Greatest Political Songwriters!

[Scots_Socialist]

Top 5 Political Songwriters

1.Me(Big head..haha) :P
2.erm...fuck this is harder than i thought...Tracy Chapman
3.Bob Marley(has to be in it for Redemption song alone)
4.Bob Dylan
5.Christy Moore

I keep changing my mind,I feel i could b e changing this all night so i'll stick with them!(although i might put Woody Guthrie in at number 1)

Anybody an other thoughts?
Scots Socialist :ph34r:

[violencia.Proletariat]

bob dylan wasnt really political, he says so himself. he just wrote some songs on a couple struggles.

[C_Rasmussen]

Even though I dont like this band very much I still have to say they were pretty good at coming up with stuff to talk about thats politically oriented and that would be RATM.

[Gunman]

Jello Biafra
Crass

[metalero]

1. Ali Primera-Venezuela

2. Daniel Viglietti-Uruguay

3. Silvio Rodriguez-Cuba

4. Victor Jara- Chile

[The Garbage Disposal Unit]

1. Phil Ochs
2. Jello Biafra
3. Penny Rimbaud / CRASS
4. Colin Lichti
5. Kathleen Hanna (Up to and including the Le Tigre S/T record)

[fernando]

Alec Empire
John Lennon

[The Forum Idiot]

Bruce Springsteen (some's pretty political)
Woody Guthrie
Most of the punk movement
Billy Bragg

[STI]

I kinda like Peete Seeger's naive late-30s anti-war, pro-union stuff.

[Dr. Rosenpenis]

Pete Seeger is so plebeian.[/sarcasm]

[Urban Guerrilla]

Originally posted by [email protected] 3 2005, 08:43 PM
3.Bob Marley(has to be in it for Redemption song alone)
Also in his song "War", he speaks of getting rid of racism and the class system. He said he wasn't political, but a good portion of Jamaicans at that time were socialists and were trying to establish socialism, before the CIA got involved :che:

[Scots_Socialist]

Originally posted by [email protected] 3 2005, 09:30 PM
bob dylan wasnt really political, he says so himself. he just wrote some songs on a couple struggles.
Bob Dylans Songwriting might not have been solely political,but his contribution to songs/songwriting with a leftist view(e.g,With god on our side,John Brown,Desolation Row,The times they are a-changin.Just to name a few) means it is completely justifiable to add him to a list of Politically left song writers.I think :P

[coda]

I'm pretty partial to Pete and Woody.

Only a few years ago did I discover how extensive the catalogue of Pete's music for the labor movement. They may now seem a little naive and dated but most of the songs he recorded are true folk songs, passed along the generations through memory, word of mouth via singing --and never actually written down or recorded previously. His musical ambition was to document the working class folk songs before they were lost forever and to continue to pass them down as relevant to the times we live in now -- The "People's songs" as is written across his banjo.

His other songwriting credits have been recorded and made famous by various others,-- the anti-war songs "Turn, Turn, Turn," made outrageously famous by the Byrds, and "If I had a Hammer" recorded by many folk singers, probably the two most popular that he's written and were recorded by others --- he brought tons of Woody's songs to the public, not least "This Land is Your Land" -- and many of Woody's unrecorded songs. Pete's musical political contribution hasn't been recognized to the degree it should, smothered by bigger money-producing names. A shame really. He's a pioneer and sang along side countless picket lines and at the front of ever protest movement, big and small in the US inspiring thousands to keep fighting for better working & world conditions. His arrangement of "We Shall Overcome" the anthem of many struggles around the world---one would naturally think is MLK's composition!

