Bob Dylan once said, the times they are a-changin’, and that message is as applicable now as it was when he wrote it in the 60’s. As evidenced by the past few weeks of nationwide protests, America is in the midst of a revolution, with no signs of slowing down. It’s unfortunate (and frankly a bit embarrassing) for our country that generation after generation has had to continually fight the same fight against racism and injustice, and one can only hope that our generation will finally see real change in our lifetime so our children and their children can live in a better world and society.
The relationship between music and politics has existed for centuries, sometimes harmoniously, and other times not as much. Historical records are full of examples of songs that laud the achievements of nations, dating all the way back to ancient Egypt. On the other hand, however, songwriters have turned to their craft when confronted with social and political unjustness, and give birth to songs that seek to shine a light on the perceived inequities of the day. From protest songs to voter campaigns, campaign rallies to musical endorsements and musicians campaigning, there’s been no shortage of love between music and politics.
Musicians have written countless powerful songs over the years in response to the pervasive racism and inequality that has plagued American society for so long. Here’s a playlist of some of those songs to help you feel inspired to get involved, show up to vote, and be a part of the change.
- Bob Dylan, The Times They Are A-Changin’
- Leslie Odom, Seriously
- Childish Gambino, This is America
- Killer Mike, Reagan
- Bruce Springsteen, American Skin
- Lana Del Rey, Looking for America
- Gil Scott Heron, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
- Sam Cooke, A Change is Gonna Come
- Regina Spektor, Ballad of a Politician
- Nina Simone, Mississippi Goddamn
- Michael Kiwanuka, Black Man in a White World
- Kendrick Lamar, Alright
- I.A., Borders
- The Hamilton Mixtape, Immigrants We Get The Job Done
- Leslie Odom and Lin Manuel Miranda, Found/Tonight
