Great list Susan! “We Can’t Make It Here” is spot on! Another good one is “Military Madness” by Graham Nash. Just listened to John Prine-my husband used to listen to him all the time. Thanks for sharing that one!
Thank you Tess…music will help get us through. I was late to the John Prine Party, but I’m catching up now! His last recorded song before he died of Covid is seriously beautiful. It’s called I Remember Everything. You will love it!!
Music can make us happy, sad, excite us, make us dance. But most importantly tell us stories. A three minute song can also be so powerful! Lyrics wrapped in poetry that can also cut like a knife! love your choices here Susan.
Great songs! I actually had a list going of great protest songs. Aerosmith actually had one. I can't find my fucking list. James McMurtry's song stays in my head.
Over 12 million people yesterday! It looked liked King Shitpants got punked yesterday. 🤭 And they caught the assassin tonight 15 miles from my home. We got a notice and locked the buildings up. The fucking world we live in. ☹️ Take care buddy! Hugs!
You are fierce! 😂😂 Don't fuck with a hormonal woman. Women need to rule the world. We know how to handle screaming toddlers. I think you're right about that song. Can't wait for our retreat into our own madness!! 🤣🤣🤣❤️❤️
I went to the protest here in Salem, Oregon. Very well-attended, friendly crowd. Only two magas: one guy in a Trump hat and a tank top who was ridiculously walking up and down the street, taking videos of the crowd. And then a truck that was decked out and they flipped everybody off. Sad.
The only police presence was motorcycle cops at the side streets, because they closed them off, even though there was lots of traffic on Center Street, where the protest was. The majority of cars honked, and there were several who kept coming around the block.
The woman I went with, along with her son and his partner, said next time we have to bring a boom box (apparently she still has one 😅), and play protest songs.
Nice! I think the boom box idea is excellent-along with a protest picnic! I envision checkered cloths dotting a grassy park with sandwiches. Signs everywhere! Music blaring! ❤️
You laid down some great tracks. Hell yes I know that Little Feat album. It makes the top 10 list of the best live albums ever recorded. They were a great band. Marvin Gaye's song transcends time. Rage punches you in the face with reality. Neil Young: nothing more needs to be said. The finale by James Mc Murtry tells the whole story of our present reality. There are so many great protest songs. And more to be written. Yes, we will get through this! Thanks for the excellent music. 😀😘(By the way, Fogarty got a cease and desist against Trump, just like Mick Jagger did for "Can't Always Get What You Want", but Shitgibbon ignores them.)
Charlie, I just hate him so much. I hope we see humans rise in their decency and compassion. Yesterday was inspiring for sure.
Theres a song I listened to just tonight by the great John Prine called Sam Stone. The lyrics stopped me cold in my tracks. Give it a listen when you have the time!
Ahhh this was so fun, thank you for this GREAT list. To this I would add Gil Scott-Heron, "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" and Bruce, "Born in the USA." The photos from yesterday were so inspiring! Philly really turned out, as did Tucson. No Kings!
Philly is having none of the felon! A lady here with a red "Fuck Trump" hat was carrying a sign that said "I hate Trump more than I hate the Dallas Cowboys". 😂😂 After being in this town long enough, I assure you that is A LOT!
Bruce! Of course! And I'll go find "The Revolution..." LOVE YOU!
Susan, thank you for offering this wide open soundscape. Each track carries a different kind of truth—raw, steady, unfiltered. You line them up like living documents, not to impress, only to remember what music makes visible when language alone falls short.
McMurtry’s lyrics stay with me longest. That song holds the weight of abandonment without turning away. It speaks for many who have been left unseen for too long.
Your words invite reflection without pressure, and I feel your deep care in the way you frame each piece—honoring personal taste while naming collective memory. This kind of listening holds power. And the way you wrote this—playlist as conversation, song as companion—feels like a form of care in itself.
Jay, thank you so much. I’m such a music nerd-I love it all. Such a powerful tool to give people hope and empathize with their feelings. And songwriters have been doing this for eons! I was very touched by the story of Phil Ochs. A sad figure.
And yes-I am very drawn to James McMurtry. His lyrics touch my soul.
I’m so glad you liked this essay. I’m glad you’re here!💙💙
Susan, your essay was a delightful read. I enjoy many kinds of music. Yet, my body responds so sensitively to sound that I don’t just hear music—I feel it. And sometimes, that’s not entirely pleasant. For example, the sound of a high-pitched electric guitar can feel just as overwhelming to me as sitting in a dentist’s chair, surrounded by whirring and whining. My nervous system reacts the same way.
