A Study of Modern Thai Recreational Songs

Abstract

          This article aims at studying modern Thai recreational songs in respect of their history, generic classification, and characteristics. The other objectives are to categorize modern Thai recreational songs as Thai folk songs and to analyze their functions. It is found that modern Thai recreational songs have been developed along with changes in music culture in the Thai society. The origins of these songs can be divided into 9 sources: Thai folk songs, traditional Thai songs, Thai country songs, contemporary songs, soul-stirring songs, modern Thai country songs, advertisement songs, film or cartoon animation songs, and foreign songs. According to the objectives of the songs, modern Thai recreational songs can be categorized into 6 genres: songs with physical movements, dialogue songs, songs for games, ritual songs, songs for cheer, and miscellaneous songs. The characteristics of modern Thai recreational songs tend to be concise and simply worded. They also own simplistic prosody and fast-pacing rhythm and melodies. Their singing environments are uncomplicated. Modern Thai recreational songs have variations; they are folk poetry with literary values of sounds and senses. Furthermore, they exist in folk culture and are taught through oral tradition. The songs own some elements of the Thai folk songs: concision, prosody of klonhuadiew, lyrics inspired by everyday life, simplistic wording with linguistic beauty, sexual innuendos, uncomplicated singing environments, and oral tradition. In terms of social functions, modern Thai recreational songs have various roles: entertainment, social outlet, socio-cultural reflection, emotional expression of teenagers, and identity construction of those who create the songs.