protest song - a song that is associated with a movement for social change, part of the broader category (topical songs), but can be fluid in genre
genre - a style or category of art, music or literature
Over the years, protest songs have tackled many social, political and cultural issues such as abortion laws, gay rights, sexual revolution, gun control and any modern issue.
According to Phil Ochs "a protest song is a song so specific it can't be mistaken for bs". Most protest songs are context bound, linking to specific political climates in specific countries, for example 'Love it if We Made It' by The 1975 is specifically about 2016-2018 America, with lyrics such as 'rest in peace Lil Peep' and 'Kneeling on a pitch', both referencing two events that took place in America during the time period.
Protest songs have been part of the music scene for many years, with protest songs in America dating back to the Civil War, and in Britain, there are protest songs dating back to before the suffragette movement of the early 20th century. African-American artists used to protest via Soul music, in order to try and get more rights, through soul music, that originated from Gospel, which has roots in the church. Throughout significant world events such as the Cold War, protest songs have gained popularity, especially through the rise of Folk music, as during the Vietnam war artists such as Phil Ochs, Barry McGuire and others raised awareness and relatability for the general public during the heat of the Vietnam War.
Moving into the 21st century, the need for protest songs had sort of died down, as the world was entering a new century, and society was hopeful for the future. Until, on September 11th, 2001, as we all know, two passenger planes were hijacked by terrorists and flown into the World Trade Centre in New York (the twin towers), killing thousands of people and started a world uproar. And just like that, the music world erupted into political madness, with the release of the platinum record, 'Where is the Love?' by the Black Eyed Peas, talking very openly about 9/11 and the war on terrorism. This song impacted the public greatly, as well as inspired other artists to express their political opinions. As the century progressed, the release of songs such as 'Paper Planes' by M.I.A (protest song about stereotypes), 'Born This Way' by Lady Gaga (queer liberation). Another note-worthy moment in the history of protest songs is music's response to President Trump, who was elected in 2016, which caused controversy both in America and worldwide. Thousands of protestors protested outside the White House after his election, inspiring artists such as Busta Rhymes, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and A Tribe Called Quest to speak up, at awards show and in performances, both subtly and openly.
Famous protest song artists include:
- Bob Dylan
- John Lennon (and The Beatles)
- Radiohead
- Green Day
- Twenty One Pilots
- Coldplay
- The 1975
- M.I.A
- Sex Pistols
- Rage Against the Machine
- The Smiths
- Kendrick Lamar
