If you’ve somehow missed the headlines over the past seven months, yesterday marked Election Day – one that may turn out to be the most important of our lifetimes. Since July, President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, Vice President Kamala Harris stepped up, former President Donald Trump survived an assassination test and Vice President-elect JD Vance struggled to clean up donuts in Valdosta, Georgia. After months of fierce campaigning, aggressive political advertising and tense conversations with estranged relatives, it’s finally time to face the music and a new administration.

In a period as well division and anxiety, it’s tempting to bury your head in the sand, throw preemptive pity parties, and ignore our nation’s rich history of unification and devotion to democracy. But like Harris said, “Do you think you just fell out of a rooster? You exist in the context of everything you live and everything that came before you.”

So, in the spirit of living in context, I present to you a playlist of political anthems that address the issues of our past, present, and future. Whatever mood you’re in today, whether it’s celebratory or dejected, I hope this cat collection will make you feel a little less lonely.

American Teen by Ethel Cain (2022)

“American teenager” by Ethel Cain captures the tumultuous nature of majority in a divided and perhaps dangerous society. On an irrevocable step climate damagecontinuing gun violence and general dissatisfactionthe promise of reckless teenage years falls by the wayside. Instead of scanning the classroom for your new school crush, you need to locate potential emergency exits. Attending events such as concerts, football matches or parties no longer appear as easy escapades, but as leaps of faith.

Cain explores this anxiety as a catchy, energetic beat plays on “American Teenager.” “Say what you want, but say it like you mean it / With your fists for once, a long cold war / With your children in front,” she sings. This track makes you want to roll down the windows and send your arms flying in the cold breeze, screaming at the top of your lungs—and then makes you want to call your state representative and demand action.

“I Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel (1989)

In “We didn’t start the fire”, Billy Joel believes that the legacy of a world of disjunction, discontent and disappointment played no part in his creation. In verse, he lists everything from Harry Truman and Marilyn Monroe to “The Catcher In The Rye” (1951), gathering controversial characters, large-scale tragedies and government frauds in a few quick lines like twigs on a fire. camp. “I didn’t start the fire” includes 119 reference to political events, obscure pop culture allusions and more. After his quick takes, Joel avoids guilt by stating “I didn’t start the fire / It’s always been burning / Since the world turns.”

Joel explores how each generation it grows with new circumstances, new controversies and new challenges, eventually passing the unsolvable problems to the next group of overwhelmed youth. “We didn’t start the fire / No, we didn’t light it / But we tried to fight,” Joel sings, demonstrating how one generation’s actions become the next’s problems. As many Gen Zers entered the voting booth for the first time in November, what fires could they have put out?

“Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)

In this short folk-rock anthem, Creedence Clearwater Revival reflects on the hypocrisy of American patriotism. Reacting to injustice The Vietnam War sketch system, “happy son” comments on the discrepancies between Americans living across class divides. The play specifically mentions the preferential treatment of politicians’ sons who managed to evade wartime service. “It’s not me, it’s not me / I’m not the son of a senator, son“, they sing. While the specific historical context of the song no longer persists, the message of this iconic counterculture song remains true today: “Some people are born with a silver spoon in hand / God, it can’t be helped, no.” Decades later, “The Lucky Fool” continues to resonate as a reminder of enduring inequality and the unfulfilled promises of a free nation.

“Not Ready to Make Nice” by The Chicks (2006)

The Chicks, formerly the Dixie Chicks, are unapologetic champions of political advocacy, though their road to openly embracing democratic ideology has been tumultuous. In their 2003 concert in London, band member Natalie Maines publicly expressed his displeasure at being from the same state as former US President George W. Bush and the impending invasion of Iraq, triggering a avalanche of offended patriots leaving their fandom, burning their CDs and even sending singers death threats. After a brief hiatus, the band hit 10 toes with the release of Taking the Long Way (2006).

In the album’s third track, “I’m not ready to be nice,” the band explores the seismic backlash of Maines’ 2003 comments and considers the disconnect between their personal beliefs and the mainstream of country music — rooted in the South, steeped in blue-blood patriotism and Republican rhetoric. “Forgive? Sounds good / Did you forget? I’m not sure I could,” Maines sings.

This song is half funeral ballad and half battle cry as it laments the relationship The Chicks once had with the country genre, while the group refuses to apologize. “I made my bed and I’m sleeping like a baby,” sings Maines. She later adds, “I’m not ready to make nice / I’m not ready to back down.” This song serves as a reminder to stand tall and stand proud. It also set a precedent by encouraging many up-and-coming country singers, including Maren Morris and Taylor Swift, to be politically active despite the potential repercussions.

