I would like to make the world a better place and love protest songs. Like thought provoking documentary films and op-ed pieces, they can raise awareness through their art. And they can make a difference, at least in theory.
Billy Bragg has been called a "national treasure" in his home country of England, but he cares about issues worldwide. His shows are part punk rock and part evangelism for the common good. In the tradition of Woody Guthrie, Billy was chosen by daughter Nora to bring Woody's unfinished works to life in the Mermaid Avenue album projects.
Here are a couple of my favorite Billy Bragg songs. Like Dylan's "The Times They are a-Changin'", they are just as applicable to today's sociopolitical climate as they day they were written. For better or worse.
"Some people sing about love. Some people sing about war. Some people sing about a better world to come. Well I sing about all three, and this is my theme song."
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