When I was growing up in the late 60s and early 70s, it was a tumultuous time in the United States and my country was dominated by political and social unrest.
During the 1965 to 1975 time period, there were 3 main protest movements that happened simultaneously in America: Anti-war sentiments with U.S. involvement in the Vietnam conflict, Black civil rights activism and women’s rights issues.
Many in the music industry started writing songs that addressed these pressing, controversial topics by recording music that promoted hope, empowerment, love, and encouragement to press on for change.
Top 40 radio provided an outlet for artists to reach large audiences with concerns that many Americans shared from all walks of life: folks hoping that change would take place in the future.
With this edition of my musical musings, I will be counting down what I consider to be the best protest and social justice anthems that were played on Top 40 radio from 1965 to 1975.
For the rest of this message, I will be counting down my favorite Top 20 singles of protest and social justice songs. The sole criterion I utilized with song tabulation for the countdown is that the song must have peaked at #40 or higher on the Billboard Hot 100 between the 1965 to 1975 time period.
As I surveyed the prominent songs in this category, the countdown is entirely based on my opinions. The songs that I selected are singles that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.
Before I start my countdown, I want to share what I consider to be four foundational protest and social justice songs between 1960 and 1964. These selections are building blocks for songs popular from the mid 60s to mid 70s.
- Blowin’ in the Wind—Bob Dylan
Written by Bob Dylan. Protest song asking rhetorical questions on topic of freedom, peace and war. Made popular by Peter Paul & Mary. Their 1963 cover of ‘Blowin’ in the Wind” reached #2 on Billboard Hot 100. One of Dylan’s signature songs. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
- We Shall Overcome—Joan Baez
Written by Charles Albert Tindley. Originally a gospel song. Modern version of tune made famous by Pete Seeger. Became associated with the 60s civil rights movement. Joan Baez sang song in front of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington Civil Rights protest in August 1963.
- A Change is Gonna Come—Sam Cooke
Written by Sam Cooke. This song is the crown jewel of all songs written by the “King of Soul.”
Lyrics were inspired by multiple real-life discrimination against Cooke during the 60s. Tune became hope for the Civil Rights Moment. It’s ranked as the third “Greatest Song of All Time” by Rolling Stone magazine.
- Where Have All the Flowers Gone—Pete Seeger
Written By Pete Seeger. Lyrics are an anti-war protest, highlighting death and destruction upon the effects of war. Many artists have covered the song with Peter Paul & Mary and the Kingston Trio having the most popular versions in the 60s. Song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1973.
There are also two excellent protest and social justice songs that were not top 40 hits but are memorable singles I want to highlight:
- Requiem for the Masses—The Association
Written by Terry Kirkman. A member of the Association. The song references war, racism and protesting network TV news reporting of the Vietnam conflict. The tune has requiem-style vocals that depict thousands of fallen dead soldiers coming back to the U.S. to be buried.
- 7 O ‘Clock News/Silent Night—Simon & Garfunkel
Co-written by Josef Mohr & Franz Gruber. The Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel duo sing the traditional Christmas carol “Silent Night” while simultaneously an announcer reads actual news events that happened during the summer of 1966. The 7 O ‘Clock dialogue features prominent news about Martin Luther King, Jr, the Civil Rights Moment and info about the Vietnam War
I have one more outstanding protest song to share before the countdown starts:
- Signs–Five Man Electrical Band
One of my favorite singles of 1971 is a protest on the topic of signs. Musician and lead vocalist Les Emmerson from Canadian group Five Man Electrical Band, wrote this song after traveling on U.S. Route 66 in California and seeing multiple large billboards blocking the natural scenic beauty along the historic highway.
Without further ado, my Top 20 countdown of best protest and justice songs begins:
20. Eve of Destruction—Barry McGuire 1965
Written by P.F. Sloan: Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 29th Biggest song of 1965
Co-written by Dennis Lambert & Brian Potter: This ode mentions many hot button topics: Vietnam War, drafting of soldiers, the Civil Rights Movement, Nuclear War, U.S. space program and war in the Middle East. Barry McGuire’s song is a one hit wonder. He went on to record Jesus Music in the 70s.
