I recorded a reaction video when Rolling Stone posted its list of the 100 best protest songs of all time. I decided to go one step further and create my list. Often, I present lists on this site as either alphabetical or chronological, but I’m going full music nerd with a ranked list. Also, trying to do the impossible by taking an objective approach to what is inherently a subjective endeavor.
To determine the best songs, I used the following criteria:
1) Messaging – How effectively does the song convey its intended message? Does it offer a fresh perspective on an important topic?
2) Cultural/Political Impact – Is the song closely associated with social movements? Is it often performed or chanted at protest rallies? Has it achieved mainstream ubiquity?
3) Musical Influence – Was the song used as a jumping off point for other artists to build upon? Did the song inspire other songwriters to compose their own protest anthems?
Every song on this list performed well with at least one of the criteria (some did well in all three). Also had a max of three songs per artists, which is probably the reason why your favorite Bob Dylan protest song was excluded. Some of my writeups have also been repurposed from what I have previously written.
Also, feel free to check out the 100 Song playlist. Just as a note, because it wasn’t available on Spotify, I replaced Body Count’s “Cop Killer” with Bill Withers’ “I Can’t Write Left-Handed”.
100. Cop Killer – Body Count (1992)
One of the most controversial protest songs of all time, this tune off Ice-T’s heavy metal project Body Count expressed the anger many felt over the Rodney King incident. Due to the backlash, the album was pulled from the shelves and reissued without the offending track, and “Cop Killer” still isn’t on streaming services. But the tune does serve as a warning of what could happen if the situation goes unchecked.
Macy Gray’s version of the tune has been featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
99. Your Power – Billie Eilish (2021)
Being the newest song on the list it is a challenge to know where to rank recent recordings. But there is no denying it is a poignant and sadly evergreen tune. The lyrics relate a damaging power imbalance evident in a toxic sexual relationship between a female high school student and an older man. Eilish also broadened the scope of the lyrics when she performed the song to protest the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
98. The Bourgeois Blues — Lead Belly (1938)
When Lead Belly was invited to record songs for the Library of Congress by noted music archivist Alan Lomax, he and Lomax decided to go out with their wives to celebrate, but many restaurants refused service. This tune is in response to that, and directly refers to the racism that he experienced. The lyrical reference to being a “bourgeois town” also makes still relevant observations about class distinctions and how the wealthy will do what they can to maintain their status at all cost even if it is at the expense of the less fortunate.
97. John Wayne Was a Nazi – M.D.C. (1980)
Released a year after John Wayne’s death, this scathing tune by the hardcore pioneers exposed the celebrated actor for his bigotry (“When I see John, I’m ashamed to be white”). The band view Wayne as emblematic of colonial oppression in general.
The Fucked Up & The Halluci Nation’s version was previously featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
96. If I Had A Rocket Launcher – Bruce Cockburn (1984)
Just like the album it is off, Stealing Fire, the tune was inspired by the Canadian singer-songwriter’s trip to Central America on behalf of Oxfam. This tune was his response to the plight of Guatemalan refugees and it is chockful of righteous indignation. Even though some have misinterpreted it as promoting vigilantism, Cockburn has stated that “this is not a call to arms; this is a cry.”
95. The Words That Maketh Murder – PJ Harvey (2011)
Harvey’s 8th full-length album Let England Shake is an essential masterwork of insightful social commentary on her native England. One of the album’s highlights, “The Words That Maketh Murder,” is an indictment of the war in Afghanistan and it mourns diplomacy’s failure to bring an end to conflicts (“The words that maketh murder” and “What if I take my problem to the United Nations?”).
94. Close Your Eyes (And Count To Fuck) (featuring Zack de la Rocha) – Run The Jewels (2014)
The duo has multiple songs that could have easily been on this list, but this tune is a fine showcase. Musically, it goes hard. Lyrically, both Killer Mike, EL-P, and guest contributor Zack de la Rocha provide thought-provoking critiques on systemic injustices. In many ways, the explicitly political hip-hop of RTJ is a spiritual ancestor to Rage Against the Machine, so it is a natural fit to have the Rage frontman join the group. The provocative music video complements the lyrical content as well.
93. Transgender Dysphoria Blues – Against Me! (2014)
This is the title track of the album Transgender Dysphoria Blues. Both the song and album explores the struggles of gender dysphoria being experienced by transgender frontwoman, Laura Jane Grace. The lyrics addresses Grace’s desire to be viewed as any other woman, but instead people “just see a faggot.” It provides an important voices in a needed dialogue.
92. It Isn’t Nice – Barbara Dane and the Chamber Brothers (1966)
This tune is from the album Barbara Dane and the Chamber Brothers, a powerful collection of politically charged gospel tunes released in the thick of the civil rights movement. The album was also significant for giving a platform to the Chamber Brothers, who would become an influential psychedelic soul band best known for the 1967 hit “Time Has Come Today”. This song was composed by Malvina Reynolds, and it discusses how acts of defiance are necessary to bring about change.
Dane is an unsung figure in the history of protest music, earning praise form artist such as Bob Dylan. She also started the protest music record label Paredon with her husband Irwin Silber.
91. Spiritual Trilogy: Oh, Freedom; Come And Go With Us; I’m On My Way – Odetta (1956)
Odetta’s music had an indelible impact on the civil rights movement, with both Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King citing her music as an influence. Bob Dylan was also a huge fan and he credits her landmark 1956 album, Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues, as a catalyst in beginning his music career. That album also featured her “Spiritual Trilogy.” Traditional spirituals played an important role in the development of the civil rights movement and one of the three songs featured on “Spiritual Trilogy” is “Oh Freedom,” which is a timeless standard that is also widely associated with Joan Baez.
