Its Election Day here in the United States; the day where we
as a people exercise our democratic right to elect people we feel will represent
(we hope) us in government. With most of the seats in the House of Representatives
up for grabs, this mid-term election is an important one. And because of its
importance, there has been a push in recent months to get people out to the
polls and vote.
Music has often been an instrument to exact political
change. Whether the artist is making a rallying cry for people to rise up and
take notice, a satirical commentary taking aim at the current system or a
subtle nudge at the power of choice, there is a lot that music can represent in
the political sphere.
In honor of Election Day, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music
outlet, is taking a look at songs about voting and enacting change. Here are
five songs to inspire you as you head out to the polls.
1.
Rage
Against the Machine, “Testify”: Most of Rage Against the Machine’s music is
political. However, while much of it is lambasting what is going on in politics
and culture, “Testify” is more of a call to arms. The song’s lyrics are
two-fold: they speak directly to those in power and let them know that there
will be an uprising, as well as incite the listener to stand up, “testify” and
be heard. (video)
2.
Chicago,
“Vote For Me”: On “Vote For Me,” Chicago get a bit tongue-in-cheek on the
subject of political promises. During the song, the band’s singer urges you to elect
him and his platform of things that he may or may not be able to do. The song
comes across as a well thought-out political pitch about working together and
coming up with new ideas. We might not be voting for the president this time
around, but such a statement is still nevertheless relevant. (video)
3.
Fatboy Slim, “Weapon Of Choice”: Voting is all
about choices. Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice” takes note of the power of choice.
Reworking the chorus of Black Sheep’s “The Choice Is Yours,” the song’s simple
refrain of “You can blow with this or you can blow with that” equates the power
of choice to that of a weapon. (video)
4.
Bob
Marley, “Redemption Song”: Not expressly about voting, but “Redemption Song”
does leave you with the idea that one must help themselves in order to be redeemed
and free. With lines like “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery / None but
ourselves can free our minds,” the song ends up being a call to action, to do
something about those that oppress yourself and others. (video)
5.
Alice
Cooper, “Elected”: Meant to be a satire of presidential elections, “Elected”
finds Cooper hypothetically running for office. His lyrics are a caricature of the
big bravado and even bigger promises politicians make when campaigning. (video)
Music has often been used as a vehicle to enact political
change. Voting is a big part of such change and whether mocking the absurdness of
campaigning or acting as a rallying cry for change, artists have been aware of
this. After all, a single song could have the power to get that extra person
out to vote today.
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Find music from these political artists and more at Vinyl
Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of
titles to choose from in a variety of genres to suit most music fans. Browse
our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs
and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or online at
vinylbay777.com. With more items being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.
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