Song List

Editor’s Note: In honor of the 4th of July, which is really a celebration of the revolution for freedom, I’m reprinting an article that originally ran this past May. In it I present my top 10 list of protest songs against a back drop of Roger Waters, rock music and the current political scene. Disagree with my picks? In the spirit of dissent, I challenge you to respond with yours.

I recently saw Roger Waters perform deep in the heart of Bush country. The intensity of Waters’ skewering of American foreign policy, and particularly the President, was notable, especially given the fact that he’s an Englishman. But what really fascinated me was the reaction of the two couples sitting next to me.

Their anger was palpable as they screamed obscenities at the stage from 40 rows back and flipped the bird to the giant pink pig covered in anti-Bush graffiti that floated above the crowd. To them, Waters crossed the line. Who is he to criticize the United States? He’s just a rock and roll star. (Never mind that he’s been writing and performing politically charged material for nearly 40 years, including “Dark Side of the Moon,” one of the best selling albums in history). The tradition of rock musicians speaking or singing out about political issues is nothing new, of course. But never before has there been such an intense backlash. Pundits all over the news media chide celebrities who dare express their political views. I never understood this. Why does Bill O’Reilly, a former Inside Edition anchor, or Keith Olberman, a former ESPN anchor, have the “right” to spout their political views, but the Dixie Chicks don’t?

Ever notice that it’s always the right wing that cries foul? It’s not surprising. Conservatives probably feel pretty guilty spending hundreds of dollars to see Springsteen, Waters, Radiohead, Arcade Fire, R.E.M., U2 (and countless other bands) in concert only to hear them attack their political views during between song banter or worse, on the giant screen backdrops (or flying pigs). I feel kind of bad for them (not really) because their choices are quite limited? I mean how often can you see Ted Nugent?

Here’s the list…

10. Southern Man – Neil Young
9. Young Ned of the Hill – The Pogues
8. Motor City is Burning – MC5
7. The Guns of Brixton – The Clash
6. Give Me Some Truth — John Lennon
5. (Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below, We’re All Going to Go – Curtis Mayfield
4. Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
3. Mississippi Goddam – Nina Simone
2. Masters of War – Bob Dylan
1. Strange Fruit – Billie Holiday

This was painfully difficult to narrow down. I’m not a big hip-hop fan and my list reflects that – although I came close to including “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Other songs that just missed the cut include: “Strawman” by Lou Reed; “The Roar of the Masses Could Be Farts” by The Minutemen “Shipbuilding” by Elvis Costello; “Chapel Hill” by Sonic Youth; “The World Turned Upside Down” by Billy Bragg.

I know you disagree with me. No Bob Marley, U2, Sex Pistols? As Bush would say, “Bring it on!” Stand up and be heard!

Comments (7)