From Chants to Chords:The Art and Impact of Protest Songs in Driving Social Change -BY VEER SHARMA
When we think about a protest, we often imagine scenes of politicians rushing around, banners waving, and crowds chanting together. But what lies at the heart of a protest? At its core, a protest is a way of expressing disapproval or objection to something. However, for us, as emotional beings, every protest starts from deeper feelings like fear, anger, and other sentiments born from being treated unfairly, disagreed with, or ignored.
How do people protest? We've seen it countless times: marches filling city streets, rallies boosting collective spirits, sit-ins refusing to give in, boycotts speaking volumes through silence, and strikes stopping the machinery of injustice. Every protest method shows the strength of the human spirit. Fundamentally, protest is a way to express ourselves. It's the art of channelling our deepest feelings into a shared outcry for change. While dictionaries might explain protest as merely disagreeing with something, it's much more about the human need to express our innermost emotions in response to what's unfair or unequal.
oday, I'd like to discuss a contemporary song called "Poorna Sawaraj" by RollsRoy’s. This song delves into the complexities of our nation's challenges, addressing issues such as religious divides, political corruption, and environmental degradation. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, the song sheds light on the injustices faced by marginalised communities at the hands of the elite. The artist urges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths and calls for a reevaluation of societal values and priorities. With references to cultural symbols and societal norms, the song exposes the hypocrisy and contradictions within contemporary Indian society. It advocates for unity, empathy, and genuine progress, emphasising the importance of collective action in achieving true freedom and justice. "Poorna Sawaraj" serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of music as a tool for social commentary and change. However, it also highlights the responsibility that comes with wielding such influence. While protest songs can inspire and unite, they also have the potential to exacerbate tensions if not used responsibly. Ultimately, protest is a form of self-expression that reflects a desire for a fairer, more equitable society. By approaching protests with mindfulness, empathy, and a commitment to constructive dialogue, we can work together to address so cietal issue sand create positive change
-VEER SHARMA
REVIEW BY A STUDENT OF ST JOSEPHS UNIVERSITY
"Kattey" is a powerful and electrifying song featured in the Bollywood movie "Gulaab Gang." The song is a collaboration between Bhanvari Devi, a folk singer from Rajasthan known for her raw and soulful vocals, Hard Kaur, an Indian rapper and singer, and Ram Sampath, a renowned music composer.
"Kattey" combines traditional folk elements with modern rap and electronic beats to create a dynamic and rebellious anthem. The lyrics are bold and empowering, speaking out against injustice and oppression. The song's energy and message resonate deeply with audiences, making it a standout track both in the movie and in the realm of protest music.
TONE OF THE SONG
The tone of "Kattey" is bold, defiant, and unapologetic. It carries a sense of urgency and determination, driving home its message of resistance and empowerment. The fusion of traditional folk elements with modern rap and electronic beats adds to the song's dynamic energy, amplifying its impact and making it an anthem for those fighting against injustice. Despite addressing serious issues, the tone of the song remains spirited and hopeful, inspiring listeners to stand up and take action.
WHAT DOES IT CONVEY(ideologies/message)
"Kattey" speaks about resilience, determination, and the fight against injustice. The lyrics convey a message of empowerment, urging listeners to break free from constraints and take control of their own destinies. It addresses societal issues such as corruption, oppression, and inequality, calling for unity and resistance in the face of adversity.
The song's title, "Kattey," translates to "cut" or "sever," symbolizing the severing of ties with oppressive forces and the reclaiming of autonomy and agency. Overall, "Kattey" serves as a rallying cry for change and a reminder of the strength that lies within individuals to challenge the status quo.It leaves a lasting impression on its listeners sparking questions of just and unjust
To conclude the makers have attempted to combine rajasthani folk with rap and electric beats to give it a modern day touch so that the younger crowd engage with song and get some idea of evils in society .
Being aware might not solve a problem but it makes people raise questions which eventually leads to finding a solution and these songs raising social and political issues play a very vital role.
-YUVRAJ SINGH
"They Don't Care About Us" is a song by American singer and songwriter Michael Jackson, released in April 16, 1996, as the fifth single from his ninth album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995). It is a protest song and remains one of the most controversial pieces Michael Jackson has ever composed.
“They Don’t Care About Us” was accompanied by two Music Videos directed by Spike Lee. The first was shot in two locations in Brazil: Pelourinho and Santa Maria. State authorities tried to ban the production over fears that music video would ruin their image. The second music video was shot in a prison and contains video footage of law enforcement authorities attacking African-Americans and other significant human rights abuses thrown in.
LYRICS:
Skinhead, dead head, everybody gone bad
Situation, aggravation, everybody, allegation
In the suit, on the news, everybody, dog food
Bang bang, shot dead, everybody's gone mad
All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us
All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us
Beat me, hate me, you can never break me
Will me, thrill me, you can never kill me
Jew me, sue me, everybody do me
Kick me, kike me, don't you black or white me
All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us
All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us
Tell me, what has become of my life?
I have a wife and two children who love me
I am the victim of police brutality, now
I'm tired of being the victim of hate
You're ripping me of my pride, oh, for God's sake
I look to heaven to fulfill its prophecy, set me free
Skinhead, dead head, everybody's gone bad
Trepidation, speculation, everybody, allegation
In the suit, on the news, everybody, dog food
Black male, blackmail, throw the brother in jail
All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us
All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us
Tell me, what has become of my rights?
Am I invisible cause you ignore me?
Your proclamation promised me free liberty, now
I'm tired of being the victim of shame
They're throwing me in a class with a bad name
I can't believe this is the land from which I came
You know, I really do hate to say it
The government don't wanna see
But if Roosevelt was livin'
He wouldn't let this be, no, no
Skinhead, dead head, everybody's gone bad
Situation, speculation, everybody, litigation
Beat me, bash me, you can never trash me
Hit me, kick me, you can never get me
All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us
All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us
Some things in life
They just don't wanna see
But if Martin Luther was livin'
He wouldn't let this be, no, no
Skinhead, dead head, everybody's gone bad
Situation, segregation, everybody, allegation
In the suit, on the news, everybody, dog food
Kick me, kike me, don't you wrong or right me
All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us
All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us
All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us
.jpeg)
MEANING:
“They Don’t Care About Us” talks about the issues of social injustice, discrimination and oppression. It talks about the insane society where men of colour are imprisoned more for how they look.
This song is relatable to anyone who face many social issues, such as Racism, Poverty, Injustice, Police Brutality, Corruption and so on.
-BIDAPPA
N.W.A. - F**k Tha Police-BY RAZIQUE
"Fuck tha Police" is a controversial rap song by the group N.W.A. It addresses police brutality and racial profiling experienced by African Americans. The lyrics reflect the anger and frustration felt by the group and many in their community towards law enforcement. The song sparked considerable debate and controversy upon its release in 1988 due to its explicit language and explicit portrayal of police as antagonistic figures. Despite the controversy, it became a rallying cry for those protesting police brutality and systemic racism. LYRICS
Right about now NWA court is in full effect
Judge Dre presiding in the case of NWA versus the police department.
Prosecuting attourneys are MC Ren, Ice Cube and Eazy motherfuckin' E
Order, order, order, Ice Cube take the motherfuckin' stand
Do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth
And nothin' but the truth so help your black ass?
You goddamn right
Well, won't you tell everybody what the fuck you gotta say?
Fuck the police comin' straight from the underground
A Young nigga got it bad 'cause I'm brown
And not the other color so police think
They have the authority to kill a minority
Fuck that shit, 'cause I ain't the one
For a punk motherfucker with a badge and a gun
To be beatin' on, and thrown in jail
We can go toe-to-toe in the middle of a cell
Fuckin with me 'cause I'm a teenager
With a little bit of gold and a pager
Searchin' my car, lookin' for the product
Thinkin' every nigga is sellin' narcotics
You'd rather see me in the pen
Than me and Lorenzo rollin' in the Benzo
Beat a police outta shape
And when I'm finished, bring the yellow tape
To tape off the scene of the slaughter
Still getting swole off bread and water
I don't know if they fags or what
Search a nigga down and grabbin' his nuts
And on the other hand, without a gun, they can't get none
But don't let it be a black and a white one
'Cause they'll slam ya down to the street top
Black police showin' out for the white cop
Ice Cube will swarm
On any motherfucker in a blue uniform
Just 'cause I'm from the CPT, punk police are afraid of me
A young nigga on a warpath
And when I'm finished, it's gonna be a bloodbath
Of cops, dyin' in L.A.
Yo Dre, I got somethin' to say
Fuck the police, fuck-, fuck-
Fuck the police, fuck-, fuck-
Fuck the police, fuck the-, fuck the-
Fuck the police (Example of scene one)
Pull your goddamn ass over right now
Aw shit, now what the fuck you pullin' me over for?
'Cause I feel like it
Just sit your ass on the curb and shut the fuck up
Man, fuck this shit
Alright, smart-ass, I'm taking your black ass to jail
MC Ren, will you please give your testimony
To the jury about this fucked up incident
Fuck the police and Ren said it with authority
Because the niggas on the street is a majority
A gang, is with whoever I'm steppin'
And the motherfuckin' weapon is kept in
A stash spot, for the so-called law
Wishin' Ren was a nigga that they never saw
Lights start flashin' behind me
But they're scared of a nigga so they mace me to blind me
But that shit don't work, I just laugh
Because it gives 'em a hint not to step in my path
For police, I'm sayin', "Fuck you, punk"
Readin' my rights and shit, it's all junk
Pullin' out a silly club, so you stand
With a fake-ass badge and a gun in your hand
But take off the gun so you can see what's up
And we'll go at it, punk, I'ma fuck you up
Make ya think I'm a kick your ass
But drop your gat, and Ren's gonna blast
I'm sneaky as fuck when it comes to crime
But I'm a smoke 'em now, and not next time
Smoke any motherfucker that sweats me
Or any asshole that threatens me
I'm a sniper with a hell of a scope
Takin' out a cop or two, they can't cope with me
The motherfuckin' villian that's mad
With potential to get bad as fuck
So I'm a turn it around
Put in my clip, yo, and this is the sound
Yeah, somethin' like that, but it all depends on the size of the gat
Takin' out a police would make my day
But a nigga like Ren don't give a fuck to say
Fuck the police, fuck-, fuck-
Fuck the police, fuck-, fuck-
Fuck the police, fuck the-, fuck the-
Fuck the police
Yeah, man, what you need?
Police, open now (Aww, shit)
We have a warrant for Eazy-E's arrest
Get down and put your hands right where I can see 'em!
Man, what the fuck did I do? Man, what did I do?
Just shut the fuck up and get your motherfucking ass on the floor!
But I didn't do shit
Man, just shut the fuck up!
Eazy-E, won't you step up to the stand
And tell the jury how you feel about this bullshit?
I'm tired of the motherfuckin' jackin'
Sweatin' my gang while I'm chillin' in the shack, and
Shining the light in my face, and for what?
Maybe it's because I kick so much butt
I kick ass, or maybe 'cause I blast
On a stupid ass nigga when I'm playin' with the trigger
Of any Uzi or an AK
'Cause the police always got somethin' stupid to say
They put up my picture with silence
'Cause my identity by itself causes violence
The E with the criminal behavior
Yeah, I'm a gangster, but still, I got flavor
Without a gun and a badge, what do ya got?
A sucka in a uniform waitin' to get shot
By me, or another nigga.
And with a gat, it don't matter if he's smarter or bigger
(Size don't mean shit, he's from the old school, fool)
And as you all know, E's here to rule
Whenever I'm rollin', keep lookin in the mirror
And ears on cue, yo, so I can hear a
Dumb motherfucker with a gun
And if I'm rollin' off the eight, he'll be the one
That I take out, and then get away
While I'm drivin off laughin'
This is what I'll say
Fuck the police, fuck-, fuck-
Fuck the police, fuck-
Fuck the police, fuck-, fuck-
Fuck the police (The verdict)
The jury has found you guilty of being a redneck
Whitebread, chicken shit motherfucker
Wait, that's a lie, that's a goddamn lie
Get him out of here (I want justice)
Get him the fuck out my face (I want justice)
Out, right now
Fuck you, you black motherfuckers
Fuck the police
Fuck the police
Fuck the police
Why was N.W.A banned?Compton, California, U.S. Active from 1987 to 1991, N.W.A endured controversy owing to their music's explicit lyrics, which many viewed as misogynistic or homophobic, as well as to its glorification of drugs and crime. The group was subsequently banned from many mainstream American radio stations.
-BY RAZIQUE
Post a Comment