90. FDT – YG and Nipsey Hussle (2016)
Quite often the most effective protest tunes are the least subtle. When the world is totally screwed up, the only appropriate response is to declare a defiant FU. That is the case with “FDT”. The “DT” is short for Donald Trump and the “F” I think you can figure out. This was recorded even before Trump was announced as winning the Republican leadership and becoming US President for the 1st time. It was in response to his many ethnic slurs. For example, addressing Trump’s hateful statements about Mexicans, the song refers to the fact that parts of the country were once part of Mexico and many Latinos have a longer American lineage than the white nationalists that want to supposedly take the country back. Those that want to take America back lose sight of the facts that America is a land of immigrants, and it wasn’t originally their country to begin with. The tune is also a declaration of unity between black and brown and it is a rallying of the troops to put any differences aside to stand up against a common enemy.
89. What Is Truth – Johnny Cash (1970)
This anti-Vietnam tune also took a supportive view of young people who questioned authority and chose to go against societal norms. The lyrics also warn the older generation that “the ones that you’re calling wild, are going to be the leaders in a little while”. He also famously and defiantly performed this song at the White House, when President Richard Nixon requested a couple more conservative-leaning country tunes.
88. Run To The Hills – Iron Maiden (1982)
This classic tune is off the UK metal band’s landmark third album The Number of the Beast. The poignant tune deals with the European colonization of Native land (“White man came across the sea. He brought us pain and misery. He killed our tribes, killed our creed. He took our game for his own need”). The lyrics also express the hateful rhetoric of European colonists. In the 19th and 20th centuries (“the only good Indians are tame”)
The Tanya Tagaq and Damian Abraham version was previously featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
87. We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee – Redbone (1973)
This poignant tune by the Native American rock band is a reflection on the historical injustices faced by Indigenous people, highlighting the tragic events at Wounded Knee in 1890. The song was an international hit but it didn’t chart in the US partly due to record label resistance and several radio stations banning the tune due to the controversial subject matter. Throughout the song, Redbone pleads for reconciliation, making it a powerful anthem for Indigenous rights.
86. Not Ready To Make Nice – The Chicks (2006)
This tune by the country trio was written and recorded in the conservative backlash to lead singer Natalie Maines’s controversial criticism of then-US President George W. Bush. The lyrics address death threats and the critics who wanted her to just “shut up and sing.” It is a powerful anthem of resilience in the face of adversity.
85. Little Boxes – Malvina Reynolds (1967)
“Little Boxes” is an anti-conformist anthem composed by singer-songwriter and political activist Malvina Reynolds in 1962. The satirical tune critiques suburban housing development and middle-class conformity. It also popularized the term “ticky-tacky”. The song also received widespread attention when it was used as the theme song for the dark dramedy TV show Weeds. It was an appropriate theme for a show that delved into themes of conformity and consumerism. The tune was first recorded in 1963 by Reynolds’ friend influential folk singer and activist Pete Seeger, becoming one of his signature songs. Reynolds released her own version for her 1967 album Malvina Reynolds Sings the Truth.
84. Ku Klux Klan —Steel Pulse (1978)
The roots reggae band hailing from Birmingham, England played a significant role in the U.K.’s “Rock Against Racism” movement in the 70s. Their song “Ku Klux Klan,” featured on their debut album Handsworth Revolution is a powerful protest anthem with an infectious bassline that enhances its anti-racism theme.
83. The Bigger Picture – Lil Baby (2020)
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that during 2020, many rap artists stepped up to help compose the soundtrack to the Black Lives Matter Movement. This may be the most notable contribution. In the lyrics, Lil Baby blends personal reflection with broader societal commentary, highlighting the struggles faced by the Black community while emphasizing the importance of unity and activism.
82. Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? – Bing Crosby (1932)
The oldest song on the list was written by lyricist Yip Harburg and composer Jay Gorney for the musical revue Americana. It was a rare example of a popular song commenting on the dark side of the Great Depression. Harburg also tapped into his personal experience to compose the lyrics, going into the music business because his appliance business had gone bankrupt.
81. Legalize It – Peter Tosh (1976)
After Tosh left the Wailers, he started his solo career with a song that would become a timeless pro-ganja anthem. This track is a powerful critique of the Jamaican anti-cannabis laws, which led to Tosh’s arrest for engaging in Rastafari ceremonial smoking. With a chilled groove, Tosh highlights the health benefits of marijuana and its broad appeal, noting, “Judges smoke it, even the lawyer do.”
80. HELL YOU TALMBOUT (featuring Jidenna, Wondaland Records) – Janelle Monae (2015)
This tune is evidence that some of the most effective protest songs are the most direct. Monáe chants the names of Black people who lost their lives to police brutality: (“Trayvon Martin, say his name/Trayvon Martin, say his name/Trayvon Martin, say his name/Trayvon Martin, won’t you say his name?”) The song has also been reworked by David Byrne during his American Utopia shows, adding names like Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. An epic 17-minute version released in 2021 also highlights black women who have been victims in police-related incidents, featuring Beyoncé voicing support for Sandra Bland, Symone Marshall, and Yvette Smith.
79. The Guillotine – The Coup (2012)
This funky politically charged anthem critiques social and economic injustices, effectively employing the metaphor of “the guillotine”. Concerning the vivid imagery The Coup leader Boots Riley stated: “‘We got the guillotine’ means we have the power to get rid of the ruling class to create a classless society, one where the people democratically control the wealth that they create with their labor.”
