For decades artists have come together to write and produce songs regarding various social justice issues. Whether it be funding after a natural disaster or raising awareness for a marginalized community, these songs all highlight the importance of coming together in times of need.
“We Are the World” – U.S.A. for Africa
Written in 1985 as a benefit single for African famine relief, this song is possibly the most notable collaboration of the music industry. Artists like Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder all came together as one. The song raised more than $63 million and continues to represent the importance of coming together in a time of despair.
“Where is the Love?” – Black Eyed Peas
Although they are more commonly associated with their hype-up songs like “I Gotta Feeling” or “Pump it Harder,” one of the Black Eyed Peas’ most impactful songs was written in 2003 in response to 9/11. The song “Where is the Love” addresses various issues including terrorism, racism, pollution and war. Even in recent years, the song has been remade to relate to current ongoing crises that are occuring throughout the world. The song serves as a call of acknowledgement to social issues that are still prevalent in today’s society.
“Same Love” – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Mary Lambert
In 2012, “Same Love” was released as away to advocate and support same-sex marriage. The song calls upon people to make a change. The lyrics “No law’s gonna change us, we have to change us” put an emphasis on the individual’s involvement in addressing various social justice issues. In order to see this change happen, we are called to have conversations, listen and learn from others and be an ally to those communities that we may not identify with. In doing so, we will then recognize that we all have the same love to share.
“This is America” – Childish Gambino
A song’s message can easily be heard through its lyrics. However, it can become even more impactful and powerful through a visual experience. This is what Donald Glover did when he released the song and music video to “This is America” in 2018. The song puts an emphasis on the ongoing problems with gun violence in America and how people have come to accept it as normalcy. The music video uses artistic imagery and choreography to further emphasize the core message and allow the audience to envision the reality of America.
