Many rock musicians are known for expressing how they feel about certain issues that occur in the world. They bring light to problems that they (and their fans) may have with the government and our society in their music. Not everyone may appreciate being reminded of the type of world we are living in and the type of people who are running it, but I believe it is their job as musicians to make people aware of the truth. Bands such as Muse, and Green Day have released songs this year that will bring you back to reality, and make you understand the type of world we are living in, and the people who are running it.

The English rock band, Muse, released a new song this year called "Dig Down." This song includes inspirational lyrics assisted with Matt Bellamy's soulful voice. In the beginning of the song, Bellamy sings the lyrics "When God decides to look the other way/And a clown takes the throne/We must find a way." I immediately thought of Donald Trump and related him to being the clown who took the throne. He may not exactly have been who Bellamy was referring to, but in my opinion, the lyrics fit him and his presidency perfectly. This song motivates its listeners to have faith during rough times. According to musewiki.org, the director of the action-packed music video, Lance Drake, stated:"The song is about survival and fighting the odds..."

Green Day, the American punk rock band, from East Bay, California, released a song called 'Back In The U.S.A' in November. Green Day is definitely known for creating thought-provoking, rebel music that challenges society and the government. In my opinion, 'Back In The U.S.A' gives a huge middle finger to Trump. In the music video for this song, American families are exposed to Trump being depicted as an aggressive, rotting zombie. To me, this is the most accurate depiction of him. Alex Young stated in consequenceofcound.net that, 'Back In The USA' is...a politically-charged rock anthem that calls out blind patriotism and toxic partisanship." For example, the lead vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong sings during one of the verses, "...With fireworks on display/Tonight, it's a hero's welcome home/And there's no place to go..." My interpretation of these lyrics is that this country throws huge parties for veterans, but when it comes to actually helping them to have good lives after going to war by providing them with jobs, healthcare, and other ways to support them, this country falls short.

Muse and Green Day are just two examples of bands who are providing the world with eye-opening and thought-provoking music. Musicians aren't just here to make music we can dance to, but they are also here to make statements and to voice the truth.