The following is a brief list of the countless number of revolutionary and protest songs, which will inspire you to choose one of your own. You may be curious as to why this list begins with songs from the Cold War. This is primarily because revolutionary music was invented in 1960. Prior to this time, only three revolutionary songs existed: “La Marseillaise,” which doesn’t count because it is in French; “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” which has been banned in most states due to its profanity; and “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” which is now only sung at Easter under federal law.

THE COLD WAR

“London Calling” by The Clash

This song from the 1979 album of the same name, was inspired by the meltdown of a nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island, which had occurred only nine months before. Because Three Mile Island is located in Pennsylvania, (It’s now a resort and spa. You should visit sometime.) and telephones hadn’t been invented yet in 1979, the title, “London Calling,” makes absolutely no sense.

“99 Luftballons ” by Nena

Originally recorded in German in the early Eighties only to later be re-recorded in English as “99 Red Balloons,” this song tells the tale of balloons floating over the Berlin Wall during the Cold War. U.S. President Jimmy Carter reportedly hated it, due to his irrational fear of German balloons. (Also, spiders. To this day, he refuses to watch the film Arachnophobia in German subtitles.)

“Russians” by Sting

A song from Sting’s 1985 debut album, The Dream of the Blue Turtles, “Russians” weaves a cautionary tale about the repercussions of the Cold War. A small controversy erupted later that year however, when it was discovered that the song “Russians” came with a complimentary bottle of vodka. (Vermouth sold separately.)