78. B.Y.O.B. – System Of A Down (2005)
Just about every song by the Armenian-American metal band is political. This is a tune off their 4th album Mezmerize. It is in protest of the Iraq War and is a scathing indictment of the corporate war machine. “B.Y.O.B” is an acronym for “Bring Your Own Bombs” and is also a play on “Bring Your Own Booze”. It satirically envisions the Iraq War as one big party for the US, where instead of Jägerbombs they drop real ones.
77. Manifiesto – Victor Jara (1974)
Jara, a leading figure in Chile’s nueva canción movement, combined socialist ideals with personal insights, becoming a powerful voice for the country’s marginalized communities and earning global recognition as a folk artist. One of the last tunes he penned before his tragic detainment and murder (September 28, 1932 – September 16, 1973) under the Pinochet regime, “Manifiesto,” celebrates the transformative power of music in the hands of everyday people.
76. Talkin’ ’bout a Revolution – Tracy Chapman (1988)
In this evergreen tune from her self-titled debut, Chapman juxtaposed a chill-out vibe with a hard-hitting lyrical message comparable to socially conscious hip-hop artists such as Chuck D or KRS-1 (“Poor people gonna rise up/And get their share). Chapman wrote the song based on her personal experiences witnessing economic disparity.
75. You Don’t Own Me – Lesley Gore (1963)
At 17 years old at the time of recording, Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” has become a powerful anthem of the burgeoning second-wave feminist movement that started in the 1960s.
Even beyond the women’s empowerment themes, it resonates with anyone who has had to fight for their individuality and self-respect.
74. Don’t Call Me N—–, Whitey – Sly & The Family Stone (1969)
Off the classic album Stand!, this tune by the pioneering interracial funk band is one of the most confrontational and controversial protest songs of all time. With its edgy title, the song confronts the derogatory language and stereotypes that permeate American culture, calling for dignity and respect. Sly Stone’s incisive lyrics and the band’s infectious energy engage listeners in a broader dialogue about identity and the struggle against systemic racism.
73. Whitey On the Moon – Gil Scott-Heron (1970)
The 1969 moon landing was celebrated as a monumental milestone for humanity, but as the influential jazz poet pointed out in this classic piece of proto-rap, this supposed step forward did nothing to help struggling Americans or address the nation’s racial divide. Scott-Heron begins with the lines, “A rat done bit my sister Nell/With Whitey on the moon,” emphasizing the jarring contrast between the moon landing and everyday hardships of Black America. Just under 2 minutes, it powerfully captures the historical context and the disillusionment of that era.
72. Freedom (featuring Kendrick Lamar) – Beyoncé (2016)
Her landmark album Lemonade was the perfect intersection of the personal and political. The track “Freedom” was Beyoncé at her most explicitly political. The line “I can’t move” poignantly mirrors Eric Garner’s haunting last words, “I can’t breathe,” captured during his fatal encounter with the police. Kendrick Lamar’s verses added extra power to the song’s weighty message (“Stole from me, lied to me, nation hypocrisy”).
71. Vietnam – Jimmy Cliff (1969)
Proclaimed by Bob Dylan as the “greatest protest song ever”, “Vietnam” is a powerful tune that reflects the turmoil and chaos of the Vietnam War era. The lyrics relates a letter from his friend who was a solider in Vietnam that well expressed the disillusionment of the time. The song well articulates a generation grappling with the senseless of the conflict.
70. Impeach the President – The Honey Drippers (1973)
It was recorded by a group of Black high school students from New York, assembled by Georgia-born songwriter Roy C. Hammond. When record labels refused to release it, Hammond self-released it. Since then it has become an oft-sampled funk classic. It was a plea to impeach then-US President Richard Nixon, but since it stopped short of naming the president by name it could apply to any president, notably, there was an increase in streams during the the 2019 impeachment inquiry for Donald Trump.
69. (Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below, We’re All Going to Go – Curtis Mayfield (1970)
Curtis Mayfield helped compose the soundtrack of the 1960s civil rights movement with the inspiring anthems he recorded with The Impressions, such as “Keep on Pushing”, “People Get Ready”, and “We’re a Winner”. But on his 1970 debut solo album, Curtis, he adopts an edgier approach. “(Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below, We’re All Going to Go” is a warning about American race relations. Mayfield makes it clear that if society doesn’t get their act together, all hell will break loose. The fuzz bass just doesn’t sound funky, but it also provides an ominous apocalyptic feel.
68. The Fish Cheer: I Feel Like I’m Fixin’ To Die (Woodstock)—Country Joe McDonald (1969)
This anti-Vietnam protest tune is an important anthem of the hippie counterculture movement. Initially recorded as the title track for the 1967 album I Feel Like I’m Fixin’ To Die by Country Joe & The Fish, the impromptu Country Joe solo acoustic performed live at Woodstock is even more iconic. The 1970 documentary added a sing-along bouncing ball for additional impact.
67. Freedom Highway (Live) – The Staple Singers (1965)
This is the title track of the Gospel group’s 1965 live album. Pop Staples wrote the tune about the Selma Freedom Marches in March of 1965. The song also references the murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till, who was lynched on August 28, 1955, in the Mississippi, Tallahatchie River. The song became an endearing standard of the civil rights movement.
66. We The People – A Tribe Called Quest (2016)
Three days after Trump was elected the first time, the legendary rap group released their final album, the aptly named We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service. The lyrics from this tune expose the bigotry and homophobia promoted by Trump. One standout lyric is “Gentrify here, now it’s not a shit hole,” which stood out in light of Trump’s comments about certain prominently black countries being shit holes. Shortly after the release they notably performed it on the first Saturday Night Live after the election and had a standout performance at the 2017 Grammy Awards.
65. Beds Are Burning – Midnight Oil (1987)
This is the biggest hit from the Australian rock band, who often addressed Australian politics in their music. The lyrics are in of returning native land to the Pintupi people and promoting the paying reparations. Despite focusing on Australian politics, it became a big international hit. The lyrics can apply to any colonized country, and in later years the song has been used to protest climate change.
