It seems to me there are two types of protest songs that become classics: the timeless lyrics, such as Bella Ciao that was mentioned earlier; and the lyrics that are open to being endlessly rewritten, such as Rigs of the Time. The oldest fully applicable protest song I sing without changing a word is from about 1850, but there are some very good contemporary writers about now too. And I can't resist adding my favourite Matt McGinn line as he's just been mentioned: They're never ever satisfied, though millions they have made, But still they think that you and I are grossly overpaid. There's nothing that they widnae steal, they even grudge your kids a meal
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