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A friend of mine recently posed to me the question, “What were the 5-10 most powerful songs that swayed public opinion in the 1960s and ‘70s?” And, as all things musical tend to do, that got me to thinking. A lot.
While I was but a youth during those days, my folks were peace-loving hippies and my stepfather was a radio disc jockey, so I did soak in much cultural knowledge in those days. And in the years since then, I’ve marinated on this subject a time or two.
So, for the sheer fun of starting a debate that doesn’t involve Jeffrey Epstein, here’s my top 11, backward in chronological order:
u “Imagine” by John Lennon (1971). While not explicitly a protest song, its message of peace, unity and a world free from conflict resonated deeply with many during the turbulent 1970s. Lennon’s “and no religion” line has never really offended me because I, too, don’t want people to find a religion – I want them to get to know the loving God.
- “What’s Going On” (1971) by Marvin Gaye. This track addressed themes of racism, poverty and war, becoming a significant anthem for social justice and compassion. Marvin is one of my musical heroes, my favorite R&B vocalist and his songs are also vital on date nights.
- “Signs” (1971) by Five Man Electrical Band. A humorous but poignant song about the frustration of encountering numerous signs that restrict behavior and limit freedom. It gave voice to those who felt marginalized or lacked power, particularly young people during a time of unrest, and became a protest anthem against authoritarianism and social limitations prevalent in the early 1970s.
- “Ohio” (1970) by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. This song, written in response to the Kent State shootings, became a condemnation of the violence and governmental actions against student protesters. It still makes the hairs on my arms stand up as they yell it at the end.
- “War” (1970) by Edwin Starr. This is a powerful anti-war song that directly confronted the absurdity and destructiveness of war. I love that he doesn’t mince a single word on the truth.
- “Give Peace a Chance” (1969) by John Lennon. Recorded during his infamous “bed-in” protest with Yoko Ono, this became an iconic anthem for the anti-war movement, sung at demonstrations and gatherings worldwide. (And, yes, I still miss The Beatles.)
- “Get Together” (1967) by The Youngbloods. This was an important song in the 1960s, particularly due to its association with the counterculture movement and its message of peace and unity. While initially released in 1967 to moderate success, the song gained significant popularity after being featured in a public service announcement in 1969. This is my all-time favorite peace and love anthem of the era for its wonderful message to “smile on your brother.”
- “For What It’s Worth” (1966) by Buffalo Springfield. This song captured the atmosphere of unrest and the growing defiance against authority, reflecting the turbulent social and political climate of the era. You know, Stills and Young were pretty good at this political stuff.
- “Eve of Destruction” (1965) by Barry McGuire. It directly addressed social injustices, hypocrisy and the escalating Vietnam War, resonating deeply with young people and facing backlash from the establishment. The song was perfectly used in the television series The Stand.
- “A Change Is Gonna Come” (1964) by Sam Cooke. This song became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement, expressing hope and determination in the face of ongoing struggle and discrimination. The fact that the man could sing the phone book didn’t hurt.
- “Blowin’ in the Wind” (1962) by Bob Dylan. This song resonated throughout the civil rights and anti-war movements, boldly capturing a generation’s search for answers to fundamental questions about war, peace and freedom.
Now that I think about it, we could use a few more good protest songs today. Then again, Cracker did sing, “The world needs another folk singer like I need a hole in my head,” so there are limits.
David Brown is publisher of the Cherokee Scout. Call him with comments and questions at 828-837-5122 or email dbrown@cherokeescout.com.