With the conventions of both major political parties coming to a close, people across the country are preparing to endure unprecedented bouts of mudslinging. Among the groups who did not get a televised time to air their grievances in the past weeks were the activists of varying political backgrounds who showed up to protest, despite overabundant law enforcement. America has a rich history of disenchanted citizens expressing their dissent on the streets. Protest through the medium of music in particular has spread ideas and evoked discussion like nothing else could. Who knows, an earful of the right song might just be the incitement needed to exercise the First.
Killing in the Name Of
by Rage Against the Machine
A ’90s activist anthem that protests the abuse of police power, this was the song that brought RATM notoriety. When they were signed by a major record label, some doubted their motives, but they insisted that in a faulty system mainstream media was the only way to get their message to the masses.
Masters of War
by Bob Dylan
Dylan’s protest song spoke out against war profiteering during the Cold War area, and has become relevant once again in recent times. The United States remains the biggest military spender in the world.
Get Up Stand Up
by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh
“Getting up” and “standing up” would certainly improve your chances of making it to the polls on Election Day this November.
Little Boxes
by Malvina Reynolds
A protest against conformity that satirizes the “ideal” American life, this song is a warning about buying into a production line existence. Individualism and desire are smothered in pursuit of doing what is normal and expected, “and we all look just the same.”
Thou Shalt Always Kill
by Scroobious Pip
Bearded and British, Pip is not what one might expect from an indie rapper. His refreshingly intelligent wordplay makes you happy you took the chance though. This song protests a number of topics, from media brainwashing and pop culture to keeping a healthy distrust of advertising. Question everything, and form your own conclusions.
Prison Song
by System of a Down
It’s a fact that 3.1 percent of American adults are in jail, or on probation or parole for overwhelmingly non-violent crimes. The U.S. also incarcerates more of its citizens yearly than any other nation. This upsets System of a Down. Very much. The spew of rage and information combined in this song won’t let you forget it.
Gov’ did Nothing
by The John Butler Trio
An Australian-American singer/songwriter, Butler is known as a hippie activist by way of music and deed. This song protests the lack of government aid following Katrina, with an instrumental interlude that summons the musical spirit of New Orleans.
16 Military Wives
by The Decembrists
This song was a divergence from the band’s usually more abstract subject matter. It wittily pokes fun at the militant overbearing of the U.S, the media’s laughable role in promoting real news and the idea of “American exceptionalism.”
This Land is Your Land
by Woody Guthrie
Probably the most powerful protest song of those here represented when put into context, it has certainly been morphed in meaning since it was first set down on paper. Guthrie was not at all attempting to evoke patriotism, but promoting the Native American view that land belonged to no one, and that nature and prosperity should be shared communally. A verse left out of the modern rendition expresses sorrow for the unemployed and resentment of private property.
