Every generation has their fair share of protest songs. When there is government turmoil, civil unrest, a war or whatever event occurs that rubs people the wrong way, we get a protest song. I asked AI what is their definition of a protest song and was given this excellent definition:
A protest song is a musical composition that conveys dissent, social critique, or a call for action against injustices and prevailing political, social, or environmental conditions. These songs serve as, or are adopted by, social movements to raise awareness, mobilize communities, and articulate grievances.
The 60/70’s had a bunch of protest songs from “We Shall Overcome” by Pete Seeger and Joan Baez in 1963 about the civil rights movement and Sam Cooke in 1964 with A Change is Gonna Come” on racial equality. War is always a popular subject with “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye in 1971 as he plead for peace during the Vietnam War and don’t forget “Fortunate Son” by Creedance Clearwater Revival talking about the inequalities with the military draft.
The 80’s saw “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy rapping about systematic racism and oppression. Bruce Springsteen with “Born in the USA” in 1984 voicing the harsh treatment of the Vietnam veterans. “Biko” from Peter Gabriel speaking on South African apartheid. The early 2000’s saw a bunch as well with “American Idiot” in 2004 by Green Day criticizing the media and politics during the Iraq War and in 2018 “This is America” by Childish Gambino as he talked about gun violence and racism. The list could go on and on with all the great protest songs.
Here we are in 2026 and the protest song is seeing a revitalization thanks to the turmoil we are a seeing in America under the Trump Administration. And let me tell you, in the 14 months Trump has been back in office for a second term, it has been utter chaos. From his push to make Canada the 51st state, his desire for Greenland, overthrowing the Venezuela government, to the ICE raids, the Epstein Files and so many more. And the head of the Board of Peace starts a war with Iran…It is way past the point of ridiculousness. Well, the ridiculous happened when he changed the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America…now we are way into the realm of ludicrous.
I have total respect for the “Office” of the President, but I have ZERO respect for this President. I am a registered Republican that did not vote for this man and knew what kind of chaos we would be in for four years under his term. And he has not proven me wrong once. And holy crap, it has only been 14 months and I’m already exhausted from the chaos. I don’t want to be quiet anymore. He is the most despicable human being I’ve ever seen, the biggest man child to ever be and a complete and utter disgrace to the Office that he holds.
Never in my life have I seen a president whine about so much and have the thinnest skin ever. Someone says a negative thing about him and he goes on his Truth Social and hits back like a 4-year old child. Who does that. His utter disrespect for women, people of color and anyone that doesn’t bow to his every whim is an absolute embarrassment. He has shunned our closest Allies, supported Dictators and have basically turned the world against America. And he seems to be trying to turn Americans against American. He says he wants to make America Great again, but all he has done is make himself and his cronies richer. He doesn’t care one bit about the American People. He thinks he is untouchable.
And why I am already in full rant mode here, what President has ever talked so much about building a monument named after him, have a buildings name changed to include his own name while President. That doesn’t happen until years after your presidency and history determines if you deserve it. He knows that won’t happen so he is doing it now. And let’s not forget the borderline crybaby behavior about not winning the Nobel Peace Prize (which he didn’t deserve). Seriously, what the fuck is wrong with him, and with the American People, why the hell are we putting up with this complete and utter non-sense. We can’t sit back anymore and let this happen. We need to stand up and let the world hear our voice.
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: ‘THE STREETS OF MINNEAPOLIS’ (2026)
Well, there are two artist that have recently done just that. First is the Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen. He has been part of Trump’s wrath for comments he has made against Trump and the Administration. And guess what, he has EVERY RIGHT TO DO SO!!! And as we’d mentioned earlier, Bruce isn’t afraid to write a protest song and this time we get “Streets of Minneapolis”. He has released one speaking out agains the ICE tactics in Minneapolis. Their Gestapo style tactics, the killing of people in the streets such as Alex Pretti, the madness has gotten way out of hand. Now, I have no issues with sending illegal immigrants out of the country, EVERY President has done it. But none have resorted to the brutal tactics being handled by ICE and cheered by the sad excuse for a President. The media isn’t helping as they simply fan the flames.
Bruce doesn’t hold back, and with that voice of his he tackles this issue head on. The lyrics are powerful, Bruce’s voice makes you feel each and every word. He is laying out what everyone has been wanting to say, but afraid to in fear of retaliation. Congress isn’t going to do anything about, so someone needs to speak up. Thank you Bruce for saying what needs to be said. The use of the harmonica harkens back to what you’d expect from a Bob Dylan song so it resonates even more with you. I love the “ICE OUT” chants towards the end. What went on their was tragic, avoidable and completely unnecessary. I don’t recognize the Country we are living in currently. It saddens me greatly.
WILL HOGE: ‘THE EPSTEIN FILES’ (2026)
And if that one isn’t enough, one of my favorite songwriters and man does he love a good protest song, Will Hoge has written one talking about Trump and The Epstein Files. And the title is simple, “The Epstein Files”. I love how the thumbnail for the song has “The Epstein Files” and his name partially redacted. The song talks about how he read Trump’s book back in 1992 and knew already he was a fool. He talks about how he didn’t care about the working class, how he treated women and then he became the President. No matter what Trump doesn’t want us to see about the Epstein Files, we already know he is in there and mentioned a million times. Will talks about Greenland and Venezuela, but he keeps pointing out that Trump is The Epstein Files.
It is a raw, simple acoustic set and even has that famed protest instrument, the harmonica. Will doesn’t give a crap what Trump says about him because he is already unpopular as his record sales show that is the case. Well, I buy his records so he’s sold at least one.
And there you have it. Two of the most recent Protest Songs and who doesn’t love a good Protest Song. And we have two good ones for sure. I don’t ever get political on this site as it is all about music, and this post is about music as well with a little political commentary thrown in for good measure. I don’t care what anyone has to say about my views, go ahead and say whatever you want. We need to be able to have a conversation. We need to speak up. We need for this madness to stop. Congress is too scared and the people around him are too scared and I’m not sure I understand why. He is in his second term (AND LAST TERM), so what is stopping them. He will soon be considered a lame duck as his term comes to an end so they need to step up and scream ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Hats off to Bruce Springsteen and Will Hoge for speaking up and laying it out there for everyone to hear! I expect a lot more of these songs to be popping up this year. And for me, I can’t wait to hear them!
I thought I would at least end with the good things President Trump has done since coming into office. Well, I’m really struggling with thinking of one thing. Oh yeah! There was one GREAT THING he has done. He gave KISS a Kennedy Center Honor! That is pretty freaking cool.