“This Is America” ​​by Childish Gambino (2018)

In the R&B rap song “This is America,” Childish Gambino critiques the oppression of black Americans in the late 2010s, focusing on the rise of gun violence as a mechanism of racial subjugation. The track begins with musings of a gospel choir, soon joined by Childish Gambino as the energy builds. The chorus begins “This is America / Don’t catch you slippin’ now”, emphasizing the fragility of the American system. “This Is America” ​​also highlights the unfair burden placed on black Americans to avoid becoming victims of police brutality, rather than addressing the need to eliminate such brutality within law enforcement. Childish Gambino continues to consider the circumstances in which black Americans are forced to protect themselves as he raps, “Yeah, this is America (Woo, ayy) / Gsmeared in my zone (Word, my zone) / Got the belt (Ayy, ayy) / Gotta wear ’em.” This searing commentary on systemic racism remains relevant six years after the song’s release.

“Where is the love?” by Black Eyed Peas (2003)

Another R&B track, “where is the love” from the Black Eyed Peas shares a similar perspective with Childish Gambino. Addressing violence, injustice and fear, the Black Eyed Peas weave their cultural critique into powerful lyricism and a soulful, hypnotic sound. The song begins by asking, “What’s wrong with the world, mother?” In the same verse, the band addresses terrorism, racial discrimination, and the unproductive results of hatred, ultimately calling for a large-scale investment in love. “Man, you gotta love just to make things right / Take control of your mind and meditate,” the group urges. The group continues to express their displeasure with the state of the world on the melodic chorus, singing, “People are dying, people are dying / Children hurt and you hear them cry / Can you practice what you preach? / And would you turn the other cheek?” While the lyrics “Where Is the Love?” are honest and powerful, the real strength of this song lies in its performance, as the synthesis of jumbled rap lines and smooth vocals reflect that beauty that lies in unification.

“Freedom (feat. Kendrick Lamar)” by Beyoncé (2016)

As official go out song by Vice President Kamala Harris, I would be remiss to exclude “Freedom (feat. Kendrick Lamar)” by Beyoncé from this playlist. Beyoncé’s powerful vocals over a commanding percussion section establish an immediacy and ferocity that captures the listener’s attention from the front row. The refrain, featured in many of Harris’ campaigns ADVERTISINGit’s a real rallying cry. “Freedom, freedom, I can’t move / Freedom, let me go, yes / Freedom, freedom, where are you?” Beyoncé belts. Harris faced a steep climb after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race race on July 21. She first had to win the trust of the Democratic Party and then the entire nation in much less time than her opponent, former President Donald Trump. In this way, “Freedom (feat. Kendrick Lamar)” fits her struggle perfectly, as Beyoncé sings, “Hey, I’ll keep running / ‘Cause a winner doesn’t give up on himself.”

“American Pie” by Don McLean (1971)

“American Pie” by Don McLean is a staple of American music. Written in response to kneading of the 1960s — namely the assassinations of former President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. and the Vietnam War — the message of this folk-rock classic really rings true decades later. In his documentary“The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean’s American Pie” (2022), McLean went verse by verse, explaining the references, subtle nods and ultimate symbolism of his full song. While we can’t fully unpack this nearly nine-minute masterpiece, its political critiques and their modern relevance are worth delving into. For example, in the fifth verse, McLean refers to “a generation lost in space”, possibly alluding to the “lost generation” that came of age during the First World War. While some obscure references to old TV shows and celebrities may escape younger listeners. , “American Pie” remains a testament to the importance of politically engaged artistry and the longevity of a well-crafted song.

“Better Than We Found It” by Maren Morris (2020)

Like The Chicks, Maren Morris redefined the role of female country musicians in gender politics, rebuking the deep-rooted. republicanism of country music and transphobic and racist music rhetoric by big names like Jason Aldean and Morgan Wallen.

On her song “Better than I found it”, Morris advocates a new perspective and calls for social change. Morris begins by addressing the animosity toward her endorsement as she sings, “If don’t like it, then get the hell out / That’s how I scream when I open my mouth.” While the opening lines can be contradictory, the bulk of the track is introspective as Morris examines her place in the world and her role in defining history. “When time turns this moment to dust / I just hope I’m proud of the woman I’ve been / When the lines of tomorrow are drawn / Can I live with the side I chose to be on?” she thinks. Morris looks beyond herself on the bridge, addressing future generations as she sings, “God save us all / From ourselves and the hell we’ve built for our children / America, America / We are better than this”. In this stripped-down ballad, Morris involves herself and the listener in the decision to leave the world “better than we found it.”