Unit 1 Protest songs

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

You are now going to listen to 4 influential songs that changed history.

When the song ends you have to answer
3 questions:

• What do you see in the clip?
• What is the theme?
• What it is your feeling?

What do you see in the clip?
Write easy sentences.

What is the theme of the song ?

What is your feeling about this song?
Give 1 English word.

The poem 

Before it became a song, “Strange Fruit” was originally written by a teacher named Abel Meeropol as a poem. 

The powerful lyrics detail the extremes of American racism, particularly the act of lynching. This practice occurred primarily in the South but was present in other regions of the United States as well. 

"Another brick in the wall"

Pink Floyd (1979)

What do you see in the clip?
Write easy sentences.

What is the theme of the song ?

What is your feeling about this song?
Give 1 word.

It is a protest song who criticizes the rules in the school in the 1950s (in particular in United Kingdom). In fact the rules were very hard, the teachers used severe punishments. For example the students could be excluded, undergo corporal punishments and be blamed.

"Sunday Bloody Sunday"

U2 (1983)

“Sunday Bloody Sunday” is the opening track from U2’s album War, and is one of the rock group’s most overtly political songs. 

What do you see in the clip?
Write easy sentences.

What is the theme of the song ?

What is your feeling about this song?
Give 1 word.

Its lyrics relate to the Troubles in Northern Ireland, focusing on the Bloody Sunday incident in the county of Derry where British troops shot and killed many unarmed civil rights protesters who were there to rally against internment. 

The song has remained one of the band’s staples in concert and is considered one of U2’s signature songs. The band was nervous about how the song would be perceived when they played in Belfast, Northern Ireland. 

Bono promised that he would “never play it again” if the crowd didn't like it. However, the overall reception of the song was good; yet, Bono still introduced the song for a number of performances with the disclaimer” “this song is a not a rebel song.”

"American Idiot"

Green Day (2004)

This punk rock anthem is the title track from Green Day’s album “American Idiot.” The song was released in August of 2004 to mostly positive reviews by critics and four Grammy nominations.

What do you see in the clip?
Write easy sentences.

What is the theme of the song ?

What is your feeling about this song?
Give 1 word.

The song criticizes America circa 2004 in the midst of the Bush Administration and the growth of the “new media,” which comes under fire in this song. 

In a 2004 interview with Q magazine, members of Green Day even discussed flag desecration in relation to their song, saying that they would support it. “American Idiot” was ranked the number 13 Single of the Decade by Rolling Stone in 2009; Stone also placed it at 432 of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2010. The album 'American Idiot' has since been adapted as a hit Broadway musical.

"Same Love"

Macklemore (2012)

What do you see in the clip?
Write easy sentences.

What is the theme of the song ?

What is your feeling about this song?
Give 1 word.

Although “Same Love” is a recent addition, the song’s popularity and political message are sure to land it in the ranks of politically significant songs. 

The track is the fourth single released by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis from their 2012 album, “The Heist.” The track also features Mary Lambert and discusses the issue of gay and lesbian rights. 

It was recorded during the campaign for Washington Referendum 74, which legalized same sex marriage in Washington state. It was most recently nominated for a Grammy for Song of the Year at the 2014 Grammy Awards.