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Bob Park's avatar

Songs of resistance have been used during the civil rights era, during efforts to unionize coal workers in Kentucky and West Virginia (I re-watched the marvelous documentary "Harlan County USA" yesterday; learn about and listen to Hazel Dickens for more.), during the anti-Vietnam War protests, and now.

Look for a Singing Resistance group near you and join in. A variety of musical talents is welcome. Many of the songs are call-backs, which are easy to follow, and when they do them in rounds or triples, the sound is simply marvelous. Sing out!

Arkansas Blue's avatar

Terrific article about terrific artists writing terrific protest songs. It's about time to get loud against the fascist regime and fascist party. I love all of the songs, but the U2 song naming Miller and Noem stands out. Thank you, Tim. I am so glad you joined The Contrarian.

Pamela Gibbs's avatar

Also a new song by Nils Lofgren - No Kings, No Hate, No Fear - might be the title.

Adam Steinberg's avatar

Hey, folks! Tooting my own horn here, literally: I've written a protest song for No Kings and already played it for American Voices Abroad here in Berlin. I'll be singing it at Brandenburg Gate for the next No Kings and then again July 4. But really, this song is for YOU to play and sing, and the song notes contain guitar chords, lyrics, tabs, and karaoke files to help. Please check it out and consider playing it at your local rally. It's written to be pretty easy to play and to get the crowd involved. Permission is given! www.tinyurl.com/no-kings-song.

Nancy's avatar

Also Nils Lofgren. No Kings, No Hate, No Fear. https://nilslofgren.com/NoKings/index.html

"No kings no hate no fear our freedom beating here

No kings no hate no fear a mighty people here

We the people in the street

we the people feel the beat

Freedom beating here (for all)

our freedom marching here

Oh oh oh…"

Rebecca Stanwyck's avatar

“Will there be singing in the dark times? Yes, there will be singing, about the dark times.” Bertolt Brecht

Pat Jones Garcia's avatar

Thank you for introducing more than I was aware of in current protest songs.

Ginny Peckinpaugh's avatar

Check out Tim Grimm's Broken Trust - a powerful song!

Carla J Williamson's avatar

I was reminded of the great protest music of the 60s and 70s. Once again great artists step up to focus attention on social and political injustice, discrimination and authoritarianism

Roxanna Springer's avatar

Wow! That's a great start -- something like what we heard in the 60s and 70s from the protest song greats!

Stu Janis's avatar

Don't forget the brilliant Marsh Family of Faversham UK with their reworking and adaptation of San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair). https://youtu.be/BRHxXHZmVAM

David Garcia's avatar

This is a protest song/video I wrote and produced with a couple of neighbors from Durham, NC. It’s titled “I.C.E.”

https://youtu.be/C2bB7SMIyqY?si=BDK6FoSagGXIC7ep

Grace Doolittle's avatar

So glad to learn about all of this music, I had only heard of Bruce’s song and Nils Lofgren’s (which was not discussed). As a Minneapolitan, I am so proud of Singing Resistance and the part they played in keeping people’s spirits up during the siege.

Kelly Owen's avatar

Also Katie Pruitt, Kindness Isn’t Common Sense

Ted Mayhugh's avatar

A terrific, moving post ... and wonderful way to put a wrap on the final evening wrap up of the week. Listened to each tune. Good job Tim Dickenson!