A Love Ethic Through Sound

 Katie Varner


Professor Harris


English 2017


May 1, 2025

                               

                                                      A Love Ethic Through Sound


      Agape is commonly known as the “universal love” or the “love ethic.” A love ethic is ethical that includes all aspects of love including responsibility, respect, trust, and etc. Love ethic is a concept introduced by an author named bell hooks. Throughout her writings she believes that, “A love ethic presupposes that everyone has the right to be free, to live fully and well.” 


     In one of bell hooks novels, Salvation, she showcases love ethics from black mothers. However, hooks does argue that maternal love serves as a radical act of liberation. She brings up the topic of sacrificial martyr vs. selfish diva. Another author that reflects on maternal love is Toni Morrison in her book called, Sula, she examines the complexities of parent-child relationships, portraying how love and sacrifice can shape an individual's social paths. In Salvation and Sula, both authors showcase how motherly love affected children which lead to effects of their community. The selfish diva is seen as a self-centered individual that has materialistic ideals. A sacrificial martyr is typically an individual willing to do whatever for others no matter the limit. Sacrificing their own well-being, and needs just for others. This is how black mothers are usually described, especially throughout songs. Songs dedicated to black mothers can provide an understanding of the concept of love ethic. 


                        

     The songs “Dear Mama”, “Mother”, and “Mama knew love” all fall under the category of sacrificial martyr. In these songs artists share lyrics which reflect unconditional love and sacrifices their mothers made to ensure their happiness.  In “Dear Mama,” Tupac’s lyrics state, “A poor single mother on welfare, tell me how you did it” and “ To keep me happy there's no limit to the things you did.”  In “Mother” by Ashanti, “And any time I was in need you gave your very last.” Lastly in “Mama knew love” by Anthony Hamilton he states, “Swellin' in your legs, bills on the bed…Still you managed to show me a smile.” These songs as a whole acknowledge the strength of maternal love. They provide emotional portrayals of maternal sacrifice and resilience. 




          Most songs about black mothers have deep underlying meanings or hidden messages throughout the lyrics. For example, in the song “Hey Mama” by Kanye West he states, “Since you brought me in this world, let me take you out…to a restaurant” This phrase is ironic because the original version of this phrase that is mainly stated by black mothers which is, “Since I brought you in this world, I could take you out.” This lyrical twist showcases an individual's ability to reinterpret and familiar cultural expression with a new perspective. Rather than using this as an expression of authority he turned it into a gratitude. In this song Kanye captured the nature of a love ethic.


         The sacrifice and resilience from a black mother demonstrates the depth of maternal devotion. Their love ethic isn’t only an individual experience but a communal force that shapes society and families. Whether through literature or music , the narrative of the sacrificial martyr reflects the selflessness and consistent commitment that defines black motherhood. Songs dedicated to black mothers serve as powerful appreciation. Thes songs do more than showcase personal experiences but they establish cultural memory. Love ethics continues to evolve providing insight on the impact of motherly love.



Mixtape:

“Oh mother of Mine ‘- The Temptations

“Mama’s Hand “- Queen Naija

“I Love My Momma” -Snoop Dogg

“Mom” - Earth, Wind, and Fire

“I’ll always love my Mama (Part 1)” -The intruders

“Dance” - Nas

“Thinking of You”- Lenny Kravitz

“Dear Mama” -2pac

“A Song For Mama” - Boyz II Men

“Hey Mama” -Kanye West

“Mother” -Ashanti

“Look what you’ve done” -Drake

“Mama knew love” -Anthony Hamilton

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