So as much as I’d love to listen more often, I’ve had to become more selective. My system isn’t always soothed by what others find energizing or beautiful. Still, music holds a deep place in my heart—and in my history.
I agree with you 100%! I have listened to many protest songs. Bob Dylan’s song: With God on our Side, Buffalo Springfields song: For What It’s Worth and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s song: Ohio! Also, the Beatles songs: Back in the USSR and It’s Revolution! There is many more songs and the list goes on.
Yes, most of the protest songs I could not think off top of my head. I remember listening to some of them in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. My parents had the radio on in the car when we were traveling on vacations during the summer months. When I was 10 years old I received a small radio am/fm with the pull up antenna for Christmas. I would listen to the different radio stations at night when I was in bed. If I was listening to am at night. I could listen to the different stations that were far away.
I did too! AM signals were strong back then...there was a station out of Little Rock Arkansas I remember listening to.
Also...my friend reminded me about John Prine...his song, Sam Stone. Played it tonight and man... the lyrics. I was late to the John Prine party. What an excellent musician he was. ✌️
Here's a late entry....OMG! Perfection! 👏👏👏👏
"The Revolution will not be Televised."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwSRqaZGsPw
That's a really good list. I would have chosen many of the same songs.
Got a new song for the summer "Who Is Gonna Stand For US" Dropkick Murphys
Great list Susan! “We Can’t Make It Here” is spot on! Another good one is “Military Madness” by Graham Nash. Just listened to John Prine-my husband used to listen to him all the time. Thanks for sharing that one!
Thank you Tess…music will help get us through. I was late to the John Prine Party, but I’m catching up now! His last recorded song before he died of Covid is seriously beautiful. It’s called I Remember Everything. You will love it!!
Oh my God….I’m crying as I listen to it…….😭 I love it!
Heres the link, Tess. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L21Tc_DtL6M
Country Joe and the Fish at Woodstock...
"And it's one, two, three what are we fighting for?
Don't ask me I don't give a damn next stop is Viet Nam.
And it's five, six, seven open up the pearly gates
Ain't no time to wonder why, whoopee we all gonna die."
Powerful. Thanks Don. These are strong lyrics. I havent thought about Country Joe and the Fish in years! 👏👏👏👏
Music can make us happy, sad, excite us, make us dance. But most importantly tell us stories. A three minute song can also be so powerful! Lyrics wrapped in poetry that can also cut like a knife! love your choices here Susan.
All true! I could never cover all the great choices out there...Sam Stone by John Prine is also amazing...SO MUCH! And we need it more than ever!
Great songs! I actually had a list going of great protest songs. Aerosmith actually had one. I can't find my fucking list. James McMurtry's song stays in my head.
Over 12 million people yesterday! It looked liked King Shitpants got punked yesterday. 🤭 And they caught the assassin tonight 15 miles from my home. We got a notice and locked the buildings up. The fucking world we live in. ☹️ Take care buddy! Hugs!
JFC!! I’m glad you’re ok and that they caught this asshole before I show up! 😂
I’m a huge Aerosmith and the only song I can think of Eat the Rich!
HUGS! See you in a month!
You are fierce! 😂😂 Don't fuck with a hormonal woman. Women need to rule the world. We know how to handle screaming toddlers. I think you're right about that song. Can't wait for our retreat into our own madness!! 🤣🤣🤣❤️❤️
👏👏👏👏👏👏 😘
Wow, Susan, it's a stroll down memory lane for sure. Thanks. I remember a few from Pete Seger, and my favorite is from Neil, “Ohio.”
It was for me too…and once we started looking for more, we couldn’t stop!
Music is for everything! And Ohio is a tremendous song!✌️ thanks Charles.
I went to the protest here in Salem, Oregon. Very well-attended, friendly crowd. Only two magas: one guy in a Trump hat and a tank top who was ridiculously walking up and down the street, taking videos of the crowd. And then a truck that was decked out and they flipped everybody off. Sad.
The only police presence was motorcycle cops at the side streets, because they closed them off, even though there was lots of traffic on Center Street, where the protest was. The majority of cars honked, and there were several who kept coming around the block.
The woman I went with, along with her son and his partner, said next time we have to bring a boom box (apparently she still has one 😅), and play protest songs.