Taking in consideration, Pete's hardly profited from his music-- when he was with the Weavers they didn't have multi-million dollar contracts and big label studios as they do now, and he was blacklisted as a communist by the House Committe on UnAmerican Activities and unable to get a contract,--- the small residuals he's made has all gone back into the cause, most recently, his enviro organization "Clearwater." But, he definetely is a plebian! In all respects and doesn't separate himself apart from the common working people or our cause.

anyway, I would recommend his labor albums: If I had a Hammer - Songs of Hope and Struggle; American Industrial Ballads; and Dangerous Songs!? --- some songs overlap, but most are one-off recordings, which can be obtained through the IWW.

http://www.iww.org/store/discs#seeger

A good compilation album of his is The Essential Pete Seeger. His arrangement of the African folk tune Wimoweh is excellent!!!

A salute to Pete - may he live on always in Protest songs!

[fernando]

Originally posted by Scots_Socialist+Oct 4 2005, 06:45 PM--> (Scots_Socialist @ Oct 4 2005, 06:45 PM)
[email protected] 3 2005, 09:30 PM
bob dylan wasnt really political, he says so himself. he just wrote some songs on a couple struggles.
Bob Dylans Songwriting might not have been solely political,but his contribution to songs/songwriting with a leftist view(e.g,With god on our side,John Brown,Desolation Row,The times they are a-changin.Just to name a few) means it is completely justifiable to add him to a list of Politically left song writers.I think :P [/b]
His songs might have been used as political songs, but they werent written as political songs, Dylan never intended to write political songs.

[Jimmie Higgins]

Originally posted by [email protected] 3 2005, 09:58 PM
Jello Biafra
Crass
Thoese are two of my favorites.

I would add:

Gil Scott Heron - "whity on the moon" anyone? Now, someone could do a cover called "Whity planning on returning to the moon while I'm stuck in N.O., sinking under water"

Dead Prez - "we're headed for a war/Fo Sho".

and probably my favorite lyricist is Mr. Lif. He's a political MC, but unlike most political hip-hop which is really didactic, he tells stories that are personal and political (very hard to do and few can do it well). Like the best Dylan songs, Lif's song about, for example, one person giving up his dreams in order to join the rat-race and provide for his family are personal, but then connects this annecdote to the larger system.

So Dead Prez are good to listen too when you are going to a protest and want someone to pump you up and say "Revolution Revolution" in their lyrics. But Mr. Lif is good to listen to when you are feeling beat-down and isolated by the world and don't want to feel alone in your frustrations of daily life in an unjest system.

[Jimmie Higgins]

Originally posted by fernando+Oct 4 2005, 08:25 PM--> (fernando @ Oct 4 2005, 08:25 PM)
Originally posted by [email protected] 4 2005, 06:45 PM

[email protected] 3 2005, 09:30 PM
bob dylan wasnt really political, he says so himself. he just wrote some songs on a couple struggles.
Bob Dylans Songwriting might not have been solely political,but his contribution to songs/songwriting with a leftist view(e.g,With god on our side,John Brown,Desolation Row,The times they are a-changin.Just to name a few) means it is completely justifiable to add him to a list of Politically left song writers.I think :P
His songs might have been used as political songs, but they werent written as political songs, Dylan never intended to write political songs. [/b]
I think that thoes were political songs and he was surrounded by and influenced by left-writers and singers. I think he just got burnt out and now he says the songs arn't political because he dosn't want to be represented as this or that one characture. I think he saw himself as a singer first and politics were a lower priorety; thoes songs are political (no matter what he says nowa days) he just wasn't an activist like a lot of the other folkies of the time.

[bolshevik butcher]

Joe strummer.

[Hampton]

Chuck D

[Clarksist]

The CrimethInc. published band Requiem has some amazing lyrics about struggling against capitalism. They would be my vote.

[MarxRebel]

Without a doubt Zak from RATM is the best in my opinion.

Leftover Crack are awesome

One Minute Silence are awesome

Choking Victim are awesome

The Clash are awesome

Many many more but thats five ;)

[Marat]

Phil Ochs, man. Phil fucking Ochs. You guys (except for Virgin Molotov Cocktail) do not know Phil Ochs!!!!!!

Yeah, Bob Dylan and John Lennon, Bob Marley, and that lady from the Cranberries who sings "Zombie." Love that song.

