Photo of Bob Marley. Photo Credit: Eddie Mallin
80 Years of Protest Songs Part 1: 1939-1958
80 Years of Protest Songs Part 2: 1959-1978
80 Years of Protest Songs Part 4: 1999-2018
The 1980s had the reputation of being shallow and self-absorbed, while the music of the 90s was known more for personal angst than for political discontent. Despite this there was still a wealth of songs shedding a spotlight on social injustices. Socially conscious rap music emerged as a form of urban folk music. Hardcore punk became a voice for the disenfranchised youth of America in a similar way that the UK punk scene did in the 70s. The riot grrrl scene provided a vital voice to young feminist. A number of songs also took on global concerns, such as South African apartheid.
Typical Girls – The Slits (1979)
In 1979, the simple act of being a woman in a punk band was automatically an empowering political statement which went against societal norms. “Typical Girls,” off The Slits debut album, Cut, is a timeless feminist punk anthem which rallies against traditional gender roles. It denounces the media’s propaganda machine which tries to squeeze females into an unrealistic mold.
Redemption Song – Bob Marley and the Wailers (1980)
Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” is quite simply one of most powerful songs in the history of music. It is a contemplative cry for unity and freedom. The lyrics poignantly discuss the concept of mental slavery and how our thoughts present barriers to lasting social change. It raises pertinent questions and it holds out a hope for positive change. It remains timelessly relevant.
Nazi Punks Fuck Off – Dead Kennedys (1981)
At barely over a minute, this scathing tune by hardcore icons Dead Kennedys is one of the more direct protest tunes. As far as the band is concerned the hardcore punk scene has no room for Nazis. It is sadly relevant in current times where there is debates on whether it is OK to punch Nazis and whether they deserve to be shown civility. Unlike the current US President who is unwilling to condemn those who show hateful ideologies, Dead Kennedys’ lead singer and songwriter Jello Biafra is unambiguous where he stands.
The Message – Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (1982)
“The Message” has the distinction of being one of the first socially conscious hip-hop songs. This rap classic is a gritty examination of the systemic issues that plague poor black communities. The song is a timely morality tale and warning message. If these issues don’t get addressed, then the cycle will just continue.
I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts – X (1983)
This tune by the seminal punk band is a biting critique on the political apathy and hypocrisy that existed in America at the time. The general populace turned a blind eye to both foreign and domestic policies that were killing innocent lives. Instead society had people preoccupied with vain pursuits.
The tune also laments the shallow state of the music industry which is highlighted in the lyric: “Woody Guthrie sang about / B-E-E-T-S, not B-E-A-T-S.” While Guthrie sang about the plight of the downtrodden (such as poor farmers), the popular music of that time was style over substance.
The song also highlighted underground bands such as Minutemen, D.O.A and Black Flag. It was the underground punk scene that were taking up the mantle of socially conscious music.
Free Nelson Mandela – The Special AKA (1984)
This anti-apartheid ska classic was somewhat of an unusual protest song. Even though the lyrics were hard-hitting, the upbeat musical arrangement contrasted with the tune’s serious subject. It’s the celebratory vibe that most likely contributed to it becoming an international anthem.
The song by the UK two-tone ska band was also successfully exported to South Africa where it would be played at sporting events and anti-apartheid rallies. This was no small feat considering the government oppression.
Once Nelson Mandela was free and apartheid was ended, the song could now be played as an anthem of victory.
Sun City – United Artists Against Apartheid (1985)
The title of this classic anti-apartheid tune was named for the South African casino and resort Sun City. Several famous musicians performed there even though the resort was in an area that supported apartheid. Because of this, the song promoted a boycott of the resort.
Similar to USA for Africa’s “We Are the World” and Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas”, United Artists Against Apartheid was a super group of several well-known musicians. “Sun City” was far grittier and more eclectic than those other efforts.
