Help! - Folk Protest Songs?

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: GUEST,Len Wallace
Date: 24 Sep 05 - 11:18 PM

He gang,

Surprised no one mentioned the songs written by Phil Ochs! He himself was a committed activist, many of his songs are still fresh and could have been written about the present mierabilist state of society. whe it comes to the art of sarcastic, no olds barred tell it like it is poetic invective, Phil is the one to listen to.

Len Wallace

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 24 Sep 05 - 12:01 PM

Prine's "Flag Decal" is great. That no-nonsense voice of his helps it along, too.            Tw

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: GUEST,reggie miles
Date: 24 Sep 05 - 08:32 AM

As powerful as many protest songs are, I find much greater satisfaction singing the ones I've written. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's just the way everyone who writes feels about their own material. I certainly have very strong feelings about the songs I've composed. After having completed around fifty original songs I've noticed that many contain similar themes. I suppose that's because we write about that which we know and can understand. Protest and injustice are some of the themes that seem to find their way into many of my songs. Poverty is another strong theme. Again we write what we know. There are also many messages of love, hope, and a healthy dose of humor. I find being able to laugh in the midst of such adversity very healing and unifying.

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Wrinkles
Date: 24 Sep 05 - 06:00 AM

Personally I think Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" is one of the best _protest songs_ from this era. I've heard it done with slight rewording (eg changing "Jordan" to "Tigris") to update it to cover the Iraq conflict - with some of the more dated verses omitted it can work really well IMO.

Wrinkles

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: GUEST,sophia dale
Date: 23 Sep 05 - 01:02 PM

Lisa Fitzgibbon sings a cracking version of Crow on the Cradle. She gave me the words but I've lost 'em! Mary Black's is not the same. Anyone have Lisa's version?

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 11 Apr 02 - 11:34 AM

I might have missed it, but has no-one thought of either:

NO MAN'S LAND or THE BAND PLAYED WALTZING MATILDA both by Eric Bogle. or
ACROSS THE HILLS or HISTORY LESSON by Leon Rosselson.

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 11 Apr 02 - 04:12 AM

Actually, DaveJ, it's "The World Turned Upside Down (part 2)" -- but who's counting? :-) One of the best versions I've heard was by Dick Gaughan. Speaking of Dick Gaughan, he recorded (and I once heard him perform) an incredibly powerful song about the nuclear missile silos in Scotland, called As I Walked On the Road, written by Jim Brown...about whom I'd like to know more.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Nerd
Date: 11 Apr 02 - 02:17 AM

The Vietnam soldiers' album mentioned above is called "In Country." It was on the Flying Fish label; don't know if it's still in print. And yes, Saul Broudy IS on it!

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Murph10566
Date: 10 Apr 02 - 03:49 PM

A Gentle, Haunting Number:

"SAIGON BRIDE", as sung by Joan Baez...

"Farewell, my wistful SAIGON BRIDE -

I'm going out to stem the tide -

The tide that never saw the seas;

It flows through jungles, 'round the trees.

Some say it's Yellow; some say Red:

What will it matter when we're dead ?"

There's more, of course... anyone remember ?

M.

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: DaveJ
Date: 10 Apr 02 - 03:16 PM

Mark Ross,

The Digger song is actually titled "THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE-DOWN" and is by L. Rosselson as you suggested. The Philadelphia based group "Broadside Electric" does a great version of it on their album, "More Bad News."

DaveJ

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 10 Apr 02 - 02:02 AM

Thanks for the update, Mary. Queen Noor was originally Lisa Halaby, and she really was a college classmate of mine (though I didn't know her in college).

I sent Joe the NWC and MIDI files for the tune to my song, so if anyone is interested you can ask him.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 09:56 PM

Mark..there is a new queen of Jordan..Queen Rania..she is extremely beautiful, like a movie star, and was a Palestinian refugee..that is who this woman wants to go see...mg

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Bearheart
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 05:19 PM

I am surprised no one's mentioned John Prine. Your flag decal won't get you into Heaven any more... Very timely, I'd say... And Richard Farina. Children of Darkness is just one, he wrote several. Also Mary Travers recorded Conscientious Objector, a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay set to music, ("I shall die, but that is all I shall do for Death") and Finlandia (Song of Peace) on her Morning Glory album. Worth looking for. Judy Collins--Vietnam Love Song -- on her "Living" album.

Bekki

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Bennet Zurofsky
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 04:19 PM

If you are specifically looking for songs protesting Viet Nam then you need to check Pete Seeger's recordings of the period and the many songs he wrote, especially "Big Muddy," "Uncle Ho" and "(If You Love Your Uncle Sam) Bring Them Home." Also Phil Ochs, e.g., "Talking Viet Nam Blues" and "Cops of the World," and Tom Paxton, e.g., "Lyndon Johnson Told the Nation," "The Willing Conscript" and "We Didn't Know (Said the Burgermeister)." Don't forget Malvina Reynolds, e.g., "The Bankers and the Diplomat are Going In the Army."

