The first time I realized that there is such a thing as a “protest” song was in high school. One of the films they were showing about the civil rights movement kept coming back to people belting out “We Shall Overcome”. As a young man, I was so moved. That people can use music to rally around an idea that brings about change. That’s powerful.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20th this year), Betony and I made a playlist filled with songs about changing the world around us for the better. Here’s our current list. What would you add? Feel free to put song suggestions in the comments!

In Protest Playlist

Coal War- Joshua James

Pride- U2

Better Way- Ben Harper

Politik- Coldplay

Freedom- Rage Against the Machine

Give Peace a Chance- John Lennon

Talkin Bout a Revolution- Tracy Chapman

Man in Black- Johnny Cash

Ballad of Paul and Sheila- Mason Jennings

The Times They are A-Changin- Bob Dylan

We Shall Overcome- Martin Luthar King Address

Redemption Song- Bob Marley and the Wailors

We put the question to friends on facebook: what would you put on this playlist? We published the results on Betony Coons Spotify account. It’s called “In Protest”. Come take a listen!