Where Have All the Pete Seegers Gone?
The Lack of Protest Songs and Singers in Modern Music
Nov 4, 2008
Despite the polarizing politics of the modern era, there has not been an increasing correlation of protest music. While some artists will add a song here or there that relates to modern times, very few have taken a stand. When Green Day is at the forefront of the political stage, protest music is in a sorry state.
Where are our Protest Singers?
Several political perennials such as U2 and Ani DiFranco have become considerably less political in their music. Bono focuses his attention now on philanthropy, and has admirably won a Nobel Peace Prize for his work. But U2’s songs lack the bite of “Bullet the Blue Sky” or “Sunday Bloody Sunday.”
While DiFranco continues to be politically active (She performed at the 2008 Democratic Convention) taking care of her new baby has slowed her music recording somewhat.
Why are There Less Protest Songs?
Anger at the government remains eternal, but the methods of expressing it are different. Replacing folk singers with guitars and banjos have been rants on Youtube and viral videos. Indeed, a good Youtube video can be as moving as even the best version of “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy.”
What has happened is that technology has passed the folk singer by. In the days of Woody Guthrie and his ballads, music was a way to spread news from town to town. Now all one has to do is click on the internet to find what you need (the entire basis for this web site).
And Where Has Pete Seeger Been?
Even at 89, venerable rabble rouser Seeger continues to work, focusing on environmental issues. In 1966, Seeger founded the Clearwater, an environmental group dedicated to cleaning up the Hudson River. The Clearwater continues to be his primary focus.
The Clearwater Festival (also known as “The Great Hudson River Revival“), a fund raiser for Clearwater, has become a major folk festival in the New York City area, featuring artists in the past such as Ani Difranco, Dar Williams, Janis Ian, and NRBQ. Seeger performs every year at this festival.
Two Artists Who Continue to Write Protest Songs
There are still some who continue to keep hope alive. Dan Bern and his band The International Jewish Banking Conspiracy, have written several scathing songs about President Bush and his policies. His album, My Country II, is a collection of protest songs against Bush, the war in Iraq, and apparently, ostriches. The closing song on the album, Bush Must be Defeated, had the makings of an anthem, if this generation wanted one.
Perhaps the most vocal of the modern musicians/protesters is Grammy winner, folk-rocker and former DJ for Air America, Steve Earle. Songs describing and protesting issues such as the death penalty, economic policies, and the War on Terrorism, can be found on most of his albums. However, his album The Revolution Starts Now is composed entirely of powerful songs, the kind to start a revolution to.
Embracing the New Forms of Protest
Perhaps it is for the best. Perhaps the days of the long haired troubadour--guitar in one hand and heart in the other--have passed us by. The guitar has been replaced by the video camera, but the heart always remains.
