In The Mood: Protest Songs
Image from Unsplash by Koshu Kunii
Every revolution needs music to fuel the fire of change.
We’re coming up to another presidential election here in the States, an election that may very well result in an uprising from either side of the aisle depending on who wins the presidency. Protest songs have been around for centuries across the entire world, so they’re not a new concept. In some countries, it’s the only way to voice disdain for current political climates and controls. As long as there is discontent with how a government oversees its country, people will create and turn to protest songs. Seeing as how America is amping up for another volatile election season, here’s a list of songs to get us ready to fight.
1. “Wildfires”
Sault
This whole idea of making a playlist of protest songs got kicked off by Sault. The song is about the brutal, public murder of George Floyd by a police officer. It’s also about standing up to injustice without fear. Even though the quiet nature of this song may not evoke the rage that followed Floyd’s murder, the lyrics are poignant and pointed.
2. “This is America”
Childish Gambino
“This is America” was released two years before Sault’s “Wildfires”, which also addresses the unjust treatment and violence against Black Americans. The song charted on Billboard, but most of the conversation revolved around the music video, which features Childish Gambino dancing around scenes of violence, as well as initiating his own violent scenes. “This is America” made waves when it was released, and is still held in high regard.
3. “Dear Mr. President”
Pink
Pink released this song during George W. Bush’s presidency. This was a time when America was entrenched in the Iraq War, which is just one of the topics she addresses in the song. She also touches on the rights of women, as well as LGBTQIA+ people in the lyrics, amongst other issues. The delicate balance of acoustic guitar and accusatory lyrics is a match made in protest heaven.
4. “B.Y.O.B.”
System of a Down
Just like Pink, System of a Down also released a protest song during G.W.B.’s run as president. Their song talks about the Iraq War, as well, but unlike Pink, the sound of it is much more rage-fueled. With lyrics like this, it’s clear they weren’t there to make nice when calling out politicians:
Where the fuck are you?
Where the fuck are you?
Why don’t presidents fight the war?
Why do they always send the poor?
5. “Killing in the Name”
Rage Against the Machine
When some people think of protest songs, they think about the anger they feel; “Killing in the Name” brings that rage to the forefront. Zack de la Rocha’s powerful voice and lyrics about police brutality, in conjunction with the heavy rock of this song, are a perfect match for any infuriated person trying to fight against the powers that be.
6. “Rise Above”
Black Flag
Punk, the ultimate purveyor of anti-everything. Henry Rollins, lead singer of Black Flag, has always been an outspoken voice for social justice and reform. Black Flag aimed their ire at people who use their power to control the powerless. This song, in particular, is an anthem for those powerless people to take control and fight back.
7. “Fortunate Son”
Creedence Clearwater Revival
The Vietnam War brought about a ton of protest songs. “Fortunate Son” is highly regarded as one of the best protest songs from that era, and it has been used many times over in movies and television shows which depict that war. Some of the protest songs from those days were folk songs from people like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, while others, like this one, were fueled by electric guitars and driving rhythms. Its power is still felt to this day.
8. “What’s Going On”
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye released this song in protest of the Vietnam War, as well, but unlike the previous song, this one has that smooth, R&B flavor that is more digestible to some of the American public. Even though the music and lyrics are gentle, the messaging of anti-war sentiments is clear.
9. “Changes”
2Pac
This song takes a sample from Bruce Hornsby & The Range’s “That’s Just the Way It Is”, which in and of itself is a form of a protest song against poverty. Tupac used his song to shed light on the overwhelming amount of Black people who are brutalized and incarcerated by law enforcement and placed in the (in)justice system. Even though the song has an almost sugary, pop-like musical sound, one read of the lyrics shows that it is far from saccharine and closer to acrid.
10. “I Can’t Breathe”
H.E.R.
H.E.R. is fairly new to the music industry game, in comparison to the other artists on this list, but that didn’t stop her from throwing herself into the ring of protest songs. Like many other musicians, she felt compelled to write a song about the many Black lives lost to overzealous law enforcement. “I Can’t Breathe” won a Grammy for Song of the Year, but even with that spotlight, the fight is far from over.