Protest Songs a la Social Observation
Protest Songs a la Social Observation (revised 9.30.06)
Below are the links to my picks of some of the most memorable protest songs from the 60’s up to recent times. I gleaned them all except four–Modern Songs-- from an article, “The Mojo 100 Greatest Protest Songs” that I found in one of my old Mojo magazines, the May 2004 edition. If you like to hum along as you go about your busy day thinking on how to make your life and society better, in general,check them out and even add them to your music collection. A nice way to meditate,get a move on and spread the love while placing it all in historical perspective. They are listed alphabetically by song name. The number placement on the Mojo 100 is in parantheses.
A Change Is Gonna Come………Sam Cooke(07)
The great gospel prodigy turned soul singer had been intrigued by Dylan’s Blowin’ In the Wind. This exceptional blend of gospel hope and blues anguish was his response, a magisterial statement of black aspiration for social and political justice.
Biko……………………………Peter Gabriel (32)
With liberal use of sampled South African funeral drums,Gabriel’s haunting elegy to murdered black consciousness leader Steven Biko is the erstwhile Genesis front man’s most explicitly political essay.It became an enduring anthem of the anti-apartheid movement.
Born In the USA……………Bruce Springsteen(40)
Anti-war anthem of American dreams gone wrong. eerily co-opted by Reagan during the 84′ re-election,the song was later reborn live as the bold,stripped-down Nebraska-esque version. Springsteen’s tale of “nowhere to run” was no longer open to interpretation.
Fight the Power……………………….Public Enemy( 47) “
Fight the Power” was the ultimate anti-establishment rallying cry by a group whose plentiful protests included “By the Time I Get to Arizona(about the state’s refusal to recognize Martin Luther King,Jr. Day)”
For What It’s Worth……………………….Buffalo Springfield (33)
The LA band’s brooding third single from March 1967 was thick with bad-acid paranoia and menace. Inspired by the 1966 Sunset Strip riots,where police beat up hippies protesting the demoliton of the area’s music clubs.
Get Up, Stand Up ………..Bob Marley and the Wailers (08)
A rock-approved celebrity preaching militant resistance tothe accepted truths of religion? It proved to be a potent and explosive message which became a rallying cry for the dispossessed of all persuasions.
Give Peace A Chance………John Lennon(06)
When John Lennon arrived in New York in 1971 he quickly became part of a left-wing counterculture intent on revolution. This is one of his most memorable anti-war peace chants.
I Can’t Write Left-Handed……Bill Withers (59)
A subtle blend of sadness,bitterness and righteous anger permeates this tale of a Viet nam vet amputee coming to terms with life back in the United States upon his return.
Inner City Blues(Make Me Wanna Holler)….Marvin Gaye (09)
What’s Goin’ On signaled creative and political independence at Motown. With its contrasting mix of bleak social comment and hopeful spirituality,Gaye voiced despair at a country torn apart by the Viet nam war,racism and urban deprivation. His sentiments echoed throughout 70’s soul.
Masters of War…………………..Bob Dylan(1)
When Bob Dylan went into Columbia Studios, New York,on April 23,1963 to record Masters of War for his second album,Freewheelin’,it was make-or-break time. Signed to the label on gut faith by the legendary John Hammond, Sr, his first album hadn’t sold,and he’d been dubbed “Hammond’s Folly”. The agressive Master’s of War was no pacifist lament… In the fury of the final verse, he wishes nothing less than death itself on the corporate suits sponsoring the arms race,who threatened his world and his future… Master’s of War’s venomous, angry passion makes more sense a full four decades after it was recorded….
Say It Loud-I’m Black And I’m Proud………………………James Brown (03)
The most direct,effective message of the many and diverse slogans Brown coined, I’m Black and I’m proud gave point and empowerment to both educators desperate to spread black pride,and black power militants.The song quickly became the national anthem of Black pride.In 1968 Brown got serious. He played Vegas and vietnam, he’d quelled riots in the wake of Martin Luther King’s assassination and dined with President Lyndon Baines Johnson,he’d bought radio stations, and had become a powerful black entrepreneur and spokesperson.This song was a testament to the sentiment and spirit of pride being experienced by Black America at that time.
Society’s Child(Baby I’ve Been Thinking)………………Janis Ian(37)
A plea for tolerance in interracial romance delivered by a 15 year old singer set amid a sub-Spector-like backdrop. Headlines ensued following a Tonight Show performance and prompted cries of “Nigger Lover” at Ian’s subsequent appearances.
This Is My Country…….Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions(45)
A role model for black power,Curtis Mayfield preached civil rights through spiritual soul while owning his publishing and record labels. This is My Country remains a lyrically forceful call for integration and socio-economic recognition.
We Shall Overcome………………………………………..Pete Seeger (02)
We Shall Overcome remains a defiant symbol of solidarity and strength in adversity. Seeger, still alive and well and living in New York State at 84, popularized it standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Martin Luther King amid the madness of racial hatred in the South ,but the song’s history goes much deeper.
Thought to be adapted from an old spiritual sung by slaves…Seeger first heard it in 1947 from a white woman…who’d heard striking tobacco workers sing it in Charleston,South Carolina. Seeger added the “We’ll walk hand-in-hand” verse and sent it on its way. The song hit national consciousness during televised protests against racial segregation following the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955.
Completing a truly organic symmetry, Seeger long ago set up the We Shall Overcome Fund to donate all royalties to promote African-American music.
Modern Songs– these have not been classified or rated as of yet by Mojo. They are current “favored” picks of Cynthia, Chaplain of Pop and Heavier Octaves Station Host
A Time To Love…………………….Stevie Wonder/India Arie
This is the quintessential “social observation” song with a spiritual message. Stevie Wonder and India Arie combine prophetic voices to give us the most beautiful “wake up” and warning call heard in a while. It is so moving that it stood out at the Tsunami” benefit in which it was performed live.
Don’t Feel Right…………………………………………..The Roots
Raw,gutteral,soulful rap with a compelling and powerful beat. Puts you on alert with its edgy and provocative lyrics that touch on imprisonment,crime and natural disaster.
There’s Hope……………………………………………….India Arie
Beautiful introspective account of how we take so much for granted. More is not always what its cracked up to be. In fact,it can be over rated. Against this backdrop, India implores us to stand up for important things such as our rights.
Waiting on the World To Change…………………..John Mayer
A very thoughtful and meaningful song about the songwriter’s generation, how they are waiting on the world to change, not jumping mindlessly into the ring. Because upon close observation,the deck appears to be unfairly stacked. The beat is soulful,upbeat and festive. Definitely what you’d want to hear and sing in unison at the “neighborhood block party”, at one of John’s concerts as well as when in a thinking or meditative state. A new direction in music, but the same thought-provoking and insightful lyrics by the award winning singer songwriter. For the lyrics, please click here.
Belief……………………………………………………John Mayer
Don’t Give Up Africa……………………………….Alicia Keys and Bono
Peace,
Cynthia, Chaplain of Pop
Heavier Octaves Station Host
