Political lyrics in music

Peregrin Toker · Post by **Peregrin Toker** » 2003-09-19 11:26am

Well - what's your opinion on music promoting the artists' political views through lyrics??

I personally don't have that much of an opinion since very little of the music I listen to has political lyrics - and in those cases, they're usually so pretentious that it's hard to take seriously. (or the vocals are so unintelligible that it doesn't really matter)

Iceberg · Post by **Iceberg** » 2003-09-19 11:28am

I don't hate RATM because they're political.

I hate RATM because they SUCK.

Joe · Post by **Joe** » 2003-09-19 11:52am

Quite the opposite for me. I would listen to Rage Against the Machine if they weren't so political. Political lyrics are fine (hey, I'm a huge U2 fan) but hardcore Marxism is a bit too far for me to go.

Iceberg · Post by **Iceberg** » 2003-09-19 11:53am

When you're so political that it hurts your music, it's time to take a BIG dose of Chill Pill(tm).

RedImperator · Post by **RedImperator** » 2003-09-19 01:53pm

RATM=Rich Marxists. I love it. "We've got our money, now let's go build a system to make sure you never get yours."

Gil Hamilton · Post by **Gil Hamilton** » 2003-09-19 02:00pm

I don't let politics effect what I listen too. I like NOFX, even if I don't agree with all their politically statements (though some are very funny).

I agree with Iceberg, I don't listen to Rage Against the Machine because I don't like thier music. I couldn't give two bags of llama shit about their politics.

Spanky The Dolphin · Post by **Spanky The Dolphin** » 2003-09-19 02:09pm

I don't believe that I actually have any music that promotes the artist's political views...

RedImperator · Post by **RedImperator** » 2003-09-19 02:24pm

The funny thing is, though, I do listen to the Dead Kennedys, and if that's not the definition of a leftist band using its lyrics to promote a political agenda, I don't know what is. But I still like them. It might be because their music, unlike current political music, doesn't suck. Just a theory.

Gil Hamilton · Post by **Gil Hamilton** » 2003-09-19 02:30pm

RedImperator wrote:The funny thing is, though, I do listen to the Dead Kennedys, and if that's not the definition of a leftist band using its lyrics to promote a political agenda, I don't know what is. But I still like them. It might be because their music, unlike current political music, doesn't suck. Just a theory.

Exactly why I like NOFX's "War on Errorism". It's got a political message I'm not necessarily on board with, but it's still a really cool album.

Peregrin Toker · Post by **Peregrin Toker** » 2003-09-19 02:57pm

RedImperator wrote:RATM=Rich Marxists. I love it. "We've got our money, now let's go build a system to make sure you never get yours."

Ever heard of Graveland?? They're a metal band more famous for their Nazi political views than their music. However, Graveland happen to be from Poland - and Hitler regarded Eastern Europeans as subhuman and in some parts of occupied Poland, Slavs were treated even worse than jews... as a result, some people find Graveland unintentionally hilarious.

Stravo · Post by **Stravo** » 2003-09-19 03:05pm

I think that artists should have the right to sing about anything they want but the listening public should be just as free not to buy their shit thus the free market does its own curtailing of unacceptable political lyrics without the government getting involved.

Frank Hipper · Post by **Frank Hipper** » 2003-09-19 10:01pm

RedImperator wrote:The funny thing is, though, I do listen to the Dead Kennedys, and if that's not the definition of a leftist band using its lyrics to promote a political agenda, I don't know what is. But I still like them. It might be because their music, unlike current political music, doesn't suck. Just a theory.

The Dead Kennedys were equal opportunity haters. At least in the beginning.

Check out California Uber Alles on the Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables album. Or Saturday Night Holocaust on Give Me Conveniance, or Give Me Death.

Gil Hamilton wrote:Exactly why I like NOFX's "War on Errorism". It's got a political message I'm not necessarily on board with, but it's still a really cool album.

If every band were like NOFX, we would live in paradise.

Jason von Evil · Post by **Jason von Evil** » 2003-09-19 10:50pm

Durran Korr wrote:Quite the opposite for me. I would listen to Rage Against the Machine if they weren't so political. Political lyrics are fine (hey, I'm a huge U2 fan) but hardcore Marxism is a bit too far for me to go.

