Singing along to world music

Once upon a time when I was a teacher in Russia, I had a spry young student, Anton, come to me with the aim of finally gaining insight into some of his favorite "world music". In this case, it was that pillar of world music innovation, Ace of Base. Simple enough, but as I got into it, I worried that when I translated the words, he might lose his enthusiasm for world music. He might realize that the lyrics were not as hip as he once imagined.

I never thought of it much at the time, but while scrolling down my iTunes today, I realized I can't really sing a long too much of my music. Isn't part of the joy knowing the words and the poetry?

Would I still love Ali Farka Toure, Gigi and that gnawa legend, Mahmoud Guinia, if I could hear their lyrics? Were I to visit Mali, Ethiopia or Morocco and have the words translated, would the lyrics still be as hip as I imagined?

I got a new life
You would hardly recognize me
I'm so glad
How can a person like me care for you
Why do I bother
When you're not the one for me
Is enough enough
I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes
I saw the sign
Life is demanding without understanding
I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes
I saw the sign
No ones gonna drag you up
To get into the light where you belong

Some of you may disagree with me, but have to say that I think, yes, I would. First of all, while I agree that singing along is fun, my iTunes has some incredible music even if there are no lyrics at all. Plus, I tested all my music today and I have good taste, really. Granted, not all the Rokia Traore songs are easy to distinguish from one another, but they are still great.

And to be quite honest, while the lyrics of Ace of Base are crap, I still actually enjoyed some it is just 'cause it was familiar and catchy. I have seen the sign and in opened up my eyes, I saw the sign. No one's gonna drag you up.

Exactly.