There is also a CD of songs actually sung by the American troops in Viet Nam which I believe Saul Brody both collected and contributed to as an informant. I'm not sure, but its probably on one of the Rounder labels. Many of these have a protest strain.

One could go on and on. If you can get to the Sing Out! archive in Bethlehem, Pa., or to some other good collection of folkmusic periodicals, then I would recommend going through the Sing Outs and Broadside Magazines published at the time. Each issue should yield at least one good anti-Viet Nam protest song.

None of this, of course, even begins to explore protest material recorded by rock bands like the MC5 at the time. Viet Nam protest songs are truly a motherlode of material.

Subject: RE: Here's - the ultimate Folk Protest Song
From: Taff
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 12:55 PM

By Kneels Inwards
Specially fo' those who take them selfs shheeriushly !

  
Intro: G    C  G  C  G  C  G  D  G)  
  
  
           G                C  G  
           All the prophets of doom   
  
                      C    G  
           can always find room   
  
                           C  G         D    Dsus4 D  
           In a world full of worry and fear   
  
           D     G  D               G   D  
           Tip cigarettes and chemistry sets   
  
               D                         G  
           And rudolph the red-nosed reindeer  
  
                    C  G                 C   G  
           So I'm goin back to my little old shack   
  
                       C  G         D    Dsus4  D  
           And drink me a bottle of wine   
  
                           G   D               G    D  
           That was mis en bouteille before my birthday  
  
                                      G  
           And have me a fuckin' good time   
  
           C                  G  
           Rain on a tin roof sounds like a drum   
  
                 C                    D  
           We're marching for freedom today yeay   
  
           C                           G  
           Turn on your headlights and sound your horn   
  
              D                 G  
           If people get in the way   
  
   
           (Instr. C  G  C  G  C  G  D  G)  
  
  
           G           C   G               C  G  
           Let me turn you on to the chromium swan   
  
                          C G         D    Dsus4 D  
           On the nose of a long limousine  
   
                          G   D         D         G   D  
           Even hired for the day it is something to say  
             
              
                                           G  
           But what the hhehhellll does it mean   
  
  
                    C G              C  G  
           I may be accused of being confused   
  
                       C   G             D     Dsus4 D  
           But I'm average weight for my height  
  
                   G D              G D   
           My philosophy like color tv   
  
                                     G  
           Is all there in black and white   
  
           C                          G  
           RAI! .. rain on a tin roof sounds like a drum   
  
                 C                    D  
           We're marching for freedom today yeay!   
  
           C                           G  
           Turn on your headlights and sound your horn  
   
              D                 G  
           If people get in the way  
  
  
           (Instrum. C   G  C  G  C  G   D  G)

Line Breaks <br> added. Preformat commands <pre> (beginning) and </pre> (end) added to space chords.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: aussiebloke
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 06:26 AM

Lyrics of FEEL LIKE I'M FIXIN' TO DIE RAG here in the DT

Country Joe mentioned in other threads too...
Blicky
Blicky

aussiebloke

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: aussiebloke
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 05:45 AM

For anti-war protest songs try Country Joe (McDonald) and the Fish.

They recorded "The Fish Cheer & I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag" on the Woodstock album, and on their I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag album.

His website at http://www.countryjoe.com/ has lyrics, chords, real audio files - the whole enchilada.

He also provided the music for VIETNAM EXPERIENCE "A Long Form Music Video Featuring the Songs of Country Joe McDonald"

"And it's one, two, three, what are we fighting for?"

aussiebloke

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 01:46 AM

One of the best is probably the simplest: "THE STRANGEST DREAM" by Ed McCurdy

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: toadfrog
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 01:10 AM

Vietnam songs: Try the FUGS!

KILL FOR PEACE!

STRAFE THEM CREEPS IN THE RICE PADDY, DADDY!

CIA MAN!

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: GUEST,linzhess
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 12:55 AM

wow! Thank you all for so many ideas... I will follow up on them. I was actually looking for the anti-Vietnam type songs from back in the 60's. You have all given me some good leads.

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 04 Apr 02 - 01:17 AM

Actually, the Queen of Jordan was a college classmate of mine. But I think she's no longer Queen Noor since King Hussein died.

And if I may be so bold, here's an anti-war song of mine...The Children Draw Guns. The tune has been submitted but I don't have an easy link to it; Joe Offer or Pene Azul might be able to make a link to the MIDI if anyone's intereted.

Aloha,
Mark

---

Can't find it, Mark. Send me a personal message and let me know where to look.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: ADDSB: Going Over Jordan
From:
Date: 03 Apr 02 - 10:32 PM

I have a song about the conflict. Sorry if I have posted it already before..can't remember. It is about a Palestinian mother whose sons are somehow involved. I don't know how..she is talking about wanting to see the Queen of Jordan, who was a Palestinian refugee. I think it is sort of interesting (tune is either same or similar as going to see the King) because she, who lives in the area, uses the form of an African-American spiritual..many of which talk about going over Jordan.

