Here are some songs that reflect Democratic (and definitely not Republican) values – things like solidarity and helping out disadvantaged people when they are down and out. Here are a few Songs for Democrats. Unity. Solidarity. People have the power. Which side are you on, boys?
The Dropkick Murphys version of “Which Side Are You On?”
This song almost sounds like the Clash. Here are the words:
Come all of you good workers, good news to you I’ll tell,
Of how that good old union has come in here to dwell.
(Chorus) Which side are you on? Which side are you on?
Which side are you on? Which side are you on?
My daddy was a miner, and I’m a miner’s son,
And I’ll stick with the union, til every battle’s won.
They say in Harlan County there are no neutrals there.
You’ll either be a union man or a thug for J.H. Blair.
Oh, workers can you stand it? Oh, tell me how you can.
Will you be a lousy scab, or will you be a man?
Patti Smith “The People Have The Power”
Here’s the first part of the song…
I was dreaming in my dreaming of an aspect bright and fair
and my sleeping it was broken but my dream it lingered near
in the form of shining valleys where the pure air recognized
and my senses newly opened I awakened to the cry
that the people / have the power / to redeem / the work of fools
upon the meek / the graces shower /it's decreed / the people rule
The people have the power; The people have the power
The people have the power; The people have the power
Grateful Dead “Ripple”
I miss Jerry Garcia. What a wonderful man he was. And I love this song. My favorite lines are these:
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty. If your cup is full may it be again.
Let it be known there is a fountain, that was not made by the hands of men.
The Who “Behind Blue Eyes”
After the misguided reign of GW Bush, I was tempted to select “Won’t Get Fooled Again” but I really like this song, especially these words:
And if I swallow anything evil put your finger down my throat
If I shiver, please give me a blanket; keep me warm; let me wear your coat.
Those are Democratic values right there.
John Prine “Hello In There”
Such a pretty, pretty song. So poignant. It brings tears to my eyes. If the fucking Republicans fucking privatize Social Security, they’ll be stabbing old people (like the character in this song) in the back. Bastards.
Here are all the words:
We had an apartment in the city,
Me and Loretta liked living there.
Well, it'd been years since the kids had grown,
A life of their own, left us alone.
John and Linda live in Omaha,
And Joe is somewhere on the road.
We lost Davy in the Korean war,
And I still don't know what for, don't matter anymore.
Chorus:
Ya' know that old trees just grow stronger,
And old rivers grow wilder every day.
Old people just grow lonesome
Waiting for someone to say, "Hello in there, hello."
Me and Loretta, we don't talk much more,
She sits and stares through the back door screen.
And all the news just repeats itself
Like some forgotten dream that we've both seen.
Someday I'll go and call up Rudy,
We worked together at the factory.
But what could I say if he asks "What's new?"
"Nothing, what's with you? Nothing much to do."
(Repeat Chorus)
So if you're walking down the street sometime
And spot some hollow ancient eyes,
Please don't just pass 'em by and stare
As if you didn't care, say, "Hello in there, hello."
Hugh Laurie “Protest Song”
And now for something humorous – Hugh Laurie’s version of a protest song: