Political InfluencesBy: Cory Burchfield, Taylor Cashdollar &

Jordan Lantz

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When he was running, at some of John McCain campaign rallies, John Mellencamp’s “Our Country” and “Pink Houses” have been booming out through the speakers. These uplifting heartland rock must have seemed like a smart pick, however there’s just one problem: Mellencamp is an enthusiastic Democrat. And, until recently, he supported John Edwards – who had been playing “Our Country” and “Small Town” at his rallies. Mellencamp hasn’t yet made a public response, but his reps are quietly reaching out to McCain and asking him to stop playing his songs.

Politically Influential Bands

One of the most politically influential bands is U2. Many of their songs deal with poverty, disease and social injustice. Many bands sing for charities to raise money and awareness of many different problems.

Politically Influential Bands Cont’d.

List of bands› Crass› Anti-Flag› Against Me!› NoFx› Green Day› The Beatles› The Rolling Stones

List of songs› Waiting on the

World to Change› Give Peace a

Chance› Blowin’ in the Wind› We Shall Overcome› Uprising› Dear Mr. President

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eDJ3cuXKV4

Causes

Many bands make their lyrics and songs into something more substantial and important to society. They write about the world their living in and the problems that are eminent and ghastly.

Popular topics to sing about are:› War› Presidents

/Presidents views› Poverty› Disease› Social Injustice

Musicians songs can bring about a new light to a certain subject and raise awareness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=PD_0fqvT32g