In today’s political climate it is becoming increasingly difficult for individuals to remain apolitical. Even musicians who not necessarily known for their political views are starting to speak out. One example is the commercially successful rock band, The Killers. Their most recent tune “Land Of The Free” is a scathing indictment on Trump’s America.
During an interview with Beats 1 host Zane Lowe, lead singer Brandon Flowers explained the motivation behind the song: “I think it’s a very important time right now. And ‘enough was enough’ is basically where it comes from. It started in my mind around when Sandy Hook happened, and as a father how that affected me. And then it just started stacking up — things like Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin, things like what’s happening at the wall. This stuff didn’t seem to be in harmony with the values that I believe my country was founded on. I would start the song and then I would put it away and I’d say, ‘I’m not the guy to do this,’ or I’d feel inadequate, waiting, somebody’s going to write this song. Then it just piled up … Las Vegas, Orlando, Parkland, and it just kept coming and I was just like, I have to get this out.”
The accompanying music video was directed by Spike Lee. It includes footage around the US-Mexico border. The visuals adds weight to the tune’s pointed message.