Part of what made the song unique was that it featured a number of rappers, at a time that rap music was just starting to become a cultural force. The eclectic collection of musicians included Bruce Springsteen, Miles Davis, Joey Ramone, George Clinton, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Cliff, Darlene Love, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan and many others.
Not only was it an essential protest song, but it was also ground-breaking for its fusion of funk, jazz, rap & rock. That musical diversity also provided fitting symbolism in contrast to the racist policies it was fighting against.
Dear God – XTC (1986)
XTC’s lead singer Andy Partridge wrote “Dear God” in response to a series of children books by the same name, that he felt was exploitative.
“Dear God” strongly protests God’s existence and the validity of the Bible. Even if you disagree with the atheistic sentiments, the song raises important questions about religious hypocrisy. Numerous acts of evil have been committed in God’s name. Also, the Bible is often used as a justification in carrying out acts of injustice and intolerance.
Beds Are Burning – Midnight Oil (1987)
Australian rock band Midnight Oil often addressed Australian politics in their songs. Their biggest hit, “Beds Are Burning,” is a protest classic in support of Aboriginal rights. The song was in support of the idea of returning native land back to the Pintupi people. It also addresses the issue of paying reparations.
Despite the focus on Australian politics, the tune became a huge international hit. The lyrics could just as easily apply to any colonize country. Also, in later years the song has been used to protest climate change. Even though it may not have been the original intent, the lyric’s symbolism is fitting.
Fuck Tha Police – NWA (1988)
This classic rap song is one of the most controversial and confrontational protest songs of all-time. The song is a no holds barred attack against police brutality and racial profiling. Sadly, the issues it is rallying against are still prevalent. Three decades later we have the Black Lives Matter Movement and football players kneeling during the National Anthem because the systemic issues discussed in the song still haven’t been properly addressed.
Fight The Power – Public Enemy (1989)
Public Enemy were not only pioneers of socially conscious rap music, but they were also one of the most important artists in the history of protest music. This hip-hop classic was originally written for Spike Lee’s 1989 film, “Do The Right Thing.” The hard-hitting empowerment anthem also appeared on their 1990 landmark album, Fear of a Black Planet.
The genesis of the tune was the Isley Brothers’ 1975 protest classic of the same name. The song explored similar themes, but Chuck D modernize the lyrics. The song continues to be relevant because the resisting oppressive forces is a universal concept.
Black Boys On Mopeds – Sinéad O’Connor (1990)
Sinéad O’Connor (in 2017 she legally changed her name to Magda Davitt), was one of the most controversial musical figures of the 1990s. Part of the reason was an infamous incident when she ripped up a photo of Pope John Paul II during an October 3, 1992 episode of Saturday Night Live. This courageous act of defiance was to protest the way the Roman Catholic Church handled cases of child abuse.
“Black Boys on Mopeds” references a young black man named Nicholas Bramble who was senselessly killed in a road accident, while trying to get away from police who wrongfully suspected him of riding a stolen moped. The song also exposes the hypocrisy of then British Prime Minister Margret Thatcher, who denounced foreign injustices, but overlooked human right violations happening on home soil.
This is yet another example of a song that continues to stay relevant. Sadly, the issues of racial profiling are as prevalent as ever.
Brenda’s Got a Baby – 2Pac (1991)
2Pac isn’t the first rapper to get political with their music, but he was one of the first male rappers to emphatically explore the challenges specifically dealt with by black women. Two notable examples were “Brenda’s Got a Baby” off of his debut album 2Pacalypse Now and his 1993 hit, “Keep Ya Head Up.”
2Pac was motivated to write “Brenda’s Got a Baby” after reading a news story about a 12-year-old girl becoming impregnated by her cousin and she ended up throwing the baby into a trash compactor.
In 2Pac’s lyrical retelling, the 12-year-old Brenda initially tries to dispose of the baby but changes her mind. 2Pac examines the systemic ills which made it difficult for Brenda to look after her baby. The tragic narrative addresses issues such as broken family structures and society’s ineffectiveness in adequately addressing generational poverty.
