Art is one of the most significant ways humans express themselves. It allows us to communicate emotions, ideas, and experiences in ways that words alone cannot. There are so many forms of art like music, movies, dance, sculptures, and even things as simple as doodles. But here’s the thing: does art always have to carry a deep meaning? Must every song, movie, or artwork hold a hidden message for it to be considered good? Or can we just enjoy art for what it is, even if it serves no purpose beyond existing?
Take songs, for example. Many songs have lyrics that are so meaningful that they feel like the artist is speaking directly to us. For instance train wreck by james athur normally resonates deeply with me almost all the time because it literally just talks about finding hope and strength even when everything seems to be going wrong. In the same way, i have watched movies that are often aim to teach a lesson like warning us against certain negative behaviors , or just open our eyes to issues we may not have considered. Think about movies that highlight the consequences of illegal activities or the struggles of marginalized groups—these movies are powerful because they pass across a meaningful mesage.
But does art always need to do this? I don’t think so. For me, a song doesn’t have to deliver life lesson for me to acknowledge that it’s a good song. Sometimes, it’s just about the vibe. I love Afrobeat the most and i can say it anywhere that most of the songs don’t have deeply meaningful lyrics. In fact, some might argue the lyrics don’t even make much sense. But the beat, the rhythm, and the energy they carry? That’s what keeps people awakened. You find yourself dancing, vibing, or just feeling good. That’s the magic of art—it doesn’t have to resonate deeply within you to be valuable. Sometimes, it’s enough for it to make you feel alive or smile without even knowing why. And that’s the major reason why you would listen to musicians from other countries and you would find yourself vibing to their songs even when you don’t actually understand the language been used. For instance, i listened to a song by Wizkid ft Tiakola recently and the language been spoken by tiakola was. french but then i just love fell in love with his voice and i have been putting it on repeat even when i don't even understand french at all.
Personally, I love to dance so i most times gravitate more towards music that has the ability to keep me off my feet. Sure, there are moments when I want to hear something deep and emotional, but most of the time, I’m here for the melodies, the beats, and the rythm.i think that is the beauty of music: it can be whatever you need it to be at any given moment. A song doesn’t need to make you cry or rethink your life to be appreciated.
The same goes for movies. Some films leave you with something inspiring because they’re full of life lessons or brilliant storytelling. Others are just fun to watch, and that is perfectly okay. A comedy or an action movie might not teach you anything, but it can still be a great way to escape the stress of daily life, enjoy yourself and have fun.
The truth is, art can be appreciated for different reasons, and sometimes, its only purpose is to exist and be enjoyed. Not everything needs to be overanalyzed. If a song or a movie—brings you joy, isn’t that enough? Sometimes, the simple act of being entertained or uplifted is the value that these things hold.
So, to answer the question: yes, we can absolutely enjoy art simply for existing, even if we don’t gain anything significant from it. I believe not every piece of art needs to have a deep message or a transformative purpose. Sometimes, the best art is the one that makes us smile, dance, ease our stress or feel even a little lighter , even though it is just for a moment.
Thanks for reading.
image is from meta Ai.