Songs and political views go hand in hand, and it is no surprise that it is a great medium to express one’s views. Artists around the globe have created songs, and rock is one genre that has been used to showcase political agendas, issues, and problems the citizens are facing. 

Rock music has the power to bring change in political situations, or at best, talk about the current wrongdoings. Making a song for protest is the first step to making the change one wishes to see.

 

Sympathy For the Devil – The Rolling Stones (1968)

There is a deep political outrage in this song by the famous rock band, The Rolling Stones. Relevant years after its composition, the song puts forward a tough political agenda and is relevant even today. There is police brutality news that we have heard in the past and hear now too. 

 

You can almost say as if they knew this was perhaps a social issue that would penetrate deeper into society. The simple reason such songs are appreciated is that listeners can relate to them, and while there is not much they may be able to do, singing helps. 

 

Students are always at the cusp of changes as they transition, learn about life and its ways, and study. Writing is one such expression that helps put forward individual points of view. If you are one of those who use writing to explain, protest, or share views, use political science essay examples as a reference on Samplius website for the right guidance and help put together topics of your interest. There are multiple topics and discussion points to undertake as a political writer. 

 

The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Bob Dylan (1964)

Bob Dylan is a world-renowned vocalist and songwriter, and his work on anti-war is not hidden from the world. In the 60s, he wrote songs about civil rights and against wars. Bob, a strongly opinionated artist, also hosted stage shows on iconic days and did not shy away from putting his thoughts forward. 

 

If hippie is a thing of the past, then one can say that these artists and rock music singers were those. The commercialization of the hippie concept only came years after such behavior or lifestyle was noticed with rock music artists. 

 

Bob Dylan has made multiple songs, all with a vision, though, and are opinionated. He is an iconic singer in world music history, and even after so many years, young artists, music lovers know all about him, and he still has millions of fans.

 

Something in the Air – Thunderclap Newman (1969)

Initiated most humbly, ‘Something in the Air’ topped the charts instantly and was a major hit in the UK. The song was about revolutionary revolutions and all that was going on in the 1960’s era. Relevant and well understood even today, there is a lot that must change in society. 

 

However, there are not many rock music artists who are going ahead with a strong voice, highlighting the negative wrongdoings. Music is a great way to communicate, and it is a language we all understand. Fair to say, the music industry has been a major source of change to people’s lives, even if in the smallest ways. 

 

For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield (1966)

 

Taking inspiration from the Sunset Strip Curfew riots, Stephen Stills wrote the song on ageism. A completely different nuance, the song does talk about the hardship a young adult goes through. 

 

Not entirely a political issue, but it states the problems that are so relatable to the young generation. Useful then, useful now, this rock song has not lost its essence, and we believe it should not. The song is a nudge to the younger generation to vote and make the change they want to see.

 

The younger generation has lesser resources, which immediately puts them in a spot of judgment by older generations. Politically, there must also be leaders who are young, vivacious, and capable of bringing societal change. It all starts with motivation, strength, and a strong voice. Many listeners silently protest via songs and cannot muster enough courage to do something to bring a change. 

 

Conclusion 

Music is a creative expression and is perhaps also a safe way to make non-violent protests. Singers and artists have come forward to highlight issues, proving that this is a reliable source and an entertaining one. If you are one of the singers, lyricists, and looking to bring back political expression in rock music, there is a huge crowd of people waiting to groove and appreciate your talent and expression. 

 

Author’s Bio

Alina Boskar is a full-time writer, a career that she loves tremendously. She wrote for her college website blog for a few years and from there, she knew that she wanted to pursue her passion and become a professional academic writer. Her essays and other assignment work is one of the best in the writing world.