[Pawn Power]

Ezra-Morning Glorly/InDK

[workersunity]

Originally posted by Clenched [email protected] 4 2005, 02:59 PM
Joe strummer.
I second that

[Dr. Rosenpenis]

Originally posted by [email protected] 4 2005, 04:33 PM
Chuck D
good call

[fernando]

Manu Chao

[celtopunk]

There will be a lot of repeats here but here goes:

Woody Guthrie
Pete Seeger
Phil Ochs
Billy Bragg
Leon Rosselson
Dick Gaughan
Christy Moore
Eric Bogle
Utah Phillips
Attila the Stockbroker
Michael Franti
Chuck D.
Dick from the Subhumans/Citizen Fish/Culture Shock
Jello Biafra
Steve Drewett from the Neurotics
Dave Dictor from MDC
The members of Chumbawamba

I guess that's enough for now.

[novemba]

hampton said chuck d

hahaha.

shit, he has my vote

[Sugar Hill Kevis]

Zack De La Rocha
Billy Bragg
John Lennon
Bob Dylan

[Rockfan]

Maynard from Tool and APC.

[TC]

Conor Oberst! :-)

[tambourine_man]

1. bob dylan
2. woody guthrie
3. pete seeger
4. leadbelly (bourgeois blues!)
5. phil ochs

i guess i might have accidently ranked them in order of how much i like their music, not their songwriting, but dylan would be at the top anyway.

[Sickle of Justice]

1Joe Strummer (The Clash
2Johnny Rotten (The Sex Pistols)
3Justin Sane (Anti Flag)
4John Lennon (DUH)
5Tim McIlrath (Rise Against)

[fernando]

marilyn manson's first album to a certain degree.

[celtopunk]

Originally posted by [email protected] 10 2005, 10:36 PM
marilyn manson's first album to a certain degree.
Sorry but no he doesn't make the cut.

[The Garbage Disposal Unit]

I AM THE GREATEST POLITICAL SONGWRITER EVER. (http://www.myspace.com/friendsoftheredarmyfaction)

[Erythromycin-diazepam]

rage against the machine?

:ph34r: :blink:

[Bad Grrrl Agro]

Originally posted by Virgin Molotov [email protected] 3 2005, 10:49 PM
1. Phil Ochs
2. Jello Biafra
3. Penny Rimbaud / CRASS
4. Colin Lichti
5. Kathleen Hanna (Up to and including the Le Tigre S/T record)
phil ochs? he was fuckin awesome...

....what about conor oberst or woody gutherie or billy bragg or that dude from the decemberists or tom waits

[workersunity]

Originally posted by Sickle of [email protected] 10 2005, 04:10 PM
1Joe Strummer (The Clash
2Johnny Rotten (The Sex Pistols)
3Justin Sane (Anti Flag)
4John Lennon (DUH)
5Tim McIlrath (Rise Against)
On that list id put the sex pistols last because they were just paid off to sing that stuff, they didnt think of those lyrics, even though i like them quite a bit, i look down upon them that they were brought together by a dude who wanted money

[DISTURBEDrbl911]

Serj Tankian, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Bob Marley, and maybe Country Joe McDonald.... in no particular order

[Dr Mindbender]

Has no-one mentioned Public enemy or Asian dub foundation?

[OkaCrisis]

Ron Hawkins

Neil Young
John Lennon
Bob Marley
Bruce Springsteen

In that order.

[Qwerty Dvorak]

Zack de la Rocha, John Lennon and Maynard James Keenan

[Rockfan]

FAT MIKE :D

[Invader Zim]

Nicky Wire
Richey James Edwards

[Vanguard1917]

Nicky Wire
Richey James Edwards

Manics were a great band... i was a big fan when i was about 15 (around the time Everything Must Go was released). Their debut album is good too. With lyrics like 'repeat after me, fuck queen and country' you can't really go wrong.

