Old Guy
Wimps (2015) The song “Old Guy” by Wimps humorously explores the experience of being the older person at a party, reflecting on how the treatment of older individuals remains consistent regardless of...
View ArticleTom Traubert’s Blues
Tom Waits (2025) “Tom Traubert’s Blues” narrates the story of a man named Tom Traubert, who finds himself lost and penniless in a foreign land, reflecting themes of alcohol abuse and personal despair....
View ArticleThe Revolution Will Not Be Televised
Gil Scott-Heron (1971) Gil Scott-Heron’s song “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is a satirical poem that critiques the superficiality of television and consumer culture, urging listeners to engage...
View ArticleEat the Rich
Motörhead (1987) The song “Eat the Rich” by Motörhead is a commentary on classism, using dark humor and innuendo to suggest a rebellion against the wealthy elite. It was also written as the title track...
View ArticleGod Save the Queen
Sex Pistols (1977) “God Save the Queen” by the Sex Pistols expresses a critical view of the British monarchy and societal issues, reflecting feelings of disillusionment and frustration. The song’s...
View ArticleNazi Punks Fuck Off
Dead Kennedys (1981) The song’s meaning is crystal clear from its title alone. “Nazi Punks Fuck Off” is a vehement rejection of neo-Nazi ideology and the presence of white supremacists in the punk...
View ArticleThe Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll
Bob Dylan (1964) The song “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll” by Bob Dylan addresses the themes of racism and social injustice, recounting the tragic story of Hattie Carroll, an African American...
View ArticleA Change is Gonna Come (by Sam Cooke)
Brian & Thomas Owens (2013) Brian Owens and his father, Thomas Owens, share the gift of music across generations in this cover of Sam Cooke’s classic. “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke is...
View ArticleSmoke Two Joints
Sublime (1992) The song “Smoke Two Joints” by Sublime is about the enjoyment and culture surrounding smoking marijuana, with lyrics that humorously describe smoking at different times of the day. It...
View ArticleWe Didn’t Start the Fire
Billy Joel (1989) Billy Joel’s song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” reflects on significant historical events and cultural references from 1949 to 1989, emphasizing that the challenges faced by his...
View ArticleEverybody Knows
Leonard Cohen (1988) Leonard Cohen’s song “Everybody Knows” conveys a bleak and cynical view of the world, addressing themes like social inequality, disillusionment, and the inevitability of...
View ArticlePolitical World
Bob Dylan (1989) Bob Dylan’s song “Political World” critiques the modern political landscape, highlighting themes of materialism, the absence of love, and the loss of wisdom and courage in society. It...
View ArticleFortunate Son
Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969) “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival critiques social inequality and the privilege of wealthy individuals who can avoid military service, particularly...
View ArticleBurn Your Village to the Ground
The Halluci Nation (2014) “Burn Your Village to the Ground” by The Halluci Nation addresses the complex and often painful history of Indigenous peoples, particularly in relation to colonialism and the...
View ArticleSnow White
Disney (2025) A princess joins forces with seven dwarfs to liberate her kingdom from her cruel stepmother the Evil Queen. A live-action adaptation of the 1937 Disney animated film ‘Snow White and the...
View ArticleNew World Order
Ministry (1992) I’m in love without the tears of regretOpen fire ’cause I love it to deathSky high with a heartache of stoneYou’ll never see me ’cause I’m always alone How to love without a trace of...
View ArticleA Drug Against War
KMFDM (1993) Fans from across the US banded together and answered the call for footage captured during the 22/23 Hyëna tour. A Drug Against War critiques societal issues related to war and violence,...
View ArticleFight the Power
Public Enemy (1989) Fight the Power by Public Enemy is a protest anthem that addresses racial discrimination and calls for resistance against systemic oppression faced by African Americans. It was...
View ArticleSleep Now in the Fire
Rage Against the Machine (1999) Sleep Now in the Fire by Rage Against the Machine addresses themes of greed, societal issues, and the consequences of capitalism. The lyrics personify greed and...
View ArticleTrump Declares War on Artists
Tavish Forsyth (2025) “I have called Trump out on his bullshit and dare him to fire me for being unapologetically queer, and critical, for showing up everyday in my best red lip and woke gender...
View Article