The selection of songs was extremely outdated and did not represent the best of the 70s music scene. In fact, most of the tracks included were forgettable and seemed to be filler material. Additionally, the sound quality was abysmal, with crackling noises and fluctuations in volume throughout the entire album. Save your money and opt for a better compilation that truly captures the essence of the 70s.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I found "Magic Song 70s" to be a lackluster compilation. The song choices were predictable and offered nothing new or exciting. It felt like they just threw together a bunch of popular hits from the 70s without considering the flow or cohesiveness of the album. Moreover, the mastering of the tracks was very poor, with some songs sounding significantly louder than others. Overall, I was hoping for a more curated and enjoyable listening experience. Unfortunately, this album fell flat.