Throughout history, musicians have used music as commentary on current events. It’s often powerful, and it’s a phenomenon that transcends genres.

Folk artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger used their voices to project an anti-war stance. The Civil Rights Movement gained steam with songs from Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and Nina Simone, and the rise of hip hop brought with it a stance against police brutality. Even Woody Guthrie railed against inequality with the classic tune, ‘This Land Is Your Land.’

Songs critical of current events become glimpses of history. Let’s go back in time by creating a playlist of protest songs through the ages.

So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs that were created as protest would you like to hear?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Rage Against the Machine- Take the Power Back
Heaven 17- (We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thing
Shungudzo- It's a good day (to fight the system)
Childish Gambino- This is America
Joan Baez- Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos) feat. Emmylou Harris and Jackson Browne
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings- This Land Is Your Land