This category attempts to use song quotes to document some of the grim realities people face. Because of cruelty, rejection, uncertainty, fear, anxiety, it is so easy to feel angry, alienated, frustrated, and discouraged with regards to the “cold cruel world.” In a world that can be demanding, fast paced, stressful, cruel, and alienating, music can be of value by providing valuable empathy, escapism, relief and entertainment.
Music is a form of art, and art, by definition, appeals to the aesthetic values on an individual and personal level. Because of the connection on a personal level, music can provide friendship and act as a reliable companion to people as a comforter and sympathizer.
Many people face discouraging situations or are trapped in cultures of hopelessness and despair. By expressing their pain and hurt music can be used to empathize and comfort people. However, by always focusing on the negative, sometimes the pain and hurt in the music can magnify discontent and spread despair and hopelessness. Then there are other times when the people who generate hate and anger in their music intentionally or unintentionally bring the rest of the world down to their levels of hate and anger.
On the other hand, music can also be used to provide encouragement, inspiration, and hope. It can stimulate the mind and inspire creativity, or offer relief, escapism, and change of environment. In addition, music can be fun, adventurous, and exciting. Such to the point where it can be used to improve morale and health of individuals, if channeled properly.
As people, who live in the "cold cruel world" that they describe, we have the ability to accept these grim descriptions of our world as inevitable, or we can act and do something about it. Are many of these problems really beyond our reach as a society to address and correct? Do our chances improve at all, if we work as a team?