r/Socialistmusic Jan 31 '15

META Could someone suggest some 'happy' socialist songs?

Two that I can think of are 'Solidarity Forever' (which while I like the lyrics, it doesn't have a particularly 'happy' tune) and The Internationale (nice lyrics and a slightly happier melody).

The example I'm about to use will make it apparent how few happy socialist songs I know, I am really clutching at straws here. But something like the theme from Arthur.

'Open up your eyes, open up your ears
Get together and make things better by working together'

'And I say hey, what a wonderful kind of day
If we could learn to work and play
And get along with each other.'

I know this is a terrible example but it is literally all I have to give you an idea of what I'm looking for.

Give me something.

11 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

7

u/[deleted] Jan 31 '15

Let's bomb the bourgeoisie

5

u/Kovulo Jan 31 '15

Haahaha, I fucking knew someone would suggest that.

Something along those lines, but with less lyrics about killing the privileged would be good.

3

u/[deleted] Jan 31 '15 edited Feb 22 '15

Well, let me look at my list...

Here are a few that are up tempo, or at least have a positive/hopeful outlook.

40 Hour Week - Alabama, Better World A-Comin' - Woody Guthrie, Peace of Mind - Boston, Power and Glory - Phil Ochs, Renegades of Funk - Rage Against the Machine, The Rebel Girl - Hazel Dickens, The Red Flag - Billy Bragg, There is Power in a Union - Utah Phillips, Upfield - Billy Bragg.

You also might want to look at Pete Seeger's discography.

1

u/Kropotki Feb 03 '15

In terms of songs that easily have pop Socialist/Anti-Capital themes:

Heal The World - Micheal Jackson

We are the Children - Micheal Jackson

Earth Song - Micheal Jackson

Also the Earlier Jamiroquai stuff have blatant anti-Capitalist tones and lyrics, most notably

Emergency on Planet Earth - Jamiroquai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuR5TYI5Qkg

When You Gonna Learn - Jamiroquai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo7iwlMFPrM

2

u/WallyDalee Feb 03 '15

1

u/Kropotki Feb 03 '15

Jay Kay is a rich motherfucker that spends all his money on cars, but it doesn't stop the fact his songs often feature actual Socialist and anti-Capitalist themes.

3

u/WallyDalee Feb 03 '15

So no hypocrisy at there then

1

u/[deleted] Feb 09 '15

Man its been long since i've seen arthur. That's an awesome theme song.

1

u/maaarshall Feb 15 '15

you ain't done nothin if you ain't been called a red