The Power of a Song

     “Music can change the world,” said Ludwig van Beethoven, classical composer and musician. Animal Farm, a novel by George Orwell, in which animals overthrow their human farmers and take control of the farm. Throughout the book, leaders and individuals use poetry, chants, and slogans in order to achieve their goals. Powerful words and catchy or heart- stirring tunes was a powerful impetus for change. In Animal Farm, songs and slogans are shown to give purpose and pride to each mission both with their power to convince and as a driving force.

     One of the main factors that propel the rebellion and continuous pride in Animal Farm is the favorite anthem of all animals, Beasts of England. This song piqued the animals’ interest and determination to rebel from the very beginning. The pigs made sure to encourage the animals’ participation by singing, and “they were unfailing in their attendance at the meetings,” and the pigs “led the singing of Beasts of England, with which the meetings always ended” (Orwell 18). One may argue that the unfailing attendance was due to the spirited and motivational singing.

     Not only did the singing bring accomplishment to the farm and rebellion as one unified mission, but it also empowered individual characters. Slogans were frequently heard from Boxer, the hardest working, most productive animal on the farm. His main motto was, “I will work harder,” which empowered him to never give up (Orwell 56). He also always said and believed that “Napoleon is always right” (Orwell 56). This helped him any time he was confused by the commandments that kept on changing and he couldn’t put his finger on what was wrong. Boxer’s mottos focused him on the job to be done instead of getting stuck on things he couldn’t change anyway.

     At the same time, as Napoleon became more powerful, the atmosphere on the farm changed. This was expressed in a poem, written about Napoleon in order to secure his authority. “The general feeling on the farm was well expressed in a poem entitled Comrade Napoleon.” (Orwell 94) In the end of the poem it says about a baby pig,

     “He should have learned,

     Faithful and true to thee,

     Yes, his first squeak should be

     ‘Comrade Napoleon’” (Orwell 94)

Orwell has shown this, time and time again throughout the book, in order to persuade a certain energy to a mission.

     Concluding with the realization that songs can have a lasting, strong effect on beliefs and motives, it is easier to understand how helpful they were to the animals on Animal Farm. Songs and slogans are super convincing and motivating for both a group and an individual. For many, the little chants and songs they have learned help them throughout their everyday lives more than they even realize. So keep singing! But only good songs…:)