David Vance SubstackRead More
I have always enjoyed a good protest song and there are three I would commend to you not least because they have something in common that I appreciate.
First off, we go all back to 1983. In the aftermath of the Falklands War in 1982, this gem was released and what is so good is that the protest in it is so SUBTLE. You have to listen carefully to hear the clues; “Dad, they’re going to take me to task” (The UK flotilla was known as the Task Force”; This is Shipbuilding, written by Elvis Costello and recorded by Robert Wyatt. There is a poignancy in Wyatt’s voice. Beautiful.
The following year, the US/Soviet Union Cold War was in full flow and along came “Peace in our time”, again by Elvis Costello. The lyrics are stridently anti-war. I remember seeing Elvis sing this one live to a hushed audience. A lovely memory.
Finally, how about “Free Nelson Mandela” by the Specials? It’s very catchy and has a feel good mood to it. Obviously this relates to the situation in South Africa at the time It was released on March 5, 1984. This one quickly became an anthem for the anti-apartheid movement in the UK and worldwide. Mandela was actually released in 1990.
In every case, although I love the songs, I DISAGREE with the political thrust of the lyrics! Thatcher was right to defend the Falklands, Reagan was right to stand up to the Soviets and Mandela shouldn’t really have been released!
But I think we can all enjoy a song at one level and take pleasure from the music and words and still be detached at another.
In essence, I want to protest against my favourite protest songs..
I think that makes me… awkward!