64. Sun City – United Artists Against Apartheid (1985)
The title of this classic anti-apartheid tune was named for the South African casino and resort Sun City. Because the resort was in an area that supported apartheid, it promoted a boycott of the resort. Similar to USA for Africa’s “We Are the World” and Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas”, United Artists Against Apartheid was a super group of several well-known musicians, but it was more gritty and eclectic. The song was influential for its inclusion of rappers, which was still in the process of becoming a cultural force. The fusion of funk, jazz, rap & rock made it stand out, and that musical diversity provided a powerful contrast to the systemic racism they were fighting against.
63. Dear God – XTC (1986)
XTC’s lead singer, Andy Partridge, wrote this tune in response to a series of children’s books by the same name that he felt was exploitative. The lyric questions God’s existence and the Bible’s validity. Even if you disagree with the atheistic sentiments, the song does ask important questions about religious hypocrisy and how the Bible is used as a justification for acts of injustice and intolerance.
62. When the President Talks to God – Bright Eyes (2005)
Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes composed a tune that can be considered a throwback to the topical folk of the 60s. The lyrics are a scathing indictment on then-President George W. Bush. Oberst is not only critical of Bush’s policies, but it is also a critique of the unholy marriage of religion and politics.
61. God Save the Queen —The Sex Pistols (1977)
This iconic punk anthem was featured on the band’s influential album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. The lyrics serve as a strong critique of the monarchy, labeling it a “fascist regime,” and unlike many protest songs that are a call to action, the lyrics convey a nihilistic warning message (“No Future”).
60. Living For The City – Stevie Wonder (1973)
This timeless tune from Wonder’s classic album Innervisions is a powerful song that relates the struggles of a young Black man from Mississippi, who flees to New York to escape Southern racism only to still experience injustice. It is a funky critique of the elusive American Dream.
59. I Ain’t Marching Anymore”—Phil Ochs (1965)
Featured on the album of the same name, this anti-war anthem is one of Phil Ochs’s signature tracks. The lyrics point out the unjustness of the the older generation starting wars, but instead of fighting they send out the younger generation to sacrifice on their behalf (“It’s always the old to lead us to the wars/ Always the young to fall”). Ochs would often play this tune (and others) at anti-Vietnam War demonstrations. Despite the role he played in composing the canon of protest songs, he didn’t like being called a “protest singer,” and preferred the term “topical singer”.
58. Holiday in Cambodia – Dead Kennedys (1980)
This single from the influential hardcore band’s classic debut album, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables contrasts the self-centeredness of American youth with the realities faced by those who were under the Pol Pot regime in Cambodia. The Dead Kennedys emerged as prominent voices for the underground protest movement.
57. Sunday Bloody Sunday – U2 (1983)
In later years, the reputation of U2 has been impacted because of Bono’s insufferable self-righteousness. But you can’t deny the band’s ability to compose classic socially conscious tunes. This anthemic protest song from the album War is probably the band’s most political. It not only addresses the massacre in Derry, Northern Island, on January 30, 1972. but the scope can be broadened to speak out against any senseless killing motivated by religious and political divisions.
56. Rockin’ in the Free World – Neil Young (1989)
This iconic proto-grunge track from the album Freedom has emerged as a contemporary protest standard. The tune bookends the album, starting with an acoustic rendition and concluding with the more well-known electric performance. What was originally a critique of the George H.W. Bush administration has been expanded to protest multiple leaders and has become associated with various political moments. An edited version of the tunes was also featured in the closing credits of Michael Moore’s 2004 documentary Fahrenheit 9/11, voicing dissent against the George W. Bush administration.
55. Sam Stone – John Prine (1971)
On Prine‘s excellent self-titled debut, he penned several socially conscious tunes, including a couple in response to the Vietnam War. The standout is “Sam Stone,” which relates the story of a purple heart-receiving soldier who struggles with drug addiction and dies from an overdose. The song is a cautionary tale of the tragic effects of PTSD on returning veterans.
54. No More Auction Block – Paul Robeson (1949)
This anti-slavery song dates back to the US Civil War and is foundational in the evolution of protest music. Bob Dylan cited the tune as an influence on him, penning the 1963 classic, “Blowin’ In The Wind.” One of the more notable versions is by Paul Robeson, who was an influential figure in the development of protest music. He popularized African-American spirituals, and he helped to break down racial barriers at a time when the music and entertainment industry was still heavily segregated.
53. Reagan – Killer Mike (2012)
This political rap tune is a scathing indictment of Ronald Reagan’s US presidency, including the damaging effects of Reaganomics and the war on drugs. Killer Mike also highlights that Reagan as a pawn in a bigger game, citing the US presidents that followed (“Why did Reagan and Obama both go after Qaddafi / We invaded sovereign soil, going after oil / Taking countries is a hobby paid for by the oil lobby/ Same as in Iraq, and Afghanistan’). The song and the album R.A.P. Music that it was off of were both produced by EL-P, beginning a fruitful partnership that would lead to Run The Jewels.
52. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) – Marvin Gaye (1971)
Off the landmark album What’s Going On, this tune well articulates the struggles of those who live in the Inner City. It provides insightful commentary on systemic injustices and economic inequality, and those insights sadly still resonate (“trigger happy policing”).
