I love that you brought up
Coldplay! As you stated the members of Coldplay are associated with their
Christian background and many of their songs and albums contain Christian
elements and symbolism. In many interviews Chris Martin has stated he
definitely believes in God. I agree that their inclusion of Christian elements
is purely musical and not to evangelize. I agree with your statement “Coldplay
is certainly a transformationist band, interested in music as music, but
include the praise and struggle with God in many of their lyrics.” Coldplay
includes many of their struggles with God and religious doctrine. For example
when asked about the mention of St. Peter in the song “Viva la Vida” (“I know
St. Peter won’t call my name”) Martin replied:
“It's about… You're not on the list. I was a naughty boy. It's always fascinated me that idea of finishing your life and then being analyzed on it. And it's that runs through most religions. That's why people blow up buildings. Because they think they're going to get lots of virgins. I always feel like saying, Just join a band (cackles head off). That is the most frightening thing you could possibly say to somebody. Eternal damnation. I know about this stuff because I studied it. I was into it all. I know it. It's still mildly terrifying to me. And this is serious." ( Taken from: http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=11520)
Coldplay has always embraced
Christian ideas and themes in their songs but as you said in their new ablum
“Mylo Xyolto” direct Christian symbolism is present in many of their songs. The
example of “Us Against the World” is perfect as it illustrates biblical
references. Another example of spiritual references can be seen in the lyrics
of the song U.F.O. –
Lord I don't know which way I am going
Which way the river's going to flow
It just seems that upstream I keep rowing
Still got such a long way to go
Still got such a long way to go
The lyrics appear like a
biblical lament in which the individual makes a dramatic plea/ cry to God. As
you said Coldplay has been a profound advocator for Oxfam. Chris Martin is one
of Oxfam’s most vocal supporters of the “Make Trade Fair” campaign and proudly
wears the equal sign symbol on his hand in interviews, to public events, in
music videos etc. As you said the band constantly advocates for the cause while
on tour (ex-MTF on the side of their piano). When Chris travelled to Haiti with
Oxfam he realized big corporations were taking most of the profits from coffee
farmers leaving them with little money to sustain their family.
Chris Martin has been involved with the charity
since 2002, travelling to Ghana, Mexico and Haiti. He has been involved in
helping to lobby political leaders during the World Trade Organization Summit
and openly discusses the issues he advocates for in interviews. Coldplay’s
“What If” video for the campaign highlights as you said the importance of fair
trade to eliminate poverty and hunger. Whether or not Martin is sincere is
definitely a question on many individuals minds. In my opinion I think his
efforts are sincere and through his profound influence on his large fan base he
is advocating and educating individuals on the severity of problems in third
world countries and raising awareness about fair trade and the results of trade
misuse, which many people may not have been aware of. A survey conducted by
Oxfam showed that 84% of individuals between the ages of 18-24 knew about the
Fair trade campaign due to Chris Martin’s involvement (Oxfam.org/coldplay). Whether
or not this equated raising money for the cause it definitely shows his efforts
have educated individuals about the problem and ways in which they can assist.
"What If?" video for Oxfam campaign:
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