Ban all the music- the controversy around politics in songs (opinion editorial)

Music is one of the most impactful mediums we have today, and it is ultimately a key part in shaping our daily lives. The inclusion of politics within songs is significantly important within our society, but a highly debated subject. 

Ruby Hemsley 

You would think that artists should be able to openly voice their opinions without criticism and spread their message. Their songs are used in political campaigns and often reflect the message shown in them, an aid to transmit a powerful statement into the world even further. Without them, people wouldn’t feel as compelled to stand up for what they believe in. It’s also similar when controversial figures in politics use the songs of people that are against them in their campaigns, and seeing their backlash towards them can make their music even more inspirational.  

History also presents us the cases of music’s political influence. 

On 9^th November 1989, the Berlin Wall began to fall, signalling the end of communist repression across Eastern Europe. Could David Hasselhoff, better known in the UK through his role in Knight Rider, playing a concert by the wall just after the fall, have been responsible for its demolition all along? Many people believe so! It was estimated that half a million people watched him perform ‘Looking for Freedom’, the song that had supposedly inspired the change, on New Year’s Eve by the wall, just under two months after its destruction began. In an article by the Daily Express, a German resident at the time quoted, “I grew up with the idea that he was responsible for breaking down the wall”. 

Political music isn’t just involved in shining a light on injustice. It may be surprising that it can help with mental health too. A song with an empowering stance can flip a switch and give me hope which I know is something that others can relate to. A recent example comes from Man-Made Sunshine, the solo project of Conor Mason, lead singer of Nothing But Thieves. In September, he released LOVE WINS FOREVER, an upbeat, punk-lyrical anthem of the societal repression we face from those at the top, leaving us stuck in a cycle of negativity. The lyrics urge those who listen to unite, rise above hate and emerge stronger. Mason is also overly critical of the media, commenting on how the news ‘pray on immigrants and trans’ to cause divide. It’s aided me in realising that we have the ability to stand our ground against these issues, as per his declaration: ‘the heart is a weapon.’ 

However, some people might say that including a political stance or message in a song can radicalise people’s opinions, and that public figures should keep their opinions to themselves due to the influence that they could have. I agree with this to an extent, as popular artists can be followed by a loyal allegiance of fans who follow what the musician says or does.  

“They can’t be saying that, think about who could be listening. It’s wrong, it’ll brainwash them!” But truly, this is along the lines of a phrase that we’ve heard so many times before in the music industry, from the close-minded who can’t deal with public figures voicing an opinion they don’t agree with. They find it hard to wrap their heads around the fact that not all artists use their platforms for evil. A significant number of people at the top of the music industry possess wisdom regarding their political stance. 

The messages that they include within their songs are very important as they can bring about beneficial changes and challenge norms, swaying the minds of the decision-makers. 

Some genres are also based around the criticism of governments and political groups alike, most notably punk music. A prime example is the band Green Day, who are one of the most well-loved, popular groups in the world. With the current events in America, they have been known to change the lyrics in their songs to oppose and condemn the behaviour of those in power, especially in their song American Idiot, which has always been a heavy criticism of the American government.  

Image above- a snippet from the LA Times article ‘Green Day disses Trump with revised lyrics to classic song’, published on 2^nd January 2024

They’ve been well supported in their actions and have also been consistent in raising their voices. Without these genres, it would force us to be focused on leaders who may not be as influential to us as these musicians. It would remove a key piece of the diversity the music industry has. It would take away people’s voices, and silence them in a world that is ever desperate for hope of a significant change. 

Our society needs to have more consideration for the impact political music can have on our lives and how it can alter the world by convincing those in power. That music is a bright light in a world that is hanging by a thread thanks to the governments we are ruled by. It needs brave, strong figures such as these musicians to follow in their footsteps and stand up for what they believe in.