We're living in a wild and, quite frankly, insane time on Earth. Music is one of the ways people escape from life, and people also look to music as a way to talk about social issues. Considering all the current events and pressing issues we're facing as a global society, I've compiled a list of songs we need to remember and heed the calls of:
1. "When The Children Cry" - White Lion
This song is a given. The lyrics "all that we've destroyed, you must build again" are just as heartbreaking as they were in 1987 when White Lion released "When the Children Cry" to the world. As much as we like to think we focus on the future, we honestly don't take enough time to think of how our current actions could potentially hurt future generations.
2. "Waiting on the World to Change" - John Mayer
"It's not that we don't care, we just know that the fight ain't fair." One could easily argue that some people on earth still have "archaic" and "old-fashioned" opinions and thoughts about current issues in our global society, and this song addresses that problem.
3. "Russians" - Sting
This eerie song speaks for itself. "Russians" is warning against the bad intentions of a country that still isn't in the clear of being civil with its citizens. The line "we share the same biology regardless of ideology" cuts deep because our world is still dealing with issues relating to discrimination based on personal beliefs even though we are all human beings.
4. "Goodbye Blue Sky" - Pink Floyd
These lyrics aren't exactly relatable for most Americans who were born in the past 50 years, but these lyrics bring back haunting memories for people who lived through World War I or II as well as people in Middle Eastern countries who live through bombings and constant turmoil. The following lyrics point to the confusion and pain those who have been involved in war either felt or are feeling because of bombings and fighting: "Did you ever wonder why we had to run for shelter when the promise of a brave new world unfurled beneath a clear blue sky?" This music video with the scene from "The Wall" is disturbing yet thought-provoking.
5. "Let It Be" - The Beatles
Being a ball of nerves and anxiety is understandable in times like these. Even when you're panicking and worried, remember to "let it be." Whatever battle you're facing shall pass.
6. "Land of Confusion" - Genesis
The music video and lyrics of this song are commentaries on the world during the 1980s and, namely, the Reagan era in America. Since many folks are likening the current Trump presidency to that of the Reagan administration, this song is obviously relevant again. "This is the world we live in and these are the hands we're given. Use them and let's start trying to make it a place worth living in. " The previous lyrics basically say we, the "common people," are just as responsible for what happens to our world as those with power in government.
7. "Livin' On The Edge" - Aerosmith
Aside from being a phenomenal commentary on the society of the 1990s, Aerosmith's "Livin' on the Edge" is a song about rapid change and temptation. We still live in a world full of deviance and turmoil, and live Steven Tyler says, "you can't help yourself from fallin'."
8. "Waiting for the Worms" - Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were the kings of societal commentary, so I obviously have to include them multiple times. "Waiting for the Worms" is a song that warns against narcissism, racism and ignorantly hateful fascism. The above clip is from the film "The Wall," and the visual interpretation is just as sickening as the lyrics themselves. To make all the wishes in the video and lyrics become reality, "all you need to do is follow the worms."
9. "Janie's Got A Gun" - Aerosmith
While this song isn't as much about politics as the other songs I have selected for this list, this tune does point to issues with rape culture in American society. How much do victims of sexual assault have to do to get people to believe their stories and help them seek help? The fact that "Janie" had to resort to murder to be the victor in her story is heartbreaking, and sadly her motives excuse for murder is no different than that of most victims of sexual assault today: "She had to take him down easy and put a bullet in his brain. She said. ''cause nobody believes me. The man was such a sleaze; he ain't never gonna be the same.'"
10. "Right Now" - Van Halen
"Right Now's" lyrics are provocative enough alone, but coupled with the factoids appearing on the screen during the video, the bits of information coming from this song are fascinating. People have a tendency to put things off until the last minute or let a problem go on until it's nearly untreatable or too advanced to be handled, and Van Halen's song is a message to handle whatever "beef" there is "right here and now" and not to "wait 'till tomorrow."
11. "Imagine" - John Lennon
As "basic" as this song may be when it comes to songs that are "always relevant," the timeless classic by a rememberable Beatle has phenomenal lyrics. John and Yoko were dreamers, but maybe we can join them and "the world will live as one" instead of in division.
