Music That Makes An Impact | Part 2
My lovely heart flag. Click on my photo to pin on Pinterest!
Part 2 coming in hot! I’m ready to share more impactful songs to add to your playlists this summer. It’s going to be a long summer, so stay safe out there, friends. Create art and spread the love. We’ll make it through.
You can find Part 1 here. I’ve added all of these songs from both parts to my playlist on Spotify for your convenience! Now, let’s get to the good stuff.
P.S. If you like my heart flag, you can buy yours here. They’re handmade by Seattle FlagMakers. I absolutely adore mine!
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1. Us and Them - Pink Floyd
Listening to Pink Floyd is always a trip. I recommend buckling up for the full The Dark Side of the Moon album. It’s legendary.
2. Where Is The Love? - Black Eyed Peas
What a classic early 2000s song with a great message.
[Lyrics]
Where is the love?
3. Formation -Beyonce
Beyonce’s iconic song, Formation, is about celebrating her culture while protesting the racism that comes with it. The music video is amazing and incredibly influential. I highly recommend watching it.
4. Man in Black - Johnny Cash
One of country music’s biggest stars, Johnny Cash, has some powerful protest songs, like Man in Black.
[Lyrics]
I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down
Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town
I wear it for the prisoner who is long paid for his crime
But is there because he's a victim of the times
5. What Was I Made For? - Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s song, What Was I Made For, is about questioning and then finding your own self-worth as a woman in this patriarchal society. It definitely made me shed some tears during the Barbie movie!
6. Under Pressure - Queen, David Bowie
I love this song. Love is the solution even under all this pressure.
[Lyrics]
'Cause love's such an old-fashioned word
And love dares you to care for the people on the edge of the night
And love dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves
This is our last dance
This is our last dance
This is ourselves
Under pressure
7. Born in the U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen
This song is not the prideful American anthem that many think it is. It’s actually an anti-war protest song.
8. Get Up, Stand Up - Bob Marley & The Wailers
[Lyrics]
Get up, stand up
Don't give up the fight
Bob Marley was all about spreading peace and unifying people with his music.
9. Stand By Me - Ben E. King
Another unifying song, Stand By Me, is all about coming together, especially during trying times. It played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement and is still used to unify today.
10. HIND’S HALL - Macklemore
[Lyrics]
The problem isn't the protests, it's what they're protesting
It goes against what our country is funding
All of Macklemore’s proceeds from Hinds Hall goes to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
11. Colors of the Wind - Judy Kuhn
The lyrics to this song have always hit hard since being a kid. I love every part of it.
[Lyrics]
You think the only people who are people
Are the people who look and think like you
But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger
You'll learn things you never knew, you never knew
12. all-american bitch - Olivia Rodrigo
I love how Olivia Rodrigo sings this song. She alternates between soft and screaming with rage. It’s relatable.
13. Not Ready to Make Nice - The Chicks
After publicly condemning the president, The Chicks were one of the most hated groups in country music. Not Ready to Make Nice is their response to the criticism, and they’ve come back even stronger.
14. Alright - Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s song, Alright, describes the hardships of growing up in Compton. He balances the negative with positive thinking with the chorus of the song.
[Lyrics]
We gon’ be alright
15. Respect - Aretha Franklin
[Lyrics]
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Aretha Franklin’s song, Respect, is one of the most famous women’s empowerment anthem. It has been used to lead many historical movements.
16. Imagine - John Lennon
Just try imagining a world were there are no man-made rules or borders. Just people living together in peace.
[Lyrics]
Nothing to kill or die for
What a crazy concept.
17. Praying - Kesha
Praying is all about Kesha’s personal journey of healing after abuse. It’s about becoming even stronger after adversity.
18. The Times They Are A-Changin’ - Bob Dylan
[Lyrics]
Your old road is rapidly aging
Please get out of the new one
If you can’t lend your hand
‘Cause the times,
They are a-changin’
Bob Dylan is known for his political songs that still resonate today.
19. Bullet with Butterfly Wings - Smashing Pumpkins
[Lyrics]
And what do I get for my pain?
Betrayed desires and
a piece of the game
This song is all about finding your worth in this world where success is only rewarded. It’s frustrating, but you have to find your worth within yourself. Be creative, just to be creative. You’re allowed to show your emotions. Life is all about learning and expressing yourself. I’m still learning this.
20. Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked - Cage the Elephant
Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked tells the story of different “wicked” people who are struggling to make ends meet.
[Lyrics]
Oh, no there ain’t no
rest for the wicked
Until we close our eyes for good
It’s just a never ending cycle, unless we break it.
21. Holiday - Green Day
While Green Day’s song, Holiday, is upbeat, the lyrics are chilling. It criticizes the government, describes war, and even references Nazis.
22. Long Violent History - Tyler Childers
Tyler Childers is a great song writer and his song, Long Violent History, is especially commanding.
[Lyrics]
It's the worst that it's been since the last time it happened
It's happening again right in front of our eyes
There's updated footage, wild speculation
Tall tales and hearsay and absolute lies
23. Killing in the Name -Rage Against The Machine
Killing in the Name has lyrics that are repeated and straight to the point so there’s no confusing what the message is. It’s widely used during protests for this very reason.
24. What’s Going On - Marvin Gaye
Alternatively, a more peaceful protest song is Marvin Gaye’s song, What’s Going On. Marvin Gaye’s voice is so beautiful. It definitely adds extra emotion.
25. This Land is Your Land - Woody Guthrie
Simple and powerful lyrics that are especially potent right now.
[Lyrics]
This land was made for you and me
No one is illegal on stolen land.
Overview
I loved putting together this list of impactful music. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as well! Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know below.
Here is my Spotify playlist I put together!
Camera used to document: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