Nice! I think the boom box idea is excellent-along with a protest picnic! I envision checkered cloths dotting a grassy park with sandwiches. Signs everywhere! Music blaring! ❤️
You laid down some great tracks. Hell yes I know that Little Feat album. It makes the top 10 list of the best live albums ever recorded. They were a great band. Marvin Gaye's song transcends time. Rage punches you in the face with reality. Neil Young: nothing more needs to be said. The finale by James Mc Murtry tells the whole story of our present reality. There are so many great protest songs. And more to be written. Yes, we will get through this! Thanks for the excellent music. 😀😘(By the way, Fogarty got a cease and desist against Trump, just like Mick Jagger did for "Can't Always Get What You Want", but Shitgibbon ignores them.)
Charlie, I just hate him so much. I hope we see humans rise in their decency and compassion. Yesterday was inspiring for sure.
Theres a song I listened to just tonight by the great John Prine called Sam Stone. The lyrics stopped me cold in my tracks. Give it a listen when you have the time!
AND THANKS!! 😘💙
I know that song well.
John Prime was a great songwriter. Check out the duet he sang with Bonnie Rait, "Angel from Montgomery".
OMG… yes! I know it. It makes me tear up! 😭😭
Prine. 😬😂
Oh. LOL! 😂😂 Well, he is 'prime'! 🤣
Ahhh this was so fun, thank you for this GREAT list. To this I would add Gil Scott-Heron, "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" and Bruce, "Born in the USA." The photos from yesterday were so inspiring! Philly really turned out, as did Tucson. No Kings!
Philly is having none of the felon! A lady here with a red "Fuck Trump" hat was carrying a sign that said "I hate Trump more than I hate the Dallas Cowboys". 😂😂 After being in this town long enough, I assure you that is A LOT!
Bruce! Of course! And I'll go find "The Revolution..." LOVE YOU!
Susan, thank you for offering this wide open soundscape. Each track carries a different kind of truth—raw, steady, unfiltered. You line them up like living documents, not to impress, only to remember what music makes visible when language alone falls short.
McMurtry’s lyrics stay with me longest. That song holds the weight of abandonment without turning away. It speaks for many who have been left unseen for too long.
Your words invite reflection without pressure, and I feel your deep care in the way you frame each piece—honoring personal taste while naming collective memory. This kind of listening holds power. And the way you wrote this—playlist as conversation, song as companion—feels like a form of care in itself.
Jay, thank you so much. I’m such a music nerd-I love it all. Such a powerful tool to give people hope and empathize with their feelings. And songwriters have been doing this for eons! I was very touched by the story of Phil Ochs. A sad figure.
And yes-I am very drawn to James McMurtry. His lyrics touch my soul.
I’m so glad you liked this essay. I’m glad you’re here!💙💙
Susan, your essay was a delightful read. I enjoy many kinds of music. Yet, my body responds so sensitively to sound that I don’t just hear music—I feel it. And sometimes, that’s not entirely pleasant. For example, the sound of a high-pitched electric guitar can feel just as overwhelming to me as sitting in a dentist’s chair, surrounded by whirring and whining. My nervous system reacts the same way.
So as much as I’d love to listen more often, I’ve had to become more selective. My system isn’t always soothed by what others find energizing or beautiful. Still, music holds a deep place in my heart—and in my history.
WOOT!!!
😂😂 Hugs, Jena!!!
Right backatcha, Susan!
Right backagr
I agree with you 100%! I have listened to many protest songs. Bob Dylan’s song: With God on our Side, Buffalo Springfields song: For What It’s Worth and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s song: Ohio! Also, the Beatles songs: Back in the USSR and It’s Revolution! There is many more songs and the list goes on.
There are so many great songs -it was difficult to keep my list short! Back in the USSR! Yes! All so good!!
Yes, most of the protest songs I could not think off top of my head. I remember listening to some of them in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. My parents had the radio on in the car when we were traveling on vacations during the summer months. When I was 10 years old I received a small radio am/fm with the pull up antenna for Christmas. I would listen to the different radio stations at night when I was in bed. If I was listening to am at night. I could listen to the different stations that were far away.
I did too! AM signals were strong back then...there was a station out of Little Rock Arkansas I remember listening to.
Also...my friend reminded me about John Prine...his song, Sam Stone. Played it tonight and man... the lyrics. I was late to the John Prine party. What an excellent musician he was. ✌️
Love you, Susan! Yesterday was incredible, 12.1 million people protesting the felon! His parade was a ‘nothing burger’.
Love you Sharon-it was heartwarming and also a relief to see so many go out and work to save their country!! 🥰.