The iconic Canadian singer-songwriter is still going strong six decades into his career. He has also lived in the States for several years, officially becoming a US citizen in 2020. Neil Young has long been vocal about American policies and politicians. He has also been an outspoken environmentalist and has often explored those themes in his music. Here is a small sampling of 20 socially conscious tunes he recorded.
Ohio – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (1970)
Young wrote this classic protest and counter-culture anthem in response to the Kent State shootings that took place on May 4, 1970. The National Guard was called in to stop a non-violent protest taking place at Kent State University which resulted in the death of four unarmed students (“Tin soldiers and Nixon coming,” “four dead in Ohio”).
After The Gold Rush – Neil Young (1970)
It is not a direct protest song, but it does show his awareness of environmental issues, a topic that Young has been particularly passionate about throughout his career. The poignant line “Look at Mother Nature on the run, in the 1970s” has since been modified during live performances as “Look at Mother Nature on the run, in the 21st century.”
Southern Man – Neil Young (1970)
Another classic tune that appeared on his classic 1970 album, After The Gold Rush. The tune is a scathing indictment of racist ideologies associated with the American South. It addresses the long-lasting wounds of slavery and the need for reparations (“I saw cotton and I saw black, tall white mansions and little shacks. Southern Man, when will you pay them back?”)
Alabama – Neil Young (1972)
This tune from Young’s iconic 1972 album Harvest, follows similar themes to “Southern Man.” This tune and “Southern Man” inspired Lynyrd Skynyrd to write their 1974 hit “Sweet Home Alabama” in response.
Vampire Blues – Neil Young (1974)
This tune off Young’s 1974 album On The Beach is another environmentally-themed song. The lyrics scathingly indict the oil industry that is “suckin’ blood from the earth.”
Powderfinger – Neil Young and Crazy Horse (1979)
This powerful tune from Young’s classic 1979 album Rust Never Sleeps, isn’t a direct protest, but it does serve as a cautionary tale concerning gun violence and conflicts. It tells the potent tale of a young man whose life was snuffed out way too young.
Hippie Dream – Neil Young (1986)
Released on a forgettable album (Landing on Water) during an overlooked period of Young’s career, “Hippie Dream” is an underrated gem that explores the disillusionment that the idealism of the 1960s went unfulfilled. The song still holds out hope that those dreams aren’t completely dead and Young pleads “So please don’t kill the machine.” The machine refers to the music that still holds out hope (“It’s a victory for the heart. Every time the music starts”).
Mideast Vacation – Neil Young and Crazy Horse (1987)
The opening track off his underrated 1987 album Life continues to resonate with issues that have taken place in the Middle East since then (and are continuing to take place).
Long Walk Home – Neil Young and Crazy Horse (1987)
Another overlooked gem from Life. The heartfelt song empathizes with troops under deployment along with providing pointed critiques on American foreign policy. It was also originally written in the early 70s as “Letter from ‘Nam” with slightly different lyrics concerning the Vietnam War. That version was officially released in 2020 as part of Archives Volume II.
This Note’s For You – Neil Young and the Bluenotes (1988)
Both the song and video are a scathing indictment of corporate sponsorship in music. It ended up winning an MTV Video Award for Best Music Video although the video was initially banned from rotation.
Rockin’ In The Free World – Neil Young (1989)
Two different versions of this anthem bookend his 1989 album Freedom. It opens with a live acoustic version and closes with the more well-known electric version. The scathing tune targeted George Bush Sr.’s administration. An edited version was played during the closing credits of Micheal Moore’s 2004 documentary Fahrenheit 9/11, indicting Bush Jr.’s administration.
Mother Earth (Natural Anthem) – Neil Young and Crazy Horse (1990)
This tune from the 1990 album Ragged Glory addresses human’s relationship with Mother Earth (“How long can you, Give and not receive, And feed this world, Ruled by greed?”).
Crime In City (Live) – Neil Young and Crazy Horse (1991)
Originally appearing on Freedom, this raucous live version appears on the 1991 live album Weld. The lyrics explore themes such as media sensationalism, capitalistic greed, and senseless violence.
Throw Your Hatred Down – Neil Young (1995)
Neil Young’s 1995 album Mirror Ball featured Pearl Jam as his unbilled backing band. Much of the album dealt with Young coming to terms with his 60s idealism in the wake of 90s cynicism. This rocking tune features lyrics that wouldn’t be out of place in the protest songs of the 60s.
Restless Consumer – Neil Young (2006)
This song is from Young’s 2006 album, Living With War. One of Young’s most political albums, it was heavily critical of Bush Jr.’s administration (and included the direct “Let’s Impeach the President”). “Restless Consumer” links capitalistic greed with senseless human suffering and wars.
Fork In The Road – Neil Young (2009)
This is the rollicking title track of his 2009 album. The inspiration for the album was his 1959 Lincoln Continental which has been modified to run on alternative energy. The album heavily deals with environmental themes and discusses the importance of transitioning into a green-based economy. The title track also addresses government bailouts of big corporations (“There’s a bailout coming but it’s not for you, It’s for all those creeps hiding what they do”).
A Rock Star Bucks a Coffee Shop – Neil Young and Promise of the Real (2015)
This track off the 2015 album The Monsanto Years addresses the coffee chain Starbucks’ use of GMOs (genetically modified organisms). The album title addresses Monsanto, the agribusiness that helped pioneer the use of GMOs. The Promise of the Real features two of Willie Nelson’s sons, Lukas and Micah. Neil Young was heavily involved with Willie in forming Farm Aid, an organization and series of concerts to help provide support for American family farmers.
Children of Destiny – Neil Young and Promise of the Real (2017)
This grandiose anthem of hope and resistance appears on Young’s 2017 album The Visitor. It is about trying to take a stand now to protect the planet for the sake of future generations.
Rainbow of Colors – Neil Young and Crazy Horse (2019)
For Young’s 39th studio album Colorado, he once again reunites with his frequent co-conspirators Crazy Horse. This tune is a galvanizing celebration of diversity (“There’s a rainbow of colors In the old USA. No one’s gonna whitewash. Those colors away”) and speaks out against anti-immigration policies.
Love Earth – Neil Young and Crazy Horse (2022)
Continuing to be prolific in the late stages of his career, in 2022 he released World Record, his 43rd studio album. Produced by Rick Rubin, Young revisits previous themes of his music. The album addresses appreciation for the planet and expresses concerns over Earth’s future. “Love Earth” in particular is a heartfelt love letter to Mother Earth.