Killing In The Name – Rage Against The Machine (1992)
When it comes to political music, very few bands were as aggressively political as Rage Against The Machine. “Killing in the Name” is a prime exhibit of their take no prisoner’s musical and lyrical approach. This anthem of the disenfranchise takes pointed aim at racism, incidents of police brutality and the rallying against the military industrial complex.
This song was released about six months after the 1992 Los Angeles Riots which were in response to the acquittal of the police officers who were involved in the brutal beating of Rodney King. The situation of racist cops is succinctly expressed with the lyric: “Some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses”.
The song eventually transforms into an anger filled tirade: “Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me.” When standing up to oppression sometimes the best response is a righteously indignant fuck you.
Rebel Girl – Bikini Kill (1993)
Not only did Bikini Kill play a pivotal role in pioneering the 90s riot grrrls movement, but with “Rebel Girl” they composed what could easily be considered the theme song of the movement. This scorching feminist anthem challenges the heterosexual patriarchal structure which was evident in the much of the alt-rock of the 1990s.
The Magdalene Laundries – Joni Mitchell (1994)
Joni Mitchell is one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all-time. Mitchell often explores social and environmental themes in her material.
“The Magdalene Laundries” deals with the Magdalene laundries (also referred to as Magdalene’s asylums). These were church run institutions built to house women who were viewed as sexually promiscuous or were considered prostitutes. Often the women were unwed moms, who in some instances were victims of rape (“Most girls come here pregnant / Some by their own fathers / Bridget got that belly / By her parish priest.”) The women were forced to pay for their alleged sins through unpaid labor and harsh prison-like conditions.
The most prominent examples of these laundries took place in Ireland, where the last one didn’t close until 1996. There have been human rights investigations looking into the abuses of women and children at the hands of the nuns. In 1993, there was also a discovery of a mass grave at one of the laundry sites in Dublin (“They just stuffed her in a hole!” “One day I’m going to die here too / And they’ll plant me in the dirt”).
The song’s subject matter still resonates with the stigma associated with sex work, promiscuity, and with the vilifying of rape victims.
The Ghost of Tom Joad – Bruce Springsteen (1995)
Bruce Springsteen gives the story of Tom Joad a modern reworking. Joad is the protagonist from John Steinbeck’s 1939 classic novel The Grapes of Wrath and he is often viewed as symbolic of the fight for social justice. Springsteen received inspiration through Woody Guthrie’s “Tom Joad Part 1 and 2”, which appeared on Guthrie’s classic 1940 album, Dust Bowl Ballads. Springsteen effectively builds on folk traditions to link the past with the present.
The Only Good Fascist is a Very Dead Fascist- Propagandhi – (1996)
Some protest songs need very little explanation, as is the case with this one minute and ten second scathing indictment of white supremacy by veteran Canadian punk band Propagandhi.
Timber – Coldcut (1997)
This instrumental track by British electronic duo Coldcut simulates the sounds of chainsaws cutting down trees. The song also features haunting female vocal cries, which is a fitting representation of Mother Nature. Musically you get the feel of the devastating environmental impact of deforestation. You can feel the pain of forests being destroyed.
Eisler On The Go – Billy Bragg and Wilco (1998)
When the legendary Woody Guthrie died he left a treasure trove of incomplete songs. Woody’s daughter Nora decided to approach socially conscious British folk singer Billy Bragg about completing these tunes. Billy ended up recruiting alt-country pioneers Wilco, which resulted in the 1998 album, Mermaid Avenue.
“Eisler On The Go” protests the deportation of Austrian composer Hanns Eisler’s. Eisler sought refuge in the US during the second World War, because his music was considered anti-Nazism. In 1948 he became one of the first victims of cold war hysteria. Prior to being deported he was blacklisted for suspected communist activity.
The tune’s theme of political paranoia and racial profiling sadly still rings true.