Music has always been a medium in which people express themselves. Their feelings, experiences, beliefs and their hopes for the future. Throughout history, artists have written songs that promote change and protest against the negative things in the world. Many slaves sang spiritual hymns and songs about their struggle that were later used as inspiration for songs during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. During the Vietnam War, popular folk singers like Judy Collins and Tom Paxton wrote songs that protested the violence of the war and promoted peace between all. Even today, artists like the Black Eyed Peas and Childish Gambino are using their gifts to protest racial discrimination, police brutality and environmental destruction.
The protest element in modern music is not always obvious. Most of the time, it is in the subtle phrases within the verses. An excellent example of this is John Mayer’s “Waiting On the World to Change.” He wrote it from the perspective of young people who recognize that the world is messed up and needs to change, but they do not know how to make this change happen. As a young person myself, I know all too well that many adults believe that my generation doesn’t know what we are talking about or what we are standing for. This can be discouraging, which Mayer’s song mentions. It can get to the point where you are just waiting for it to change. This song is a subtle plea for people to stop waiting and take action in the world. There is a quote by Ghandi that says “Be the change you want to see in the world.” John Mayer’s song is telling us it is time to stop waiting.
Other songs of protest are blatantly obvious in their protest. One great and hilarious example is “Earth” by Lil Dicky. Lil Dicky is a comedic rapper who is known for making songs and raps that are so funny and random that you cannot help but enjoy them. This past Earth Day, he released a song accompanied by a music video in order to raise awareness of pollution, littering and global warming. He recruited COUNTLESS other artists and celebrities to sing this song and have a part in the video. Artists like Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, Snoop Dog, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Ed Sheeran, Leonardo DiCaprio and about twenty other artists that support green initiatives took part in making the song. In wake of Donald Trump and other officials’ comments on the validity of climate change, Lil Dicky thought it was important to showcase all of the creatures that are in danger because of human impact. This song and video are a fun and catchy way to show people the planet we all need to work to protect.
Regardless of how artists choose to format and express their protests, music will always be an important tool to inspire change and raise awareness of important issues.
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