This week’s Tunes for Tuesday is a mini-playlist of songs to sustain you through this historic election. Check out our picks below!
What an election cycle this has been. I know we still have into the wee hours of the morning (or even later) until every vote is counted and the results can be called, but there is light at the end of the tunnel!
It’s been brutal. We understand that, so here at Culturess, we’ve put together a little playlist of politically-charged songs to sustain you through the final push.
Alter Bridge, “Show Me A Leader”
American rockers Alter Bridge put together a smashing album that was released in October titled The Last Hero. A lot of the songs speak of everyday heroes, but this one is pretty politically slant. Just take a look at the music video.
"Well they’re selling another messiahHere tonightBut we’re all way too numb and dividedTo buy itSingingNo no noWe are all too divided this timeNo no noShow me a leader that won’t compromiseShow me a leader so hope never diesWe need a hero this timeNo no no"
Common, “Black America Again”
Common is back, and he’s brought a few friends with him. Stevie wonder co-wrote this hard-hitter. It’s an emotional ride, but one that is important. Side note: The whole Common album is great; I highly recommend it if you want some rap that will make you think.
"Now we slave to the blocks, on ’em we spray shotsLeaving our own to lay in a boxBlack mother’s stomachs stay in a knotWe kill each other, it’s part of the plotI wish the hating will stop (war)And the battle with usI know that black lives matter and they matter to usThese are the things we gotta discussThe new plantation, mass incarcerationInstead of educate, they’d rather convict the kidsAs dirty as the water in Flint, the system isIs it a felony or a misdemeanorMaria Sharapova making more than SerenaIt took Viola Davis to say this"
Chumbawamba, “Always Tell The Voter What The Voter Wants To Hear”
Chumbawamba’s 1987 song from the Nevermind The Ballots album is mighty relevant today. And this culture that has been bred in global politics may, honestly, never change. UNLESS YOU VOTE AND HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD!
"Hello, we’ve got our first caller. You’re name’s Martin. Hello Martin.You disagree with our statement policy.Well Martin to tell you the truth I couldn’t agree with you more. It’s outrageous, disgustingBut unlike my colleague on my right, we’re the party who say what we do, do what we say.You can bank on us Mart!Good evening, Shirley. I’m so glad that you’ve rung.The matter is as dear to me as it is to you.Give me four years and I’ll get right down to it.Because unlike my little balding colleague on my left, we don’t make promises we can’t keep.You still there, Martin? Just one more thing. Give us your vote"
Franz Ferdinand, “Demagogue”
We have two songs from Dave Eggers’ project 30 Days, 50 Songs. The slogan for the project reads, “Written & recorded by artists for a Trump-Free America.” I can get down with that.
FF’s song, “Demagogue” especially stood out to me because of that one line about grabbin’ pussies. Sure, it makes me cringe, but we must remember who— and what— we’re up against. ”
"He’s a demagogueCheck out his riseHe’s a demagogueHe’s fatally famousHe’s a demagogueHe plays with my fearsA demagogueMy shadow side dreamingThe demagogueIt feels so good to be dumbFrom the Wall straight to La QuentaThose pussy grabbing fingers won’t let go of me now"
Death Cab For Cutie, “Million Dollar Loan”
Death Can For Cutie’s “Million Dollar Loan” is also featured in the 30 Days, 50 Songs project. It’s soothing in sound, but mighty with its words. It will simultaneously chill you out and make your blood pressure rise.
Okay, off to get my million dollar loan. See ya later.
"From a great heightHe’s looking down on his city at nightFrom gilded roomOf gold, marble, and soft perfumeAnd he’s proud to sayHe built his fortune the old fashioned wayBecause to succeedThere’s only one thing you really needA million dollar loanNobody makes it on their ownWithout a million dollar loanYou’ll reap what you’ve sownFrom a million dollar loanCall your father on the phoneAnd get that million dollar loan"
Disney’s Mary Poppins, “Sister Suffragette”
Today is a historic day, regardless of the results. Women around the country were finally able to cast their vote for a women presidential candidate. So to our sister suffragettes, who fought and won for us, we salute you. From the deepest depths of my heart, thank you.
"No more the meek and mild subservients we!We’re fighting for our rights, militantly!Never you fear!So, cast off the shackles of yesterday!Shoulder to shoulder into the fray!Our daughters’ daughters will adore usAnd they’ll sign in grateful chorus“Well done! Well done!Well done Sister Suffragette!”"
Next: New Music Releases for Friday, November 11th
Got some favorite protest/ political songs we didn’t include? Let us know in the comments! And please, get out and VOTE today!