During soviet times in Lithuania music was the niche where the seeds of freedom began to grow. Culture and music shows on the national radio weren’t as strictly censored and among the youths more and more often you would hear nationalists humming patriotic songs, or just songs urging to overthrow the soviet regime.

Today music censorship in Lithuania is very lax, but after all why censor the songs if they are only a little too lecherous. On the other hand in China a decision was reached to curb perverted music, because it is harmful to people’s health. Incidentally, in countries where music is politicized, like Belarus, Zimbabwe, the United States, control is especially important. In any case, music against war sounds great, even in a golden birdcage, especially if it is emphasized by swearing and made more colorful by new social ideals. Has anyone heard the song about the new ideal male – “Just like Putin?”

In comparison with us, music is in its golden age and we are its slaves: before fully waking, we instinctively turn on the melody maker, we walk the streets rolled in a blanket of digital music, hunt for the latest free songs on the internet and hear Vagner in public buses.

I suggest we let music be still for today. A day without music – is it possible?


Simona Štrimaitytė
translation Vytautas Povilas Jurgaitis