music with a political message

[John]

I been tempted to start this thread for awhile but always backed out
Is it ok for bands to have a political message
For me the answer a simple yes but admit sometimes its easy for artist to go up their arse with this but sometimes the message is so powerful its hard to ignore
Hear a few songs to think about
Amazing Grace Written about Slavery
A Change is gonna to come A plea for equal rights
Strange Fruit About Lynch mobs in the southern states
Free Nelson Mandela

[hifinutt]

yes, yes, yes. so much music is prompted by this motive and many good examples U2 comes to mind and billy bragg

[Barry]

Hi John,

To answer your question - yes, why not? Just remember though, that most of the songs that come to mind usually express liberal, humanistic or left-wing sentiments. There is nothing to stop performers expressing the exact opposite. But then of course, you are at liberty not to listen to, or to buy these recordings.

Regards

[Beechwoods]

I love political music, and there's plenty of good stuff too.

Consolidated and Gil Scott Heron, amongst others encouraged me to read a lot more about politics, and get active, in my younger years.

[Rare Bird]

I can't be doing with all that bollox, i don't even like music with lyrics but have to put up with it.

[aquapiranha]

I can't be doing with all that bollox, i don't even like music with lyrics but have to put up with it.

Haha! Andre that has to quote of the week! Brilliant.

[Spectral Morn]

I been tempted to start this thread for awhile but always backed out
Is it ok for bands to have a political message
For me the answer a simple yes but admit sometimes its easy for artist to go up their arse with this but sometimes the message is so powerful its hard to ignore
Hear a few songs to think about
Amazing Grace Written about Slavery
A Change is gonna to come A plea for equal rights
Strange Fruit About Lynch mobs in the southern states
Free Nelson Mandela

Hi John

Humbly I beg to differ.....

It was written by a man (John Newton) involved in the slave trade but the song is not about slavery except to sin. It is about John Newtons personal (and potentially our) spiritual journey from darkness to light and forgiveness.

More here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Grace

It is however one of the finest Hymns ever written and never fails to move me to tears....even now while typing.


Regards D S D L

[The Grand Wazoo]

Some of my favourite music also happens to be political or protest music in some way or other:

Plenty of early Dylan, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Woody Guthrie, most of Lennon's solo work, Billy Bragg, The MC5, Patti Smith, The Doors, lots of Zappa......

Muddy Waters - 'Mannish Boy'
The Buffalo Springfield - 'For What it's Worth'
CSNY - 'Ohio'
Bob Marley - 'Redemption Song'
Rush - 'The Trees'
Robert Wyatt - 'Shipbuilding'
Peter Gabriel - 'Biko'
The Jam - 'Eton Rifles'
The Beat - 'Stand Down Margaret'

Also, how about
Martha & the Vandellas - 'Dancing in The Street'
Barry McGuire- 'Eve of Destruction'
'We Shall Overcome'
Edwin Starr- 'War'
Elvis Costello- 'Tramp the Dirt Down'
Bruce Springsteen- 'Born in the USA'
UB40- '1 in 10'
Marvin Gaye- 'What's Going on?'
U2- 'Sunday Bloody Sunday'
Midnight Oil- 'Beds Are Burning'
Sex Pistols- 'God Save the Queen'
Donovan- 'Universal Soldier'
Tracy Chapman- 'Talkin' 'bout a Revolution'

[Joe]

I don't think Mannish Boy is in any way political; it's surely about male sexual prowess.

And Dancin' In The Street is about, erm, dancing. In the street.

Although I like all of your nominations (apart from the dreary 1 in 10), political songs are mostly very naive. I'm reminded of the fictional song by The Turds 'Love Is The Thing, Hate Isn't', and Dylan's response when asked whether his songs had a message: 'If you want a message, call Western Union'.

[aquapiranha]

Cara Dillon - There were roses.



Nuff said.