19. One Tin Soldier—The Original Caste: 1969
Co-written by Dennis Lambert & Brian Potter: Peaked by #26 on Billboard Hot 100
The Original Caste was a Canadian group and their anti-war song is about a fictional kingdom that had a great treasure. Warring tribes fight, killing and destroying all foes in order to obtain the treasure. When the treasure is conquered, the rock has a message, “Peace on earth.” Overall message of the lyrics: The war was pointless.
18. Sweet Cherry Wine—Tommy James & the Shondells 1969
Co-written by Richard Grasso & Tommy James: Peaked at #7 on Billboard Hot 100
Lyrics of “Sweet Cherry Wine” had multiple meanings. It directly declares an anti-war message, as the Vietnam conflict was happening in the late 60s. Tommy James also said in 2012 that his song refers to the blood of Jesus that Christians celebrate as Holy Eucharist or Holy Communion.
17. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)—Marvin Gaye 1971
Co-written by James Nyx Jr. & Marvin Gaye: Peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100
From the landmark “What’s Going On” concept album by Marvin Gaye. This song depicts horrid living conditions, extreme poverty and economic despair for people living in American inner-city ghettos. It was the third consecutive hit by Gaye to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart in 1971.
16. American Woman—The Guess Who. 1970
Co-written by Burton Cummings, Garry Peterson, Jim Kale & Randy Bachman: Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 3rd Biggest Song of 1970.
Randy Bachman of the Guess Who stated in 2014 that “American Woman” was an anti-war protest song against the Vietnam conflict from a Canadian point of view. Of course, lyrics can also be interpreted literally as guys from Canada not wanting anything to do with women from the U.S. The single became the biggest hit on the Billboard Hot 100 by the Canadian rock band.
15. Give Peace a Chance–John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band 1969
Co-written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono: Peaked at #14 on Billboard Hot 100
During John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s honeymoon in 1969, the newly married couple held a “bed-in” peace rally in Montreal, Canada. “Give Peace a Chance” was recorded in a hotel room with a group of friends and acquaintances. It became an anthem for the anti-war movement in America.
14. Living for the City—Stevie Wonder: 1973
Written by Stevie Wonder: Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #8 Hot 100, 45th Biggest Song of 1974
An epic story about a poor Black man from Mississippi moving to New York City who took a job with low wages. He eventually faces racial injustice, police brutality and a corrupt criminal system. Stevie Wonder won two Grammy Awards for his written story song.
13. People Get Ready—Curtis Mayfield & the Impressions 1965
Written by Curtis Mayfield: Peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100
A gospel influenced song of social and political awareness. After Curtis Mayfield’s song was released, Martin Luther King Jr. named “People Get Ready” as the “Unofficial Civil Right Movement Song.” Rolling Stone rates it at #24 on their “Greatest Songs of All Time” listing.
12. Imagine—John Lennon 1971
Co-written by John Lennon & Yoko Ono: Peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100
Best-selling single in the solo career of John Lennon. Lyrics are a call for world peace: one world, one country, one people. “Imagine” is ranked as the third “Greatest Song of All Time” by Rolling Stone and is considered Lennon’s masterpiece signature song.
11. Get Together—The Youngbloods 1967
Written by Chet Powers: Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 16th Biggest Song of 1969
An appeal for peace, love, tranquility and brotherhood are all captured on this only top 40 hit by the Youngbloods. Originally released during the summer of love in July 1967, this folk-rock tune actually didn’t become a hit until two years later, back in the summer of ’69.
10. Abraham Martin & John—Dion: 1968
Written by Dick Holler: Peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100
A tribute to four men who were assassinated: Abraham Lincoln, John F Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F Kennedy. Was written after the assassinations of MLK and RFK in the summer of 1968. All 4 leaders were icons of social change. Gone but not forgotten.
9. Respect—Aretha Franklin 1967
Written by Otis Redding: Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 13th Biggest Song of 1967
Aretha Franklin took Otis Redding’s “Respect” and made it her own song. It became an anthem for Black Civil Rights and Women’s Rights, especially workplace equality, protection from domestic violence and sexual assault/harassment issues. Rolling Stone magazine rates “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” as the #1 greatest song of all time.
8. Revolution—The Beatles: 1968
Co-written/credited as a John Lennon & Paul McCartney song. It was primarily written by Lennon. Peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100
Lyrics for “Revolution” came about as some anti-war moment members were calling out for violence to achieve their goals. Lennon, being a peace activist, believed in non-violent methods to promote peaceful transitions. The Beatles rocked with a message of social change on this hard driving tune.
7. War—Edwin Starr. 1970
Co-written by Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong: Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 5th Biggest Song of 1970
“War, huh, yeah, What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!” is the chorus to one of the most renowned anti-war protest songs of the 20th century. Edwin Starr delivers powerful vocals and expresses anger, frustration and moral conviction with this outstanding Motown Records gem.
6. Ohio—Crosby Stills Nash & Young 1970
Written By Neil Young: Peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100
When Neil Young saw photos in Life Magazine about the Kent State University tragedy of 4 students being killed by National Guard soldiers, he wrote lyrics that expressed horror, rage and disgust about the May 4, 1970 event. Some music historians proclaim that “Ohio” is the greatest protest song of the 20th century.
5. Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World is Today)—The Temptations 1970
Co-written by Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong: Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 24th Biggest Song of 1970
Psychedelic soul that mentions a wide variety of topical issues. It was an age of discontent with the world spinning out of control. “Ball of Confusion” was archetypical of social justice Motown songs that were produced in the late 60s and early 70s.
4. For What It’s Worth—Buffalo Springfield 1967
Written by Stephen Stills: Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 27th Biggest Song 1967
This protest song was originally written by Stephen Stills about curfew riots that happened at Sunset Strip in Los Angeles in November 1966. After the tune became a hit, it was associated with Vietnam War protests, with young people clashing with police during the late 60s counterculture era.
3. People Got to Be Free—The Rascals 1968
Co-written by Felix Cavaliere & Eddie Brigati: Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 5th Biggest Song of 1968
Written on May 14, 1968, between the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr and Robert F Kennedy. The message promoted tolerance, freedom and brotherhood of all mankind. Released during the turbulent summer of 1968, “People Got to Be Free” became an anthem of hope for young Americans.
2. What’s Going On—Marvin Gaye 1971
Co-written by Al Cleveland, Renaldo & Marvin Gaye: Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 21st Biggest Single of 1971
1971 was a troublesome time in America. Marvin Gaye’s socially conscious song “What’s Going On” accurately captured the pulse of turmoil that prevailed in our country. Police brutality, violence in the streets and American involvement in the Vietnam War are all topics on this protest tune.
“What’s Going On” is among the best and most loved tunes in Motown musical history. Rolling Stone ranks it at number 6 on the, “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” listing. Numerous other music publications place the tune among the best songs from the 20th Century. It remains a crown jewel of the best songs ever recorded by Gaye.
- Fortunate Son—Creedence Clearwater Revival 1969
Written by John Fogerty: Peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100
My #1 protest and social justice song is “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). Released in September 1969 during the peak period of American involvement in the Vietnam War, this ode quickly became an anti-war movement anthem and is considered a signature song for its author, singer-songwriter John Fogerty.
As Fogerty explained with a post on X, “Fortunate Son is a song I wrote during the Vietnam War, inspired by the stark contrast between those who were drafted to fight and die for their country and those who had the privilege to avoid the draft because of their wealth and connections.”
In 2013, Fogerty’s song was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress and it is widely regarded as the best overall song ever written by Fogerty. Without a doubt, I rate “Fortunate Son” as my favorite John Fogerty/CCR track of all-time and it is the #1 best protest and social justice song on my 60s and 70s countdown.
That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best 60s and 70s protest and social justice songs. I completely understand that my listing of songs in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective.
If you were creating a similar register of excellent protest and social justice singles, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent singles in this category?
I have passionate memories of the protest and social justice songs that I have shared in this article. Without a doubt, I still cherish and fondly remember my countdown singles to this day. Rock on!
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