52 Songs About Social change (Pop, Rap & More)

Foundations of Music

52 Songs About Social change (Pop, Rap & More)

I. Latest Songs About Social change

1. A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke

Artist: Sam Cooke
Album: Ain’t That Good News
Year: 1964

“A Change Is Gonna Come” is a song by Sam Cooke, released in December 1964 on RCA Victor. Written in response to the Civil Rights Movement, it has been referred to as “a declaration of hope and faith in the future”.[1] The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

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2. On My Side by Kirk Franklin, Lil Baby

Artist: Kirk Franklin, Lil Baby
Album: Space Jam: A New Legacy
Year: 2021

The song is about a relationship between a man and a woman. The man is telling the woman that he is on her side, no matter what she goes through in life. He is there for her and will always support her.

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II. Country Songs About Social change

1. We Shall Overcome by Pete Seeger

Artist: Pete Seeger
Album:
Year:

The song is about continuing to fight even when the odds seem insurmountable. It talks about how we shall overcome someday, but in the meantime, we have to keep fighting.

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2. The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan

Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: The Times They Are a-Changin’
Year: 1964

The song is about how the world is constantly changing and how people need to change with it. Dylan sings about how the old ways of doing things are no longer effective and how people need to adapt to the new ways. He also talks about how the future is always unknown and how people need to be prepared for it.

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3. Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan

Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan
Year: 1963

The song is a protest against the American government and its policies. It is a call for change and an end to the violence and injustice that Dylan sees around him. The song is also a plea for peace and understanding, and a hope that someday the world will be a better place.

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4. I Ain’t Marching Anymore by Phil Ochs

Artist: Phil Ochs
Album: I Ain’t Marching Any More
Year: 1965

The song is an anti-war protest song written by Phil Ochs. It is about the Vietnam War and the anti-war movement. The song is critical of the government and the military, and it calls for an end to the war.

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III. Rock Songs About Social change

1. Imagine by John Lennon

Artist: John Lennon
Album:
Year: 1971

John Lennon’s “Imagine” is a song about peace and love. He imagines a world where there is no war or hate, and people are free to live their lives in peace and harmony.

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2. Power to the People by John Lennon

Artist: John Lennon
Album: Imagine
Year:

The song is about people taking control and demanding change. The lyrics talk about how the people have the power to make things happen and how they need to use that power to make positive change.

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3. Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2

Artist: U2
Album: War
Year: 1983

The song is about the Troubles in Northern Ireland, specifically the Bloody Sunday incident where British soldiers shot and killed unarmed protesters. The song is critical of the British government and calls for peace in Northern Ireland.

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4. Born in the U.S.A by Bruce Springsteen

Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Album: Live 1975–85
Year: 1986

This song is about the struggles of the American working class. The narrator is a Vietnam veteran who is struggling to find work and support his family. The song criticizes the government’s treatment of veterans and the working class.

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IV. R&B Songs About Social change

1. A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke

Artist: Sam Cooke
Album: Ain’t That Good News
Year: 1964

“A Change Is Gonna Come” is a song by Sam Cooke, released in December 1964 on RCA Victor. Written in response to the Civil Rights Movement, it has been referred to as “a declaration of hope and faith in the future”.[1] The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

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2. We Are the World by U.S.A. for Africa

Artist: U.S.A. for Africa
Album: We Are the World
Year: 1985

The song “We Are the World” was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and performed by a supergroup of American artists in 1985. The song was written in response to the famine in Ethiopia and it raised over $63 million for relief efforts. The song became an international hit and won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year.

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3. Respect by Aretha Franklin

Artist: Aretha Franklin
Album: I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Year: 1967

The song Respect by Aretha Franklin is about a woman demanding respect from her man. She is tired of being treated like a doormat and wants him to show her some respect. She sings about how she has given him everything and how she deserves to be treated better. The song is a powerful anthem for women everywhere who feel like they are not being respected.

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4. Imagine by John Lennon

Artist: John Lennon
Album:
Year: 1971

John Lennon’s “Imagine” is a song about peace and love. He imagines a world where there is no war or hate, and people are free to live their lives in peace and harmony.

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5. What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye

Artist: Marvin Gaye
Album: What’s Going On
Year: 1971

The song is about peace and love and the problems that come with them. Gaye is asking what’s going on with the world and why there is so much hate. He wonders why we can’t all just get along and live in peace.

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6. We Shall Overcome by Mahalia Jackson

Artist: Mahalia Jackson
Album:
Year:

We Shall Overcome is a song about hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It is about overcoming obstacles and continuing to fight for what is right, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The song is a rallying cry for justice and equality, and it has been used as an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.

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7. Fight the Power by Public Enemy

Artist: Public Enemy
Album: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Year: 1988

Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” is a rallying cry against oppression and racism. The song urges listeners to stand up and fight against those who would keep them down, and it has become an anthem for social justice movements around the world.

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8. The Revolution Will Not Be Televised by Gil Scott-Heron

Artist: Gil Scott-Heron
Album: Pieces of a Man
Year: 1971

This song is a political protest song that critiques the mainstream media. It talks about how the revolution will not be televised because the media will not show the true struggle that is happening. The song also talks about how the people need to fight for their own liberation and not rely on the media to do it for them.

