Music Playlist: 25 War and Government Protest Songs

Music speaks to our deepest thoughts and emotions. Historically, music have been used to motivate causes, inspire patriotism, rally the troops and inflame the masses. National anthems are written to prick the conscience, pluck at heartstrings (and pursestrings). Elections and political events rely heavily on the warm fuzzies voters feel when they hear patriotic music. Hopefully, we get so caught up in the songs that we overlook some of the not-so-patriotic things our country is doing. Don't misunderstand me. I'm as sentimental about patriotic music as anyone. I cry when I hear the armed service fight songs, even though I oppose the war. I stand a little taller when the Old Glory waves and we all sing The Star-Spangled Banner (although I would like to discuss some of those impossible high notes with Francis Scott Key!)

But music inspires many emotions: sorrow, righteous indignation, anger and rebellion. Protest marches, rallies, uprisings, revolts are music driven. Revolutions are lead by music too. Need a good playlist of classic protest songs? Perhaps your instructor has assigned you to explore a protest song for government, history or current affairs? Exploring music of the era is becoming an increasingly popular way to study events in history. Civil Rights, Vietnam War, Kent State lessons are expressed clearly in music. This musical journey takes us from the very early 1960s right up to current war songs. The list includes all genres: blues, indie, industrial metal, reggae, gospet, motown, folk, punk, jazz and classic rock.

War Pigs - Black Sabbath

War - Edwin Starr

The Marching Song of the Covert Battalions - Billy Bragg

American Woman - The Guess Who or Lenny Kravitz

Abraham, Martin and John - Dion, Emmylou Harris

Attack of the Peacekeepers & Shut Up - Jello Biafra and DOA, Dead Kennedys

rejoyce - Grace Slick, Jefferson Airplane

Hey Sandy - Polaris (remembering Kent State)

Civil War - Guns n' Roses

Fortunate Son - Creedence Clearwater Revival

Billy Don't be a Hero - Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods

Born in the USA - Bruce Springsteen

Where have all the Flowers Gone? - Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul and Mary

Invisible Sun - Sting and the Police

War no More - Wyclef Jean

The Times They are a Changin' - Bob Dylan

We Shall Overcome - Joan Baez

Where is the Love? - Grover Washington Jr. (remade by Black-Eyed Peas)

It's 1-2-3 What are We Fighting For? ( alternate title: I'm a gonna Die Rag) - Country Joe and the Fish

One Tin Soldier - Original Caste, Skeeter Davis

Blowin' in the Wind - Bob Dylan or Peter, Paul and Mary

Eve of Destruction - Barry McGuire

Draft Dodger Rag & I Ain't Gonna March No More! - Phil Ochs

Universal Soldier - Buffy Saint-Marie, Donovan

For What it's Worth - Buffalo Springfield

Study War No More - Mahalia Jackson

This Land is Your Land - Woody Guthrie

Reflections - Diana Ross and Supremes

Give Peace a Chance - John Lennon

If I had a Hammer - Pete Seeger

Southhampton Dock - Pink Floyd

Yo, peace out, ya'll.