Over the last couple of years, the political landscape on this planet has changed enormously, of which the main cause, I guess, is the present US president.
By now, a name change might seem in order; The Disunited States of America, perhaps?
Mr. Trump raises a lot of emotions, from fierce loyalty of his followers to utter disdain by the opposition.
Especially on the artistic side, the reactions have been overwhelmingly negative; whether in writing, paintings, video, or songs, it’s hard to find an artist who has anything positive to say about him. (*)
With that in mind, I put together this collection of protest songs, most of them brand new, but some going back to 2016.
Artists featured include well-known ones, such as Bruce Springsteen, U2, Bette Midler, Dropkick Murphy’s, Alabama Shakes, etc, to fairly obscure performers like Cheekface, Jesse Welles, Wheelchair Sports Camp, a.o.
Lyrics vary from expressing outrage, expletives, abstract rants, to thoughtful narratives…
The shortest song here (Fiona Apple's Tiny Hands chant) is just under a minute long, the longest (almost 7 minutes) comes from Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds' Ain't That a Bitch epic...
By now, a name change might seem in order; The Disunited States of America, perhaps?
Mr. Trump raises a lot of emotions, from fierce loyalty of his followers to utter disdain by the opposition.
Especially on the artistic side, the reactions have been overwhelmingly negative; whether in writing, paintings, video, or songs, it’s hard to find an artist who has anything positive to say about him. (*)
With that in mind, I put together this collection of protest songs, most of them brand new, but some going back to 2016.
Lyrics vary from expressing outrage, expletives, abstract rants, to thoughtful narratives…
The shortest song here (Fiona Apple's Tiny Hands chant) is just under a minute long, the longest (almost 7 minutes) comes from Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds' Ain't That a Bitch epic...
I thought it was no more than polite to ask Donald his opinion about this collection before posting, and to my big surprise, he sent me this reply:
Dear Koen,
Thanks for letting me know in advance that you’re putting this low-life collection of songs (sung by losers) together. Since you are not American but just Dutch, I can’t really blame you for not knowing any better. You Dutch should continue doing what you’re good at: sticking your fingers into dykes!
Anyway, despite the appalling quality of these ‘songs’, you can’t deny that any US president has ever generated such a huge amount of 'music', which clearly shows that once again, I’m The Greatest!
Sincerely,
Donald J. Trump
p.s. Your queen is hot, but her hubby is a bit of a loser, to be honest.
Hmm, although I don't like to admit it, I think he's got a point there regarding the number of songs released in reaction to his presidency...
Link: https://pixeldrain.com/u/Mu6EV5dy
ReplyDeleteNote that the lyrics are included in all songs!
Question: What's your favourite protest song?
There are a lot of songs against Reagan. I wrote a song with Reagan in mind. We recorded it and it cannot be released because 40 years on the landscape has changed so much that even saying the sentence can lead to prosecution. In a time frame that is totally different the amount of atists and songs reacting on topical issues has only grown with social and anti-social media. My favorite is Armand - Ben ik te min which is very clever and a lsong about boy/girl and the social discrepancies. Other than that I think John Denver did a great two tracks on Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew in 1969. God Save The Queen by Sex Pistols is another favorite combining anti-establishment with D.I.Y.
ReplyDeleteSongs to compare: If Reagan Played Disco, We've got a bigger problem now, Bonzo goes To Bitburg (My brain is hanging upside down), Reaganomics, Sonne Statt Reagan, Reagan's In, Heil Reagan , Reagan Country, The Wit And Wisdom Of Ronald Reagan, Ronnie Talk To Russia, Two Tribes, We don't need that fascist groove thang, in Woodstock the deidication to Ronald Ray-Guns. There is a wiki page abount music and Reagan
When I read about the Grifter in Chief enriching himself and his family, I think about a line from "We've Got A Bigger Problem Now": "Making money for President Reagan, and all the friends of President Reagan"
DeleteBack in those bad old days of Reagan and Thatcher, could we ever have imagined a US president cozying up to the Kremlin? "Ronnie Talk To Russia" indeed. Putin doesn't seem to be taking Trump's calls these days. Guess he got what he wanted and broke it off.
DeleteWe are living in Strange Days for sure, Jonder...
DeleteWell done Richard, thanks!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Art58 for this, will take a listen
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy it, reb.jukebox!
DeleteThis looks brilliant, and I love the cover art. I must question the authenticity of the response from the president of our Demented States of America. Where is the Random Capitalization of words? Why didn't he call you a Low IQ Person, or brag about his cognitive test? And the presidential signoff: "Thank you for your attention to this matter"?
ReplyDeleteIf I may, here are three inspirational songs of resistance and resilience:
Solomon Burke: "None Of Us Are Free"
https://youtu.be/Edaz7CUAZg8?si=HFkWhSl8cvjI5OCk
Lucinda Williams: "We've Come Too Far To Turn Around"
https://youtu.be/o9PHEmvua9E?si=M-gaTimcDvZbmBX0
Rev. Sekou & The Holy Ghost: "We Comin":
https://youtu.be/ib8qaYs3kEE?si=-1EdOuZE2dAzwm7h
In the words of Rev. Sekou, "If we don't get no justice, then you don't get no peace."
Thanks Jonder, I must have caught him on an off day perhaps? Great additional song selections!
DeleteJust out: The Waterboys - Don’t Even Have To Say His Name
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhdz1q2UHzI
John Hiatt took a snear at Raegan with his renewal of I'm a good old rebel
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdPrBxqKwkg&list=RDgdPrBxqKwkg&start_radio=1
The thing is the ending.
Nice one Richard, thanks!
Delete