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V. Pop Songs About Social change

1. Bob Dylan by Blowin’ in the Wind

Artist: Blowin’ in the Wind
Album:
Year:

The song is about the struggles of life and how everything is constantly changing. The wind represents the passage of time and the changes that come with it. The lyrics ask various questions about life, such as “How many roads must a man walk down before he becomes a man?” and “How many times must the cannonballs fly before they’re forever banned?” The song is ultimately about the search for answers and understanding.

2. Billie Holiday by Billie Holiday

Artist: Billie Holiday
Album:
Year:

The song Billie Holiday by Billie Holiday is a tribute to the singer by the same name. The lyrics talk about how Holiday was a pioneer in the jazz world and how her voice was unique and beautiful. The song also mentions how Holiday was known for her drug use and how she died at a young age.

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3. Sam Cooke by Sam Cooke

Artist: Sam Cooke
Album: Ain’t That Good News
Year: 1964

The song is a ballad about a man who is in love with a woman who is in love with someone else. The man is trying to convince the woman to forget about the other man and love him instead.

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4. John Lennon by John Lennon

Artist: John Lennon
Album:
Year: 1971

John Lennon by John Lennon is a song about the life and times of the former Beatle. It chronicles his childhood in Liverpool, his time with the Beatles, his solo career, and his life with wife Yoko Ono. The song is a tribute to Lennon’s life and legacy, and includes footage of him throughout his life.

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5. Bob Marley by Bob Marley and the Wailers, Bob Marley

Artist: Bob Marley and the Wailers, Bob Marley
Album: Uprising
Year:

The song is about Bob Marley’s life and career. It chronicles his early life in Jamaica, his rise to fame, and his impact on the world.

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6. Michael Jackson by Michael Jackson

Artist: Michael Jackson
Album:
Year:

“Michael Jackson” is a song by Michael Jackson. It was released as a single in 1982 and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was written by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones. It is included on Jackson’s album, Thriller.

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7. Same Love by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Artist: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Album: The Heist
Year: 2012

The song is about Macklemore’s struggles with homophobia and his eventual acceptance of same-sex love. He talks about how he used to use homophobic slurs and how he regrets it. He also talks about how love is love, regardless of gender.

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8. Beautiful by Christina Aguilera

Artist: Christina Aguilera
Album: Stripped
Year: 2002

The song is about a woman who is struggling to love herself and is trying to find her self-worth. She is looking in the mirror and seeing all of her flaws and she is wondering why she can’t be like the other girls who are “perfect.” She is trying to find her own beauty and she is hoping that someday she will see herself the way that others see her.

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9. Hell No Talmbout by Janelle Monae (2015)

Artist: Janelle Monae (2015)
Album:
Year:

The song is about a relationship gone wrong. The woman in the song is fed up with her man and is ready to move on. She tells him that she is done with his lies and cheating and that she is not going to put up with it anymore.

10. 99 Red Balloons by Nena

Artist: Nena
Album: Nena
Year: 1983

The song is about a girl who releases a bunch of red balloons into the air, and watches as they float away. She then imagines a scenario where nuclear war breaks out, and the balloons are mistaken for missiles. The song ends with the girl regretting her actions, and wishing she could take back the balloons.

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11. Long Way To Go by Gwen Stefani

Artist: Gwen Stefani
Album: Love. Angel. Music. Baby.
Year: 2004

The song is about a relationship that is not going well. Stefani is trying to hold on to the relationship, but she knows that it is not going to work out.

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12. Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody by Kev Carmody

Artist: Kev Carmody
Album: Bloodlines
Year: 1993

Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody is a song about two friends who are united by their love of music. They share a passion for songwriting and performing, and their friendship is strong enough to weather any storm. They have been through good times and bad together, and their bond is unbreakable. They are united by their love of music, and they will always be friends.

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13. Born This Way by Lady Gaga

Artist: Lady Gaga
Album: Born This Way
Year: 2011

The song is about being proud of who you are, no matter what anyone else says. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin and not caring what others think.

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14. Where Is The Love by Black Eyed Peas

Artist: Black Eyed Peas
Album: Elephunk
Year: 2003

The song is about the state of the world and how love seems to be lacking. The Black Eyed Peas ask where the love is, and whether it has gone away or if it was never there to begin with. They express their hope that love will return and make the world a better place.

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15. U2 by One

Artist: One
Album:
Year:

The song is about the band U2 and how they are one of the best bands in the world. The song talks about how the band has been together for so long and how they are still making great music.

VI. Rap Songs About Social change

1. Changes by Tupac Shakur

Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album: Greatest Hits
Year:

“Changes” is a song by American rapper Tupac Shakur, which was recorded in 1992 and released as a single in 1998. The song addresses the issue of racism in America, and Shakur’s hope for a future where people of all races can live together in peace.