51. War – Edwin Starr (1970)
In protest music, subtlety is often overrated. Composed by the iconic Motown songwriting dup Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, this anti-war anthem was originally recorded by the Temptations. Appearing on their 1970 album Psychedelic Shack, their version did receive some attention and many college students wrote to Motown requesting that the song be released as a single. The label was concerned about a politically explicit single being linked with the legendary group, so instead, they had the lesser-known Starr record it. Starr’s version had more of an edge, and his passionate vocals well conveyed the message. It also became a massive hit, helping dispel the notion that Motown’s boss Berry Gordy had about political music being commercial suicide.
50. You Haven’t Done Nothin’ – Stevie Wonder (1974)
Featuring background vocals from the Jackson Five, this funky anti-Nixon tune is from the album, Fulfillingness’ First Finale. Because the lyrics stop short of naming the president, it continue to stay relevant. The lyrics can apply to any number of political leaders.
49. Biko – Peter Gabriel (1980)
This powerful anti-apartheid anthem is from Gabriel’s third self-titled album (Melt). The lyrics address the August 18, 1977, imprisonment and subsequent death of South African activist Stephen Biko. The song opens and closes with the singing of the South African anti-apartheid folk song “Senzen Na?” (“What have we done?”). A video for the 1987 live version features clips from the 1987 Biko biopic, Cry Freedom, starring Denzel Washington
48. The Message – Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (1982)
Except for the proto-rapping jazz poets, this is a contender for the first hip-hop protest song. This rap classic is a gritty examination of the systemic ills that impact poor black communities. The lyrics provide a timely warning message that if things continue to go unchecked, the cycle continues.
47. Nelson Mandela – The Special AKA (1984)
This anti-apartheid ska classic contrasted a hard-hitting lyrical message with a joyous musical arrangement. This anthem by the UK two-tone ska band was exported to South Africa, where, despite governmental oppression, it managed to be played at sporting events and anti-apartheid rallies. Once apartheid was brought to an end and Mandela was free, the song now became a celebratory anthem of victory.
46. The Hammer Song – The Weavers (1950)
In 1949, Pete Seeger and Lee Hayes composed this standard in support of The United States Progressive Party. The lyrics support a message of unity and touch upon the power of music. Seeger and Hayes’ folk quartet The Weavers released it as a single in 1950, but the anthem of universal brotherhood gained wider attention when Peter, Paul and Mary scored a top 10 hit in 1962, under the title “If I Had a Hammer.”
45. Say It Loud: I’m Black and I’m Proud – James Brown (1968)
This is another example of how the most effective protest anthems are the most direct. It is also helpful when the lyrics feature a chant that can be chanted at rallies. This black empowerment funk classic by the “Godfather of Soul” features a call and response of a children’s chorus that is both joyful and powerful.
44. Zombie – Fela Kuti and Afrika 70 (1976)
This epic 12-minute afrobeat classic is a fiery denouncement of the corruption of the Nigerian government. The metaphorical use of zombies was used to describe the tactics of the Nigerian military. This anthem is just one of many examples of why Kuti’s music made him an enemy of the state.
43. White Riot – The Clash (1977)
This is the debut single from one of the most important bands in the history of socially conscious music. The lyrics refer to the 1976 riots at Notting Hill Carnival that both Joe Strummer and Paul Simonon were involved in. The riot was in response to London’s Caribbean residents being victims of racist policing practices. The song speaks out against white passiveness, encouraging those with privilege to use it to help the marginalized.
42. Black Boys On Mopeds – Sinéad O’Connor (1990)
O’Connor was a controversial musical figure, as highlighted by the infamous incident when she ripped up a photo of Pope John Paul II during an October 3, 1992 episode of Saturday Night Live to protest the way the Roman Catholic Church handled cases of child abuse. Even beyond that incident, she was never afraid to speak up for her convictions, and at times, that was directly expressed through her music. This tune off her excellent sophomore album references a young black man named Nicholas Bramble, who was killed in a road accident while trying to get away from police who wrongfully suspected him of riding a stolen moped. Sadly, the issue of racial profiling continues to be evergreen.
41. The Ghost of Tom Joad – Bruce Springsteen (1995)
Bruce Springsteen uses the protagonist from John Steinbeck’s 1939 classic novel The Grapes of Wrath as a metaphor for the fight against social injustice. He received inspiration from Woody Guthrie’s “Tom Joad Part 1 and 2”, which appeared on Guthrie’s classic 1940 album, Dust Bowl Ballads. Springsteen effectively builds on folk idioms to link the past with the present and future. The spirit of Tom Joad continued in bands such as Rage Against The Machine who reworked the tune for their 2000 cover album Renegades.
40. A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall – Bob Dylan (1963)
Dylan composed many protest standards, and this tune may be his most epic and poetic. Like many of Dylan’s lyrics, there is debate over what is literal and what is metaphorical. Even though parts of the tune have been interpreted as referring to nuclear fallout, according to a 1963 radio interview, when Dylan refers to “pellets of poison are flooding the waters,” it is a metaphor for poisonous media propaganda. Either way, it still resonates.
39. Eve of Destruction – Barry McGuire (1965)
Appearing on McGuire’s album of the same name, this modern-day protest standard was written by 19-year-old P. F. Sloan. The tune warns of a pending apocalypse if things don’t change. Along with the strong anti-war, it addresses several other social issues, such as civil rights. Also, an important lyric is: “You’re old enough to kill, but not for votin’,” which refers to the fact that the US voting age was 21, while the minimum draft age was 18 (the voting age was lowered to 18 in 1971). That lyric resonates because at the time Sloan was unable to vote. That also highlights how the youth have always played an important role in social changes.
38. The Pill – Loretta Lynn (1975)
Another contender for the most controversial protest song of all time, especially in light of Lynn being a mainstream country artist and country being considered a conservative genre. She first recorded the tune in 1972 but due to religious and conservative opposition to the birth control pill her record company blocked her from releasing it, and when the tune was finally released in 1975 many country radio stations banned it. Even though it didn’t do as well on the Billboard country charts as her earlier singles, it did become her biggest crossover hit on the US Billboard pop charts. The tune became an important sexual liberation anthem, which is still relevant in light of the ongoing battles with women’s reproductive rights.
