In the 60's, there were songs on the radio that were written specifically as responses to perceived "liberal" sentiments in folk and pop music. The two I'm thinking of are "Ballad of the Green Berets", by Sgt. Barry Sadler and "Dawn of Correction", artist unknown, that was a response song to "Eve of Destruction".

Personally, I don't feel that music necessarily serves one political wing or another exclusively. Songs like "This Land is Your Land" state a common human feeling that should not be claimed by any cause as "their own". The fact that it was written by a man with "leftist-tendencies" should be irrelevant but, needless to say, is not in too many people's eyes. Music can be used to unite or divide - songs have been too often used as weapons by people of ill-intent, on both sides of the political spectrum.

If there seem to be more folk songs that support leftist sentiments, perhaps it's because music can be such a strong change agent. The leftist movements that we have seen in this country have given us a great many beautiful melodies and sentiments that fit the folk form so well. Simple melodies, easily remembered, that can bolster the spirits on a picket line or sit-in. You don't see as much of that kind of activity traditionally in this country - and I know I'm speaking in broad generalities - on the right. Look to the Spanish Civil War (govt. side), Mussolini's Italy, or other conservative regimes outside of the states and I'm sure you could find a large body of conservative anthems used to bolster the courage and feed the inner fires of the true believers. Here we get "Dreams of the Everyday Housewife" or "Okie from Muskogee".

One thing to keep in mind is that the terms "conservative" and "liberal" carry specific meanings, but only within a specific historical context. And one last thought (and please take this gently) - don't ever confuse the word "liberal" with "liberty".