Anyone know any songs that address political, social or economic issues?

Question

I need to start on a project where we have to analyze a song like that, and give a 3-4 minute speech on it.
It can be any style, from any year.
Preferebly no swearing, or a small amount.
Any ideas?

Those are good, but already taken. Any other ones that are less known? Thank you though!

Answer 1

Eve of Destruction, by Barry Maquire, still appropriate today

Answer 2

How about "I Feel Like I'm Fixin to Die" rag by Country Joe McDonald. This was very popular way back when I was in high school in the Viet Nam era.

And it's one, two, three
What are we fighting for ?
Don't ask me, I don't give a damn,
Next stop is Vietnam.
And it's five, six, seven,
Open up the pearly gates,
Well there ain't no time to wonder why,
Whoopee! we're all gonna die.

Here's a link with the whole thing:

http://www.well.com/~cjfish/game.htm

There's also a musical called Pins and Needles that about the Lady Garment Worker's Union. Many of those songs would work, if you can find the music anywhere. I couldn't find lyrics on line.

And there's a musical called Fiorello, about New York mayor LaGuardia has a lot of songs about politics and such.

And of course Hair, America's Tribal Rock Musical is very politcally oriented, but very full of naughty language. You can find these lyrics online, but some of them may make you blush.

Answer 3

Now that the Buffalo's Gone-Buffy Sainte Marie My Country Tiss of Thy People Your Dying-Buffy Sainte Marie Run To The Hills-Iron Maiden

Answer 4

How about Viet Nam? What with the war now going on, perhaps it's time to revisit the last Asian debacle our esteemed congress got us into. Click on the button to listen to the song. If you like it, you can download into an MP3 player.

http://www.countryjoe.com/feelmus.htm

Answer 5

i just heard a song by pink today that talks about Bush but i don't know about the swearing or if it will fit what you will need its called Dear Mr. President

Answer 6

Rage Against The Machine-Renegades Of Funk is a good one, I don't know if it'll be your best option, but it's pretty interesting.


http://youtube.com/watch?v=9z4NKVHX8yI

Answer 7

Toby Keith has tons of them. I think his song American Soldier would be perfect for your analysis. If you want a funny one he also does one called the Taliban song that's perfect and funny.

Here's links to lyrics:
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/keith-toby/the-taliban-song-10324.html
http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/American-Soldier-lyrics-Toby-Keith/C3EC8468C5DF7F2A48256DD5002917AE