Not a bit fan of the Holy Bible album though. I think i prefer Wire's lyrics. A Design For Life is a masterpiece, in terms of both songwriting and lyrics. Many call it a working class anthem.

[somebodywhowantedtoleaveandnotcomeback]

Originally posted by [email protected] 12 2006, 01:51 AM
FAT MIKE :D
:lol:


Manu Chao! Manu Chao! Manu Chao! Manu Chao! Manu Chao!

...Oh and Chuck D (Public Enemy)

[Rockfan]

Lol I knew someone would get a kick out of that!!

[Angry Young Man]

joe strummer.
zach de la rocha
tim (rise against, dont know his surname)
justin sane
serj tankian

[vox_populi]

I think that you guys should check out David Rovics (http://www.davidrovics.com).
You can download every song he ever made from his homesite...I particulary recommend: International Terrorists, Henry Ford Was A Fascist, Drink of the deathsquads, Children of jerusalem, Operation Iraqi Liberation and Trading with the Enemy...but there are alot more good song!

[Anarcho-Communist]

1. Joe Strummer
2. Johnny Rotten
3. Jello Biafra
4. Tim McIlrath
5. John Lennon

[poetofrageX]

Chuck D
KRS-ONE
Rakim (not usually very political, but when he is, it's crazy good)
Immortal Technique
Akir
MC Boots
Dead Prez
Rass Kass
Mr. Lif
Mos Def
Talib Kweli
Black Thought
Cage(for Grand Ole Party Crash)
Nas
Jeru the Damaja
Guru
Common
Brand Nubian
The Fugees
Poor Righteous Teacher

...there are prolly more i cant think of right now

[el Rebesnét del Tio Canya]

Ovidi Montllor

[Inti]

1, Victor Jara
2. Manu Chao
3. Immortal Technique
4. Bob Marley
5 Looptroop

[Black Dagger]

-Peter Tosh (I can't believe no one has mentioned him yet...)
-Bob Marley
-Dead Prez
-Chuck D (thanks for reminding me Hampton!)/Public Enemy
-Linton Kwesi Johnson (Fite Dem Back!)
-Oi Polloi
-Mr. Lif
-Sun Rise Above
-CRASS



Has no-one mentioned Public enemy or Asian dub foundation?

Chuck D is in/from PE.

----------


Doesn't anyone listen to Linton Kwesi Johnson???

we gonna smash their brains in
cause they ain´t got nofink in ´em
we gonna smash their brains in
cause they ain´t got nofink in ´em

some a dem say dem a niggah haytah
an´ some a dem say dem a black beatah
some a dem say dem a black stabbah
an´ some a dem say dem a paki bashah

fashist an di attack
noh baddah worry ´bout dat
fashist an di attack
wi wi´ fite dem back
fashist an di attack
den wi countah-attack
fashist an di attack
den wi drive dem back

we gonna smash their brains in
cause they ain´t got nofink in ´em
we gonna smash their brains in
cause they ain´t got nofink in ´em

[somebodywhowantedtoleaveandnotcomeback]

OK now everybody edit your posts and put Manu Chao on top! :wub:

[Sense-A]

Rage against the Machine, Bob Marley, Sex Pistols, Public Enemy first came to my mind. I see others agree.

One of the best hip hop political lyricists not mentioned: Ras Kass. Check for songs like Nature of the Threat, The evil that Men do, The End....etc.

[Niall]

if youre gonna mention the sex pistols you gotta mention the clash

[Sense-A]

I read Johnny Rotten's autobiography. he claimed that the clash ripped off the sex pistols. That they were the originators of the punk movement. However that may have just been his arrogancy because, judging from his autobio, he was arrogant.

[Zero]

Gotta be either Zack from RATM, Bob Marley, David Rovics, or Sid Vicious.

[che's long lost daughter]

Zack dela Rocha (RATM), John Lennon, Conor Oberst, Manu Chao, Brujeria

[Abakua]

Gil Scott Heron.
The Silent poets.