37. Love Me, I’m a Liberal – Phil Ochs (1966)
This tune is an all-time great political satire exposing the hypocrisy and passiveness of mainstream liberalism. Introducing the song, Ochs states that liberals are “Ten degrees to the left of center in good times, ten degrees to the right of center if it affects them personally.” The not-in-my-backyard mentality is expressed throughout the song (“I love Puerto Ricans and Negros/ As long as they don’t move next door” and “But if you ask me to bus my children / I hope the cops take down your name”). Even though some of the concerns may have been period-specific, the attitude of lip service activism hasn’t changed.
36. Get Up, Stand Up – The Wailers (1973)
Appearing on The Wailers’ classic album, Burnin’ (their final album before becoming known as Bob Marley & The Wailers), Marley was inspired to write this stirring anti-oppression anthem after witnessing poverty on a trip to Haiti. Bob Marley’s wide appeal allowed his songs of protest to be exported beyond Jamaica. Even if you don’t identify with Marley’s political and religious ideology, the sentiments of an anthem like “Get Up Stand Up” are universal. Throughout the world there are oppressive forces that need to be stood up against.
35. Idioteque – Radiohead (2000)
Climate change is a topic Thom Yorke has addressed has both a a solo artist and as a part of Radiohead. For example, his 2006 solo album The Eraser heavily delves into the issue. Another notable instance is “Idioteque” from the Radiohead album Kid A. It includes the lyrics: “Ice age coming/Throw it in the fire” and “We’re not scaremongering/This is really happening.” The sample of the 1976 computer music composition called “Mild and Leise” by Paul Lansky further creates an eerie feeing that warns of what could happen if the status quo stays the same.
34. Pa’lante – Hurray For The Riff Raff (2017)
This galvanizing anthem is from the exceptional album, The Navigator by the project of singer-songwriter Alynda Segarra. The tune is heavily influenced by their Puerto Rican heritage and it addresses issues being faced by the US territory. “Pa’lante” is short for para adelante, which translates as forward. The song effectively samples Pedro Pietri’s poem, “Puerto Rican Obituary” and even though it was recorded before Hurricane Irma and Maria ravaged Puerto Rico, the song became even more relevant after the fact.
33. Rebel Girl – Bikini Kill (1993)
Not only were the band pioneers of the 90s riot grrrls movement, but with “Rebel Girl” they composed one the theme song of the movement. This explosive feminist anthem challenges the heterosexual patriarchal norms evident in the alt-rock of the 1990s.
32. To the Teeth – Ani DiFranco (1999)
This tune is DiFranco’s mournful response to the Columbine High School shooting massacre which took place on April 20th, 1999. The lyrics indicts the gun lobby and the politicians that profit from the gun lobby’s blood money (“Open fire on the NRA / And all the lies they told us along the way / Open fire on each weapons manufacturer / While he’s giving head to some Republican senator”). Sadly, the message is still relevant.
31. Working Class Hero – John Lennon (1970)
While some of Lennon’s protest songs are more direct they can also come across as simplistic sloganeering. This tune off the album John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band is a thoughtful commentary on class splits and how the system is designed to turn individuals into cogs in the machine. It also analyses how media and religion play a role in indoctrinating the masses.
30. The Blacker The Berry – Kendrick Lamar (2015)
Named after the 1929 novel by Wallace Thurman, this highlight from Lamar’s landmark album To Pimp a Butterfly, this tune is partly an embrace of black pride and partly a scathing critique of systemic racism. It is another example of Lamar’s ability as a skilled social commentator, where he can hold up a mirror to both himself and society at the same time.
29. Brenda’s Got a Baby – 2Pac (1991)
2Pac was one of the first male rappers to empathetically comment on the issues dealt with by black women as evident by his 1993 hit, “Keep Ya Head Up,” and this track off his debut album 2Pacalypse Now. The motivation of the lyrics was a news report about a 12-year-old girl becoming pregnant by her cousin and she ends up throwing the baby into a trash compactor. In 2Pac’s retelling of events, 12-year-old Brenda initially tries to dispose of her baby but has a change of heart. 2Pac uses the narrative to address issues such as society’s failure to address generational poverty.
28. Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos – Public Enemy (1988)
This iconic socially conscious hip-hop tune is from the influential rap group’s landmark sophomore album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. Concerning the tune’s motivation, Chuck D stated: “Back when I was seven years old I saw my uncle come to my grandmother’s house to get his draft papers for Vietnam. Of course, as a kid you’re trying to see what’s going on. I saw their faces drop. I thought about the whole draft policy – it just stuck with me. I was like, “If I have to go to jail for not fighting a war, then breaking out is righteous.”” The song is the perfect combination of The Bomb Squad’s minimalistic but potent musical attack and Chuck D’s gripping storytelling narrative.
27. Oh Bondage Up Yours! – X-Ray Spex (1977)
“Some people think little girls should be seen and not heard,” is the introduction to the feminist anthem by X-Ray Spex. Due to what some have mistaken as literal BDSM terminology, the tune was banned by the BBC, but the lyrics were influenced by the personal experiences of lead singer and songwriter Poly Styrene who in a 2008 MOJO Magazine interview stated: “I come from a religious background, and in the scripture, the whole idea of being liberated is to break free from bondage.” The tune and the band have since become an important precursor to the Riot Grrrl movement.