Chorus:
Going over Jordan I am going to see the Queen
Going over Jordan I am going to see the queen
She is the Queen of Jordan and the queen of Nazarene
Hallelu Hallelu Halleluia

Going over Jordan ask the queen to set me free
Going over Jordan ask the queen to set me free
She is a humble refugee but she was once like me
H..

Going over Jordan going to stand upon the rock
Going over Jordan going to stand upon the rock
And call to all my neighbors saying neighbors can we talk
H..

In the river Jordan going to wash away my sin
In the river Jordan going to wash away my sin
No one but God and Allah knows the trouble I am in
H..

The queen she is so beautiful the queen she is so smart
The queen she is so beautiful the queen she is so smart
She gathers all the children and takes them to her heart
H.

I'll take the olive branches and plant the trees of peace
Take the olive branches (which they took from their demolished orchards) and plant the trees of peace
And pray that all my people will someday be released
Hallelu Hallelu Halleluia

mg

Line Breaks <br> added.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 03 Apr 02 - 07:39 PM

One from that time that hasn't been mentioned is "Turn, Turn, Turn" - and that's one for the Holy Land at this time too. Gets to the heart of the matter.

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Amergin
Date: 03 Apr 02 - 07:29 PM

one tin soldier? lovely? it sure is....it is the loveliest piece of crap I have ever heard....

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: GUEST,Larkswift
Date: 03 Apr 02 - 07:27 PM

Another really lovely one is "One Tin Soldier," not sure by who, but very easy to find. It's rather more blunt than "Where Have all the Flowers Gone?" Very catchy, very sad.

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 03 Apr 02 - 03:27 PM

John, Iwas referring to the Palestinians who lived in what was then(and still is) Israeli controlled territory.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 03 Apr 02 - 12:10 PM

Well, whatever the case - seems like there ought to be good songs from both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict, and nobody has posted any (not even our unnamed Guest). Maybe the songs aren't in English, although it seems that you hear a lot of English spoken there.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: John Hindsill
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 08:51 PM

Mark Ross, if you were unhappy about the plight of Palestinians in 1966, blame it on Jordan which controlled the West Bank at that time.---John

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: RolyH
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 05:17 PM

One of my favourites is "Ballad of Vic Williams" by Robb Johnson.Roy Bailey (with and without The Band of Hope)does a good version of it.

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: GUEST,Georgios
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 05:08 PM

Perhaps "If I had a hammer" by pete seeger. I've always felt like that's a song appropriate for both sides of the conflict. A message for _both_ of the oppressed people to unite against the oppressors (occupants/terrorists). Because it's very easy, but dangerous, to divide people into good and bad by etnicity, religion or whatever and thereby justify crimes against that group. But in the end all that matters is that there is two people suffering, and they need to find out who is responsible for their suffering. On both sides.

Well I've got a hammer And I've got a bell And I've got a song to sing all over this land It's the hammer of justice It's the bell of freedom It's a song about love between all of my brothers all over this land

(well, perhaps it's better to sing 'these lands' instead of 'this land')

Of course, this is an easy thing for me to say, not being involved in the conflict or had any relatives killed in the war. But I don't think protest music is supposed to be objective..

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 03:31 PM

Guest, Actually I do have a problem with that, GUEST. The Israelis are wrong. The Paletinians who think terror will win them their rights aren't right either. Do you have any songs on the subject? I spent time a short time in Israel in the '60's(I missed the 6-Day War) but I was not happy with what I saw in '66(the condition of the Palestinians people). I think there must be a better solution because this one isn't working. I am an anarcho-syndicalist and I don't believe that the STATE is the solution for human problems, the STATE only creates more problems than it solves!

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 03:23 PM

But not any protest songs about the Israeli military occupation of Palestinian lands, I note.

The musical left (both Jew and Gentile alike) seems to have a real problem with that one, don't they?

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 01:45 PM

The Digital Tradition has a @protest category, also @peace and @freedom. Any other categories that fit?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 11:36 AM

With God on our side - Bob Dylan
I want to have a little bomb - Sydney Carter
Eve of destruction (if you're prepared to call this a folk song!)

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 10:38 AM

The Digger Song, which I think is by Leon Rosselson.
All Used Up, Larimer Street, Utah Phillips
Anything by Joe Hill.
Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: Watson
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 09:49 AM

The Crow on the Cradle is a great song!

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: nutty
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 09:34 AM

Death come easy by Harvey Andrews
Sang the crow in the cradle by Sidney Carter

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: masato sakurai
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 01:11 AM

The Best of Broadside 1962-1988: Anthems of the American Underground from the Pages of Broadside Magazine is a great collection.

~Masato

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: John Hindsill
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 12:49 AM

The Universal Soldier
Draft Dodger Rag
I Ain't Marching Anymore
Masters of War

These come immediately to mind.--John

Subject: RE: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 12:20 AM

the internationale.....

Subject: Help! - Folk Protest Songs?
From: GUEST,linzhess
Date: 01 Apr 02 - 11:14 PM

does anyone have any suggestions for folk war protest songs (60's) to go along with Where Have All the Flowers Gone? and Blowin' In the Wind???