From the artist’s Bandcamp
“There’s no better songwriter alive than Kris Kristofferson,” Willie Nelson stated at a 2009 BMI award ceremony for Kristofferson. “Everything he writes is a standard, and we’re all just going to have to live with that.”
Sadly, singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson died on September 28, 2024, at the age of 88. Although he achieved success as a solo artist, many of his most successful songs were bigger hits for others, such as Johnny Cash‘s “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” and Sammi Smith’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”
He was socially conscious and wasn’t afraid to express his left-leaning political views through his music. Some of his views evolved. For example, his first recorded song (released by Dave Dudley in 1965) was the pro-Vietnam War tune “Vietnam Blues.” He has since expressed embarrassment over the hawkish lyrics and has been a vocal critic of wars.
We will now consider a small sampling of ten protest songs recorded by Kristofferson.
The Law Is for Protection of the People (1970)
In this tune from his debut album Kristofferson, he employs his satirical wit to address corruption in law enforcement and how it abuses the vulnerable under the pretense of protecting the people.
Good Christian Soldier (1971)
This tune composed by Bobby Bare and Billy Joe Shaver, was from his sophomore album, The Silver Tongued Devil and I. The lyrics articulate the inner conflict of a man of faith who is asked to kill others in wars. As a Captain in the United States Army, this subject would have resonated with Kristofferson.
Jesus Was A Capricorn (Owed To John Prine) (1972)
This track from the album of the same name is a brilliant satire that exposes the hypocrisy of professed “Christians” who preach intolerance. The lyrics are also reminiscent of John Prine, who is acknowledged in the parenthesis.
They Killed Him (1986)
The song from his album Repossessed pays tribute to influential figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jesus Christ. The lyrics highlight how whenever people advocate for non-violence, equality, and peace, others want to kill them. The tune was also recorded by Bob Dylan for his 1986 album “Knock Out Loaded.”
What About Me (1986)
Another track from Repossessed, this powerful anti-war tune contrasts the concept of fighting for freedom with the experience of those who had their freedoms infringed upon due to war (“He said, ‘Do you really believe in freedom?’ I said, ‘I do.’ He said, ‘Oh, what about me?”)
Don’t Let The Bastards (Get You Down) (1990)
This tune is from the political concept album Third World Warrior. The lyric “They’re killing babies in the name of freedom. We’ve been down that sorry road before,” still resonates.
Sandinista (1990)
Another song from Third World Warrior, with lyrics expressing support for the Nicaraguan rebels of the same name. Patty Griffin also recorded a moving rendition for the 2006 tribute album The Pilgrim: A Celebration of Kris Kristofferson.
Johnny Lobo (1995)
This track from his album A Moment of Forever draws inspiration from Native American activist John Trudell. The lyrics effectively articulate the historical injustices against the indigenous.
In the News (2006)
From his album This Old Road, this topical tune is a mournful indictment of societal issues such as climate change, war, and religious hypocrisy (“Everyone says God is on his side”).
Sister Sinead (2009)
This song is from his album “Closer to the Bone” and is a tribute to Sinéad O’Connor, with whom he had a personal connection. After the infamous incident where O’Connor ripped a photo of the Pope on SNL, she was scheduled to perform at Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary Concert. Kristofferson introduced her at the concert and consoled her when she faced hostility from the crowd by whispering in her ear, “don’t let the bastards get you down.” Despite their stylistic differences, they were kindred spirits in many ways.