Musicians have been writing songs about disenfranchisement for decades so that we can sing along about our disappointment in society and authority. From mainstream classics to underground anthems, some songs are inspiring, and some are dismal, but all are relatable. This is by no means a complete list, and they are not in any order of importance.
- “My Generation” by The Who
This song is about misunderstanding and prejudice causing people to judge you for doing what you want. Pete Townshend felt so strongly about this that he wrote, "I hope I die before I get old" to avoid being the oppressor marginalizing the younger generation. We're glad you stuck around, Pete. - “Blank Generation” by Richard Hell and the Voidoids
Richard Hell wrote about feeling ripped off for being born into an evil world. Hell sang:
"The doctor grabbed my throat and yelled, 'God's consolation prize!' / I belong to the blank generation, and / I can take it or leave it each time." He felt like a worthless person in a worthless world. - “Bastards of Young” by The Replacements
This is another song about society being in such bad shape that they don’t even have a way to name their generation, because there are too many bad things happening to them. "Unwillingness to claim us / We got no war to name us." Whole groups of people are ignored and denied their rights, and these groups can be as large as entire generations.That sounds familiar. - “Life During Wartime” by Pinhead Gunpowder
Aaron Cometbus wrote about people doubting their own power and therefore making excuses for not taking action. Cometbus wrote, "Without a crowd I'm not so loud / I can't do anything by myself, / But that's just another lie." Believe in yourself and your ability to create positive change. - “Q. U. E. E. N.” by Janelle Monáe featuring Erykah Badu
Janelle Monáe is great at defying standards of a narrow-minded society, and this shows very well in this song and music video. She declares, "Even if it makes others uncomfortable / I will love who I am." The rap at the end is an epic call for civil rights. "March to the streets because I'm willing and I'm able / Categorize me, I defy every label." It goes without saying that Janelle would be a perfect queen. - “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister
Don’t let others dictate your life. If you deviate from the norm and are targeted for it, then Dee Snider's got your back. Dee screams, "We're right, yeah / We're free, yeah / We'll fight, yeah / You'll see!" This one lets you and everyone else know that you won't let "the man" keep you down. - “True Trans Soul Rebel” by Against Me!
This is about loving yourself when society says you shouldn’t. More importantly, love yourself when society tells you that you shouldn’t even exist. Laura Jane Grace wrote this album about her experiences of coming out as trans and transitioning. "Yet to be born, you're already dead." This conveys the fact that trans people are often told they are unnatural or anything else just as ridiculous. That is not true. You are valid, legitimate and loved. Show the world how powerful you are. - "Power to the People" by John Lennon
The title makes it obvious what the song is about. No one should be marginalized, no one should be denied their rights, and we the people have the power to free ourselves and each other. "Say you want a revolution / We better get on right away." Our rights don't have time to wait. - “With God on Our Side” by Bob Dylan
Dylan's lyrics state that people doing damage in the name of something that doesn’t actually excuse their inhumane actions is is a huge form of marginalizing anyone who seems to oppose you. This can be applied to any war or activist fight, such as the ones going on today. Dylan laments, "For you don't count the dead / When God's on your side." This song is not anti-religion, but it shows the dangers of killing in the name of it, and anything else really. I also recommend you listen to Joan Baez’s cover, because she has an angelic voice. - “3,000 Miles Away” by the Star Fucking Hipsters
“L-I-V-E against brutality." This is a punk anthem against police brutality. It is another song that is very important and relevant right now considering the deaths of numerous black citizens at the hands of the police. The people who are here to protect us (and of course plenty do that) should not be harming us. Though it seems impossible to fight such forces, we can do it.
Whenever you’re feeling disappointed, lost and marginalized, these songs will remind you that you’re not alone, and there is progress being made. No one can silence your voice or take your rights away. You deserve to be heard and acknowledged. As long as people care and fight, there will be hope.