[socialistpunk]

Could you include marc bolan for the song "children of the revolution".

[Marukusu]

Eugène Pottier
Joe Hill

Why hasn't no-one named these before? :huh:

[Scots_Socialist]

Gil Scott Heron.

http://209.85.12.227/525/186/emo/fing32.gif

Ive not actually heard any of his songs,just read them!Have you heard of his father?"The Black Arrow"?He was a major influence on Gil Scotts writings(so iam told)http://209.85.12.227/525/186/emo/wink.gif

[Gunman]

Originally posted by che's long lost [email protected] 4 2006, 11:02 AM
Brujeria
Isn´t Brujeria a Grindcore band?

[Bazza]

Originally posted by [email protected] 4 2006, 03:12 AM
Gotta be either Zack from RATM, Bob Marley, David Rovics, or Sid Vicious.
I take it the last one is a wind up?

My vote goes to Chris Moore (aka Chris Dean) and Jerry Dammers.

[Rex]

Zack de la Rocha is my favorite, but Brandon Boyd from Incubus has some great songs.

Tool is one of my favorite bands, and Maynard one of my favorite lyricists, but I wouldn't say many of his songs are political. There were a few in the later days of APC (13th step), but most of the tool songs are more personal (social?) than political.

[Invader Zim]

Repeat After Me
Fuck Queen and Country
Repeat After Me
Death Sentence Heritage
Repeat After Me
Death Camp Palace
Useless Generation
Dumb Flag Scum
Useless Generation
Dumb Flag Scum
Repeat After Me
Fuck Queen and Country
Repeat After Me
Royal Khymer Rouge
Repeat After Me
Imitation Demi-Gods
Useless Generation
Dumb Flag Scum
Useless Generation
Dumb Flag Scum
Repeat After Me
Fuck Queen and Country
Useless Generation
Dumb Flag Scum
Useless Generation
Dumb Flag Scum


Images of perfection, suntan and napalm
Grenada - Haiti - Poland - Nicaragua
who shall we choose for out morality
I'm thinking right now of Hollywood tragedy
big mac: smack: phoenix r: please smile y'all
Cuba, Mexico can't cauterize our discipline
your idols speak so much of the abyss
yet your morals only run as deep as the surface
cool - groovey - morning - fine
Tipper Gore was a friend of mine
I love a free country
the stars and stripes and an apple for mommy
conservative say there ain't no black in the union jack
democrat say there ain't enough white in the stars and stripes
Compton - Harlem - a pimp fucked a priest
the white man has just found a new moral saviour
vital stats - how white was their skin
unimportant - just another inner-city drive-by thing
morning - fine - serve your first coffee of the day
real privilege, it will take your problems all away
number one - the best - no excuse from me
I am here to serve the moral majority
cool - groovey - morning - fine
Tipper Gore was a friend of mine
I love a free country
the stars and stripes and an apple for mommy
Zapruder the first to masturbate
the world's first taste of crucified grace
and we say there's not enough black in the union jack
and we say there's too much white in the stars and stripes
fuck the Brady bill
fuck the Brady bill
if God made man they say
Sam Colt made him equal.


Read these and you will know that this competition is over and we have found our winner.

[Abakua]

The president, he got his war.
Folks don't know just what it's for.
Nobody gives us a rhyme or reason,
Have one doubt they call it treason.
We're chicken feathers all, without one nut.
Goddammit: Try to make it real, compared to what?
— Eugene McDaniels

[Janus]

What happened to Bob Dylan? :o

[Clarksist]

Conor Oberst! :-)

Boo. :P

And how is Sid Vicious even in the fucken running?

Anarchy in the UK? Wow, how "political".

[Janus]

Wait, nevermind. Plenty of people nominated Dylan in the first 2 pages. I was worried there for a second. :P

[commie anarchist rebel]

Crass
The Clash
(not really songwriters but definitaly sp? two of the greatest political bands)