A collection of songs, across a range of musical genres and many liberation movements, the oldest song is from the 17th century, the most recent is 11 July 2011… no deep meaning, just to entertain and inspire, mostly though, to entertain.
If I have missed any that you think should be here please let me know.
(I’m going to say, probably Not Safe For Work
Also possible that some songs may be blocked in some countries)
part 1 … part 2 … part 3 … part 4
81. The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
The Revolution will be Live
82. The Revolution
Chris de Burgh’s song of Revolution and the fight for Freedom, because sometimes wanting things to change isn’t enough, you have to fight for change
83. These Things Are Worth Fighting For
An early 90s electonica song from UKs Gary Clail, about growing inequality in society, and the loss of dignity and self respect, it’s “No longer, one law for the rich and another for the poor, these things are worth fighting for”
84. This Note’s For You
Does anyone really need another song where the artist talks about how much money they have, their private jets, their brand of shoe, their brand of car, their brand of alcohol, how they are just regular people “from the block” (Dear J-Lo, I is not buying it that you is a regular girl).
This 1988 song by Neil Young, calling out artists for their “selling out” predicted the rise in the genre of music which is little more than a list of brandnames strung together with some interesting music behind it (due to Neil Young’s opposition to the commercialism of his music, it is difficult to find a better version of this song)
85. Took The Children Away
Details what it was like being a member of the “Stolen Generations” when it was official government policy to take the children of Indigenous people from their parents and families who were not neglected, abused or mistreated, and foster them with white families or in church run orphanages (the use of the word “Stole” in this context goes back to 1915)
86. Transformation
Nona Hendryx, Pam Grier & Betty performed this version of the song on The L Word in the 3rd season. “Transformation… Change your mind, Change your skin, Change your sex… It’s a sister thing, It’s a w-o-m-a-n thing
87. Two Tribes
A 1984 UK dance pop song from Frankie Goes To Hollywood, a song about nuclear war (the eighties artists seemed a bit preoccupied with issues of nuclear war), although, the tribes could represent any paired adversaries that go to war
“When two tribes go to war, one is all that you score”
88. US Forces
A 1983 rock song by Midnight Oil, denounces the United States Armed Forces’ involvement in foreign affairs, particularly that of USAmerican military bases in Australia. It was written over the concern for nuclear disarmament.
89. V For Vendetta
hardcore Anonymous Zeitgeist Australia, “Hate is all you know, Fear is always sold, Lies war and death” with a video clip that covers issues of privacy and #Anonymous
90. Vincent
Sometimes known, erronously, as Starry, Starry Night, by Don McLean. Not a protest song as such, but describes Vincent Van Goghs battle with depression. Putting into what what some people experience, in their daily battle of life.
91. (And The Band Played) Waltzing Matilda
by Joan Baez, a song about the fulity of war, and a young Australian soldier maimed during the Battle of Gallipoli (1915) during the WW1; written by Eric Bogle
92. John Williamson
this version of And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
93. War
War, what is it good for, absolutely nothing…. (unless your in business of selling weapons, and get a no-bid contract then war is very profitable, but) it means the destruction of innocent lives
Two versions, the original 1970 Edwin Starr version, and a 1985 version by Bruce Springsteen, who says in the introduction to his song “Blind faith in your leaders – or in anything – will get you killed”
Edwin Starr
94. Bruce Springsteen
95. Wasteland Of The Free
Iris Dement, just one woman and her guitar, performed this bluegrass song in 1996, about the effect of lobbyist cash on the politicians who make the laws, the inequality in a society that rewards CEOs for cutting jobs then fighting to lower the minimum wage, and the effect that has in a country “where poor people are treated like the enemy” (this song so enraged a Florida USA republican politician that he got the funding pulled for a radio station that played it)
96. What Are You Fighting For?
Phil Ochs recorded this pop folk song in possibly 1964, which questions the futility of war, especially of those who most desire war. … (Warning: Contains images of BillO, George W and Rummy)
97. When Did Jesus Become A Republican
By the anti-folk singer Cindy Lee Berryhill, is a look at the US Republican party using religious imagery, that bares no relation to the Jesus that is in that bible book “when did Jesus… start throwing stones at the helpless when you can’t get health insurance… instead of sharing with lepers, start selling shares in Haliburton”.
98. Which Side Are You On?
Originally written by Florence Reece during the 1931 Miners Strike in Kentucky, this version is by Rebel Diaz, the political hip-hop (according to wikipedia) trio, who take a traditional workers protest song and an put some updated music and lyrics behind it
99. WIPED OFF THE MAP
http://sulis.webcity.com.au/~wax49993/cpr/03_Wiped_Off_The_Map.mp3
George Galloway MP, sets the record straight about wiping fascism, communism and zionism off the map
100. Your Racist Friend
Alternative band They Might Be Giants, released this anti-racism song in 1989, saying that “I know that politics bore, but I feel like a hypocrite talking to you and your racist friend”, whereas previously people might have laughed along with racist people at parties, but now it is time to say: I will not listen, I’m walking away.
Inspiration from
- Greatest Eighties Protest Songs
- Nation Readers’ Top Ten Protest Songs
- @EileenLeft
