The war in Vietnam was the soundtrack of my junior high/high school years so there are many that come to mind - like Freda Payne "Bring the Boys Home" or Marvin Gaye "What's Going On" or Country Joe & the Fish, “Feel Like I’m Fixin’ to Die” or classics like "Blowin' In the Wind".
Question to you, Ari and everyone: is Redemption Song by Bob Marley a protest song? I like this song but I am not sure if it is a protest song🤷🏽♀️ Thanks😃
Vietnam protest songs will always be my favorite genre because that's what I lived through. "Blowin' in the Wind" is the first one I remember. It's gentle, yet powerful and provocative. But, CCR's "Fortunate Son" hit the nail on the head, I think. And, Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" rounds out my top three.
The Message, GRAND Master Flash, George Harrison, Beware of Darkness, "Within you and without you" from SGT> Peppers; The lyrics are very influential for those seeking deeper ideas about why we are here, materialism and what it is. I find the lyrics from Imagine by John and Yoko,as well as the anti guns stance of Yoko,to be protest , They Paved Paradise J Mitchell..Stevie Wonder Living for the city, Marvin Gaye, (already mentioned) Hello from Vancouver BC I have always thought this section of your show should be called "THE ARI - with BEAT Melber" Happy Spring DK BC potter
As a kid, I remember hearing Traffic's Freedom Rider and loving the sound of it. I wasn't sure then, and I'm still not so sure now, what the lyrics really mean and if they intended to be political. But it sent me on a quest at a very young age to find out about the freedom riders. That's when I first learned of the horrific racial laws in our South. It is included on a few of my playlists.
Speaking of play lists, I must go slightly off topic. Last night I had the great privilege to be at Ari's talk with Clive Davis in NYC. Oh what a treat. And we got to hear Mr. Davis talk more about the great poet Gil Scott Heron, a topic you've delved in to here. I loved how with each provocative question you asked (even in the lightning round!), he managed to take us on a lovey winding journey to somewhere. I was looking through some of my play lists today and thinking what would the soundtracks to our lives look like without Clive Davis? Bravo Ari!
Great article, there are so many great protest songs out there it give me something to think about🙏😊. I can tell you straight off when a country and it people lose their values and respect for each other, you die a little everyday. l think of Marvin Gaye, What's Going on! As the first one that comes into my head. More to follow as times goes on👍😊
Just to bring in a “younger voice” I’ll go with Lil Baby and “The Bigger Picture.” He’s very sensitive, insightful. Enjoyed this newsletter and look forward to more.
I grew up with an older brother who lived and breathed folk music. So, the classics like “We Shall Overcome” sung by Pete Seeger and Joan Baez and Dylan’s “The Times They Are a-Changing” were my first exposures to protest anthems. The songs still hold up today. I will always appreciate and love my brother for expanding and enlightening my love of music.
Movies, songs, videos.🎹🎼🎤 No matter how long ago we were introduced to so many of these wonderful stories, they seem to resonate with what the world is experiencing right now. It's so hard to pinpoint just one, For What It's Worth by Buffalo Springfield is one of my top songs. Others are Blowin in the Wind by Peter Paul & Mary, The Sounds Of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel and the iconic What's Going On by Marvin Gaye. Thanks Ari!!! 🙏🎵💗👍
Great article Ari. First songs as a child that made me think about politics, questioning authority and struggles, etc. (other than the Irish revolutionary songs that I was raised with) would be Bob Dylan's early work, Blowing in the Wind of course) Every song on The Revolution Begins: Gil Scott-Heron.
Been reading some of the initial comments -- interesting stuff! And subscribe above if you haven't...
The war in Vietnam was the soundtrack of my junior high/high school years so there are many that come to mind - like Freda Payne "Bring the Boys Home" or Marvin Gaye "What's Going On" or Country Joe & the Fish, “Feel Like I’m Fixin’ to Die” or classics like "Blowin' In the Wind".
Question to you, Ari and everyone: is Redemption Song by Bob Marley a protest song? I like this song but I am not sure if it is a protest song🤷🏽♀️ Thanks😃
Vietnam protest songs will always be my favorite genre because that's what I lived through. "Blowin' in the Wind" is the first one I remember. It's gentle, yet powerful and provocative. But, CCR's "Fortunate Son" hit the nail on the head, I think. And, Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" rounds out my top three.
The Message, GRAND Master Flash, George Harrison, Beware of Darkness, "Within you and without you" from SGT> Peppers; The lyrics are very influential for those seeking deeper ideas about why we are here, materialism and what it is. I find the lyrics from Imagine by John and Yoko,as well as the anti guns stance of Yoko,to be protest , They Paved Paradise J Mitchell..Stevie Wonder Living for the city, Marvin Gaye, (already mentioned) Hello from Vancouver BC I have always thought this section of your show should be called "THE ARI - with BEAT Melber" Happy Spring DK BC potter
"What's Going On;" covers it all for me personally. Its a timeless song with a clear message.
As a kid, I remember hearing Traffic's Freedom Rider and loving the sound of it. I wasn't sure then, and I'm still not so sure now, what the lyrics really mean and if they intended to be political. But it sent me on a quest at a very young age to find out about the freedom riders. That's when I first learned of the horrific racial laws in our South. It is included on a few of my playlists.
Speaking of play lists, I must go slightly off topic. Last night I had the great privilege to be at Ari's talk with Clive Davis in NYC. Oh what a treat. And we got to hear Mr. Davis talk more about the great poet Gil Scott Heron, a topic you've delved in to here. I loved how with each provocative question you asked (even in the lightning round!), he managed to take us on a lovey winding journey to somewhere. I was looking through some of my play lists today and thinking what would the soundtracks to our lives look like without Clive Davis? Bravo Ari!
Great article, there are so many great protest songs out there it give me something to think about🙏😊. I can tell you straight off when a country and it people lose their values and respect for each other, you die a little everyday. l think of Marvin Gaye, What's Going on! As the first one that comes into my head. More to follow as times goes on👍😊
Just to bring in a “younger voice” I’ll go with Lil Baby and “The Bigger Picture.” He’s very sensitive, insightful. Enjoyed this newsletter and look forward to more.
I grew up with an older brother who lived and breathed folk music. So, the classics like “We Shall Overcome” sung by Pete Seeger and Joan Baez and Dylan’s “The Times They Are a-Changing” were my first exposures to protest anthems. The songs still hold up today. I will always appreciate and love my brother for expanding and enlightening my love of music.
Movies, songs, videos.🎹🎼🎤 No matter how long ago we were introduced to so many of these wonderful stories, they seem to resonate with what the world is experiencing right now. It's so hard to pinpoint just one, For What It's Worth by Buffalo Springfield is one of my top songs. Others are Blowin in the Wind by Peter Paul & Mary, The Sounds Of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel and the iconic What's Going On by Marvin Gaye. Thanks Ari!!! 🙏🎵💗👍
Great article Ari. First songs as a child that made me think about politics, questioning authority and struggles, etc. (other than the Irish revolutionary songs that I was raised with) would be Bob Dylan's early work, Blowing in the Wind of course) Every song on The Revolution Begins: Gil Scott-Heron.
A Change Is Gonna Come.
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH- Buffalo Springfield FREEDOM-Richie Havens LUV what you do ARI !
Marvin Gaye`s "What`s Going On". Talks about war, death of Black because of racism and people of color being considered as "the other",
Get Together, by the Youngbloods. Straight ahead simplicity, as well as good music.