Protest Song

For my protest song I chose WAR by Edwin Starr. In the song he protests War, specifically the Vietnam War, and says how it is good for absolutely nothing. The first thing that comes to mind when I hear this song is either Rush Hour or Boy Meets World. Despite the fact that I didn’t know it was related to the Vietnam War. I think it’s a good protest song because it has lasted all these years and has even been sung by other people, like Bruce Springsteen. It is a very catchy song and makes powerful statements in the lyrics. Also, since it doesn’t specifically reference the Vietnam War it can be used for numerous different protests against war.

I think protest songs can be effective, but it all depends on the cause and the song. I feel that it needs to be catchy so that people will remember it easily. I also think that the song needs to be relatively simple as well. If the lyrics get too complex I feel like the message might get lost in the noise. I know certain pop songs that sound really upbeat actually have some pretty dark lyrics, third eye blind’s semi-charmed life for example. Overall, I think protests are effective in rallying people together around the cause. It is also great for spreading the protest message on a large scale because people all around the world can have access to it.