26. American Skin (41 Shots) – Bruce Springsteen (2001)
This tune was written in response to the February 4, 1999, murder of Amadou Diallo, a 23-year-old unarmed Black man who died when the NYPD fired 41 bullets at him. Springsteen debuted the powerful tune during the E Street Band’s 2000 reunion tour. Despite backlash from police organizations that called for concert boycotts, Springsteen persisted in performing the tune, and the lyric “It ain’t no secret/You can get killed just for living in your American skin” resonated. Originally released on the Live in New York City album, the studio version was widely released for the first time on his 2014 album, just in time for the genesis of the BLM movement.
25. Straight to Hell”—The Clash (1982)
This tune is from the album, Combat Rock. Like most of the great The Clash songs, it is a protest against social injustice. The lyrics cover a lot of ground, such as the closing of many Northern England steel mills, American soldiers abandoning Vietnamese children that they fathered, and different racial injustices. The powerful tune also provided the canvas for M.I.A.’s modern-day protest classic “Paper Planes”.
24. People Get Ready — The Impressions (1965)
You could argue that this Curtis Mayfield penned tune is more of a gospel song than a direct protest song, but there is no denying that it became an anthem of the civil rights movement. The lyrics also perfectly encapsulated the church roots of the movement. It is a galvanizing tune that still holds out hope for positive change.
23. For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield (1966)
Written by Stephen Stills in connection with the 1966 Sunset Strip curfew riots, the lyrics conveyed the generation gap and the efforts to oppress those who do not conform to societal norms. The lyrics ended up having a greater impact when they were adopted by the anti-war movement. The song became a universal anthem of human rights that expanded beyond eras, demographics, and specific movements.
22. Ohio – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (1970)
Decades before social media, this was the 1970s equivalent to an immediate viral response. Neil Young wrote “Ohio” in the wake of the May 4, 1970, Kent State massacre, when the National Guard unit (“tin soldiers”) opened fire on students protesting the U.S. invasion of Cambodia. resulting in the death of the “four dead in Ohio.” The anti-Nixon and anti-war song was released in June 1970, becoming both a massive hit and timeless counterculture anthem.
21. Respect – Aretha Franklin (1967)
Written and first recorded by Otis Redding, Aretha transformed the song into a timeless anthem of female empowerment, partly with the addition of “R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Find out what it means to me.” She wasn’t simply asking for respect, she was demanding it, making the song relevant for any marginalized group. Just with her vocals, Aretha could turn any song into an anthem.
20. Which Side Are You On? – The Almanac Singers (1941)
The tune written by Florence Reece in 1931 was in response to a miner’s strike in Harlan County, Kentucky (commonly referred to as the Harlan County War), in support of her husband Sam Reece, a union organizer for the United Mine Workers. The tune also became popularized by the Pete Seeger lead folk collective The Almanac Singers and appeared on their album Talking Union. The song continued to be an endearing labor anthem.
19. Four Women – Nina Simone (1966)
Composed by Simone, this riveting character study of four black women appears on her classic album Wild Is The Wind. She effectively employs four common stereotypes to examine the long-term impact of slavery and systemic racism. The tune also took on increased relevance when Jay-Z sampled it in his 2017 tune, “The Story of OJ”, providing him the canvas to explore similar themes.
18. Fortunate Son – Credence Clearwater Revival (1969)
CCR’s lead singer John Fogerty composed this classic tune in response to nepo babies who never would have to worry about being drafted. This timeless anti-war message transcends the Vietnam era. It also makes evergreen statements about elitism and is a rallying cry for the 99%.
17. This Is America – Childish Gambino (2018)
The provocative single and video for “This Is America” is a landmark moment in the history of protest art. Even though it is hard to separate the tune from the video, even without the visuals, the song still stands on its own as an impactful statement on the Black American experience. The lyrics address concerns such as gun violence and police brutality. Also by juxtaposing upbeat choruses with dark lyrics it effectively contrasts the perception of being black compared to the reality.
16. Only a Pawn in Their Game”—Bob Dylan (1964)
Dylan wrote these lyrics to address the fact that Medger Evers’ murderer was merely a pawn and wasn’t the only one who shared blood guilt. It wasn’t simply an isolated event, but it was systemic ideologies that needed to be conquered to win their rigged game. The song was also performed at the 1963 March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
15. War Pigs – Black Sabbath (1970)
This ass-kicking anti-war tune by the Godfathers of Metal is off their classic sophomore album Paranoid. The lyrics indict the corporate war machine that profits off the blood of the poor. This anthem of righteous indignation continues to be relevant. According to bassist Geezer Butler, the song was made to show that war is “the big Satan.” Mission accomplished!
14. Fuck Tha Police – NWA (1988)
Protest songs don’t get much more controversial and confrontational. The lyrics explore police brutality and racial profiling. Sadly more than three decades later we have the Black Lives Matter Movement and football players kneeling during the National Anthem because the systemic issues mentioned in the tune have never been properly addressed. This rap classic is also one of the more notable entries in the canon of FU protest songs.
13. Paper Planes – M.I.A (2007)
The initial motivation behind this tune was the challenges that M.I.A. faced in trying to secure a US work Visa. She viewed her ethnicity as part of the issue and was briefly on the US Homeland Security Risk List in 2006 for her political lyrics. She also takes on the issue of racial profiling and addresses the wrongful stereotypes that people have of immigrants. The effective use of gunshots and cash registers also makes powerful statements about greed and gun violence. Then of course there is the sample of The Clash’s “Straight To Hell”. Despite genre differences, M.I.A. did reflect the same punk spirit.
