Music drives our lives (most of us). It gets into our spirit, gets stuck in our heads, and even controls our moods. Hearing a certain song can bring back a flood of memories — whether happy or sad. Is it any wonder that behind all great American protests, there is a backdrop of music?
Moyers & Company pulled together this awesome list of protest songs for us, and also found this quote:
Singer and activist Tom Morello says it’s his job as a musician ?to steel the backbone of people on the front lines of social justice struggles, and to put wind in sails of those struggles.?
From John Lennon to NWA, these are the best of the best.
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Which Side Are You On, Florence Reece (1931)
Strange Fruit, Billie Holiday (1939)
This Land Is Your Land, Woody Guthrie (1940/1944)
We Shall Overcome, sung here by Joan Baez (traditional)
Folsom Prison Blues, Johnny Cash (1955)
A Change is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke (1964)
Times They Are A-Changing, Bob Dylan (1964)
Compared to What? Les McCann and Eddie Harris (1969)
Fortunate Son, Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)
Give Peace A Chance, John Lennon (1969)
John Lennon ? Give Peace A Chance by hushhush112
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised Gil Scott-Heron (1970)
Ohio; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (1970/1974)
What’s Going On, Marvin Gaye (1971)
Get Up, Stand Up , Bob Marley (1973)
Zombie, Fela Kuti (1977)
F? tha Police, N.W.A (1988)
Fight the Power, Public Enemy (1989/1990)
The Ghost of Tom Joad, Bruce Springsteen, featuring Tom Morello (1995)
Clandestino Manu Chao, (1998)
Sleep Now in the Fire, Rage Against the Machine (1999)
American Idiot, Green Day (2004)
Tiffany Willis is the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
