For every song you hear that doesn’t stand for anything other than merely for entertainment purposes, there is a harmony out there that is fervently championing the social justice cause. Across different eras, cultures, and territories, music has resonated with revolutionary constructs, helping form the bedrock upon which many revolutionaries base their protests. From the soulful hymns of the civil rights movement to the rebellious ferocity of punk rock titles, music has transcended mere entertainment to become a driving force that shapes important conversations for society.
In today’s world, many melodies have been utilized diversely. From the protest songs that still ring out fiercely at rallies to more commercial songs like the catchy tunes you’ll find, its role in shaping important cultural revolutions remains undeniable. Join us as we explore beautiful compositions that have steered vast calls for change throughout the years.
The Beach Boys’ “Don’t Go Near the Water”
Formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961, the American rock boy band dubbed “The Beach Boys” was a popular group known for its funky and energetic releases through the years. For much of the 60s, this band released feel-good and upbeat songs, urging everyone to go forth and enjoy themselves. That trend would, however, change when the boy band kicked off their 1971 album Surfs Up with a song named “Don’t Go Near the Water,” which went contrary to their other releases until that point.
This title would become a pivotal song for the environmental justice movement, as its title easily gives away. The lyrics hit home, with the band urging tourists and revelers to “help the water the right way, do what we can and ought to do. Let’s start today.” In coming up with this title, The Beach Boys retained the funky rock beats that were synonymous with their music thus far and calibrated it with lyrics that ultimately helped to make much of an environmental difference.
Yankee Doodle – Pre-Dating America
As we have already established, brilliant sounds have been a catalyst for change and a chronicle of the effects. Harking back to the days even before America gained independence, you’ll find the Yankee Doodle tune, which is said to have been composed by a British Doctor named Richard Schuckburg at the height of the turmoil between the American colonists and British rulers. The song was a mockery by Schuckburg aimed at 13 American colonies. It is said that Yankee Doodle and its accompanying lyrics were played by the British before the fighting began. Be that as it may, even with the mocking tone of the tune, the American colonies emerged victorious, much to the bewilderment of the British.
The colonists would later take up this tune which had kicked off in a mockery tone, but now became a rallying call for them against the British Monarch. What was once a satirical piece evolved into a powerful uniting force that showcased patriotism.
Music’s Powerful Role in the Civil Rights Movement
In the 60s, America was an independent country, but there were still fundamental rights that needed to be fought for. The highs and lows of this legendary period in the States were captured through frivolous music activities. Two, in particular, stood out:
- We shall overcome by Pete Seeger;
- People Get Ready by The Impressions.
These aforementioned titles played a pivotal role in ensuring that American citizens actively tuned up to continuously fight for equality. During these matches, as the songs were being sung, there was no regard for race, even as the world, and in particular America, still saw a lot of cases of racial discrimination. The songs were used to uplift the spirits of protestors as well as being a unifying factor for both black and white workers.
The Rap and Hip Hop Era
With the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, many people witnessed, on a first-hand basis, just how vital music was in a protest and revolutionary context. The late 80s brought forth another socially charged topic that has been bothering American society for eons now, and that is the issue of racial discrimination. Rap, one of the greatest victories of the First Amendment, leveraged song lyrics to stir up the fighting spirit, especially among the black folk who have historically faced many aspects of discrimination based on their race.
A Useful Arsenal in the Fight for Social Justice
These few examples depict just a small fraction of the many compositions calling for social justice. The modern-day entertainment sphere has evolved to the point where all over the world, there are artists whose all existence is to talk and sing about social justice causes. While a lot has changed about music over the years, it remains a vital tool to have for protests and other worthwhile causes.
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