12. Alright – Kendrick Lamar (2015)
This standout from To Pimp a Butterfly became a modern-day anthem due to its link to the Black Lives Matter movement. Many of the all-time great protest songs feature lyrics that can easily be chanted and the chorus of “We gon’ be alright” was regularly chanted at BLM rallies. Lamar also provides insightful critiques on police brutality (“we hate po-po / wanna kill us dead in the street fo’ sho’) and a system built on broken promises (“40 acres and a mule). He effectively balances a hope for change with a sense of realism.
11. The Revolution Will Not Be Televised – Gil Scott-Heron (1971)
Originally a stripped-down version of this proto-rap classic appeared on Scott-Heron’s 1970 live album Small Talk at 125th and Lenox. The more well-known full-band version appeared on his 1971 studio debut Pieces of Man. Based on a popular slogan of the Black Power movement and in response to The Last Poets’ 1970 spoken word classic “When the Revolution Comes”, the lyrics express the media’s failure to cover real-world issues and true change is going to happen when the media isn’t covering it. Some of the references may be dated, but the sentiments are timeless.
10. We Shall Overcome – Pete Seeger (1947)
Like many traditional folk songs, there is some debate over its lineage but It is believed that it is at least partially based on the 1901 gospel song “I’ll Overcome Someday,” by Reverend Charles Albert Tindley. But Pete Seeger is often cited as the one responsible for the modern arrangement and popularization of the tune, such as renaming the song “We Shall Overcome”. The song also became a timeless standard and it became widely associated with Joan Baez who led a crowd of approximately 300,000 in a sing-along during the March on Washington on August 28, 1963.
9. This Land Is Your Land – Woody Guthrie (1940)
Guthrie composed this tune in response to the Irving Berlin penned “God Bless America.” Instead of being a patriotic tune, the song was in protest of an unjust system of inequality. Some of the song’s most powerful lines often get excluded (“There was a big high wall there that tried to stop me / Sign was painted, it said private property / But on the back side it didn’t say nothing / This land was made for you and me”) but are included in the above video. There are also additional lost verses (“One bright sunny morning in the shadow of the steeple / By the Relief Office I saw my people / As they stood hungry/ I stood there wondering if This land was made for you and me”). Variants of these verses have been included in versions by Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, Sharon Jones, and the Dap-Kings and My Morning Jacket.
8. Redemption Song – Bob Marley and the Wailers (1980)
The concluding track on the last album that Marley released before his death, it is impossible to have a more powerful final statement. Essentially a solo acoustic Bob Marley folk tune, it is one of the most breathtaking songs ever written. The lyrics explore how our thoughts can enslave us and that we need to reject all hateful rhetoric to achieve true freedom.
7. Mississippi Goddam – Nina Simone (1964)
Simone’s response to the murder of Medgar Evers in Mississippi and a bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama on September 15, 1963, this song may have been her most direct protest tune and the beginning of her becoming more political with her music. Appearing on the album Nina Simone in Concert, it was released as a single, but it was banned in most of the South. The tune became a notable civil rights anthem, and on March 24, 1965, Simone performed the song in front of 10,000 people, towards the conclusion of the Selma to Montgomery marches.
6. Blowin’ In The Wind — Bob Dylan (1963)
It was tough limiting this list to three Bob Dylan songs. In the 60s he wrote so many classic protest tunes it is impossible to come up with a consensus pick. But you could argue that this has become his most endearing standard (and his most often covered). The song also inspired Sam Cooke to write “A Change Is Gonna Come.” That is a pretty significant legacy.
5. Killing In The Name – Rage Against The Machine (1992)
You would be hard-pressed to find a band as explicitly political as Rage Against The Machine, and if you did, they probably didn’t infiltrate the mainstream consciousness the way Rage did. This song which protested racist cops (“some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses”) was released about six months after the 1992 Los Angeles Riots and could be viewed as the band’s mission statement (“Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me”). When taking a stand against injustice the best response is often a wholehearted “Fuck You!” In the canon of FU protest songs, this is by far the best of them.
4. What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye (1971)
The title track from the classic album is one of the most yearning protest songs ever written. The tune was co-written by The Four Top’s Renaldo Benson. Benson’s inspiration was the news reports of police brutality that was happening at student anti-war protests. Gaye had a personal connection, his brother Frankie was a Vietnam veteran who returned home and was struggling to adjust to new realities. Gaye had to butt heads with Motown founder Berry Gordy to get the song released as a single, but thankfully he stuck to his guns and won that battle. It is a timeless classic that continues to be relevant.
3. Fight The Power – Public Enemy (1989)
Chuck D has referred to rap music as “the Black CNN”, and “Fight The Power” is an exceptional display of hard-hitting reporting. Inspired by the 1975 Isley Brothers’ song of the same name, Chuck D explored similar themes for this tune that he composed for the classic 1989 Spike Lee film Do The Right Thing. Releasing a 2020 remix. The Public Enemy tune continued to be relevant in the wake of BLM.
2. A Change Is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke (1964)
After listening to Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ In the Wind,” Sam Cooke was inspired to compose one of the most important songs ever penned. He felt if a white man was able to articulate the struggles of black people, then someone who goes through those daily struggles should be able to, and he did. Along with tapping into his own experiences of dealing with racism he also returned to his gospel roots to record a moving anthem of hope.
1 Strange Fruit – Billie Holiday (1939)
In response to disturbing news reports of the public lynchings taking place in the South, Abel Meeropol wrote “Strange Fruit” as a poem under the pseudonym Lewis Allan. He eventually set the poem to music and the tune would become widely associated with Billie Holiday. You can feel pain in her voice as she delivers the painful imagery of the lyrics. She had to fight to record it because of concerns from record companies and producers who feared the backlash from the Southern States. Because she fought for her convictions, the anti-lynching anthem became one of her biggest hits and is one of the most important tunes ever recorded.