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2. Glory by John Legend, Common

Artist: John Legend, Common
Album: Glory (From the Motion Picture Selma)
Year: 2014

The song is about the fight for equality and justice. It talks about how the struggle is long and hard, but eventually they will prevail.

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3. We Are the World by U.S.A. for Africa

Artist: U.S.A. for Africa
Album: We Are the World
Year: 1985

The song “We Are the World” was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and performed by a supergroup of American artists in 1985. The song was written in response to the famine in Ethiopia and it raised over $63 million for relief efforts. The song became an international hit and won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year.

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4. My Block by Tupac Shakur

Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album: Russell Simmons Presents The Show: The Soundtrack
Year: 1995

The song is about growing up in a tough neighborhood and having to be careful about who you associate with.

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5. U.N.I.T.Y by Queen Latifah

Artist: Queen Latifah
Album: Black Reign
Year:

The song is about empowering women and standing up against sexism and misogyny. It encourages women to love and respect themselves, and to stand together against discrimination.

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6. F— Tha Police by (1988)

Artist: (1988)
Album:
Year:

This song is a protest against police brutality and racism. The song reflects the frustration and anger that many people feel towards the police. It is a call for people to stand up and fight against injustice.

7. The Message by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

Artist: Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
Album: The Message
Year: 1982

“The Message” is a song by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. The song is a warning to young people about the dangers of living in an inner city. The song is considered one of the first rap songs to deal with social issues.

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8. Fight the Power by Public Enemy

Artist: Public Enemy
Album: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Year: 1988

Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” is a rallying cry against oppression and racism. The song urges listeners to stand up and fight against those who would keep them down, and it has become an anthem for social justice movements around the world.

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9. The People by Common

Artist: Common
Album: Finding Forever
Year: 2007

The song is about the power of the people and how they can make a difference. It talks about how the people can come together and make change happen.

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10. You Must Learn by Boogie Down Productions

Artist: Boogie Down Productions
Album: Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop
Year: 1989

The song is about the importance of education and how it can help you succeed in life.

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VII. Christian Songs About Social change

1. We Shall Overcome by Mahalia Jackson

Artist: Mahalia Jackson
Album:
Year:

We Shall Overcome is a song about hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It is about overcoming obstacles and continuing to fight for what is right, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The song is a rallying cry for justice and equality, and it has been used as an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.

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2. Do Something by Matthew West

Artist: Matthew West
Album: Into the Light
Year: 2012

The song is about making a difference in the world. It talks about how we can make a difference by doing something to help others. It also talks about how we can make a difference in our own lives by doing something to improve our own lives.

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3. Shake by MercyMe

Artist: MercyMe
Album: Welcome to the New
Year: 2014

The song is about a person who is struggling with their faith and is questioning God. The person is shaking their fist at God and asking Him why He has allowed bad things to happen to them. The person is angry and feels abandoned by God. However, at the end of the song, the person comes to the realization that they need to trust in God and let go of their anger.

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4. Speak Life by TobyMac

Artist: TobyMac
Album: Eye On It
Year: 2012

The song is about how words can either build someone up or tear them down. It encourages the listener to use their words to build others up.

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5. The More I Seek You by Kari Jobe

Artist: Kari Jobe
Album: The First 10 Years Collection
Year: 2013

The More I Seek You is a worship song about seeking after God and finding strength in Him. The lyrics express a desire to draw near to God and to be transformed by His presence. The song is based on the scripture verse from Psalm 63:1-2 which says, “O God, you are my God; I earnestly seek you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.”

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6. I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe

Artist: MercyMe
Album: The Worship Project
Year: 1999

The song is about a person imagining what it will be like to be in heaven. The person imagines being in a beautiful place with no more pain or suffering. They imagine being reunited with loved ones who have died and being able to worship God freely. The song is a reminder that even though we don’t know what heaven will be like, we can trust that it will be better than anything we can imagine.

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7. 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redman, Steve Angrisano

Artist: Matt Redman, Steve Angrisano
Album: Spirit & Song: Disc M
Year: 2013

The song is a worship song about giving thanks to God for all the reasons He blesses us. It starts with the reasons we have to bless the Lord, such as His love, His faithfulness, and His mercy. Then it talks about how we should bless the Lord even when we don’t feel like it, because He is worthy of our praise. The chorus is a declaration that we will bless the Lord always, no matter what.

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8. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong UNITED

Artist: Hillsong UNITED
Album: Zion
Year: 2013

The song is about continuing to walk through life even when the going gets tough. It talks about how the oceans may seem like they are too big to cross, but with faith, anything is possible. The song is a reminder that God is always there for us, no matter what.

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9. Let It Be Jesus by Christy Nockels

Artist: Christy Nockels
Album:
Year:

The song is about how we should turn to Jesus in our times of need and let him be our guide and strength. It is a reminder that Jesus is always there for us and is always willing to help us through our struggles.

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10. On My Side by Kirk Franklin, Lil Baby

Artist: Kirk Franklin, Lil Baby
Album: Space Jam: A New Legacy
Year: 2021

The song is about a relationship between a man and a woman. The man is telling the woman that he is on her side, no matter what she goes through in life. He is there for her and will always support her.

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