Audioslave.

Joe · Post by **Joe** » 2003-09-19 10:52pm

Aya wrote:
Durran Korr wrote:Quite the opposite for me. I would listen to Rage Against the Machine if they weren't so political. Political lyrics are fine (hey, I'm a huge U2 fan) but hardcore Marxism is a bit too far for me to go.
Audioslave.

Audioslave is actually apolitical, as I recall. That's why I like them.

Glocksman · Post by **Glocksman** » 2003-09-20 12:34am

As much as I despise Neil Young's politics, the SOB can write music worth listening to.

RATM would suck even if they were apolitical.

Joe · Post by **Joe** » 2003-09-20 12:41am

Neil Young, eh...I've never really cared for his guitar playing (overrated, IMO), but I guess some of his music is good.

Exonerate · Post by **Exonerate** » 2003-09-20 12:54am

Hmm, SOAD has a few political messages thrown into their songs, although they're not as blantant and obvious as NOFX and Rage. And they're a good band.

kojikun · Post by **kojikun** » 2003-09-20 01:36am

I don't like preachy sounding bands. Ein loves Corporate Avenger, et. al. especially this song Christians Killed Indians. I hate that song. It's preachy and immature. No offense to ein. A better song with the exact same message is Iron Maidens Run to the Hills. Only difference is, it sounds better and it gets the message across much better.

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2003-09-20 02:37am

Exonerate wrote:Hmm, SOAD has a few political messages thrown into their songs, although they're not as blantant and obvious as NOFX and Rage. And they're a good band.

Never heard Prison Song then I take it?

singing...singing...Drug money has been used to rig elections and train corporate sponsored dicators around the world!...singing....singing...Studies have shown that treatment should be increased while abolishing mandatory minimum sentances!...RAAA!

I'm not saying that I disagree with them mind you, infact I really like the song and the band but subtlety isn't something I'd praise them on.

Peregrin Toker · Post by **Peregrin Toker** » 2003-09-20 02:39am

Frank Hipper wrote:
RedImperator wrote:The funny thing is, though, I do listen to the Dead Kennedys, and if that's not the definition of a leftist band using its lyrics to promote a political agenda, I don't know what is. But I still like them. It might be because their music, unlike current political music, doesn't suck. Just a theory.
The Dead Kennedys were equal opportunity haters. At least in the beginning.
Check out California Uber Alles on the Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables album. Or Saturday Night Holocaust on Give Me Conveniance, or Give Me Death

You're sure they weren't tongue-in-cheek?

Gil Hamilton · Post by **Gil Hamilton** » 2003-09-20 07:06am

Exonerate wrote:Hmm, SOAD has a few political messages thrown into their songs, although they're not as blantant and obvious as NOFX and Rage. And they're a good band.

System of a Down isn't blatant and obvious?

Einhander Sn0m4n · Post by **Einhander Sn0m4n** » 2003-09-20 09:46am

Kottonmouth Kings. Corporate Avenger. 'Nuff Said.

kojikun wrote:I don't like preachy sounding bands. Ein loves Corporate Avenger, et. al. especially this song Christians Killed Indians. I hate that song. It's preachy and immature. No offense to ein. A better song with the exact same message is Iron Maidens Run to the Hills. Only difference is, it sounds better and it gets the message across much better.

That's not the only CA song I like, I have a universal fondness for every song they've ever made.

BTW I'm taking up your song suggestion as we speak...

Frank Hipper · Post by **Frank Hipper** » 2003-09-20 04:56pm

Simon H.Johansen wrote:
Frank Hipper wrote:The Dead Kennedys were equal opportunity haters. At least in the beginning.
Check out California Uber Alles on the Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables album. Or Saturday Night Holocaust on Give Me Conveniance, or Give Me Death
You're sure they weren't tongue-in-cheek?

They lampooned uber leftist Jerry Brown, made him their bitch with much cruelty. It was done with humorous effect, but it wasn't exactly tongue-in-cheek. Jello Biafra despises Tipper Gore with a purple passion, too.

Einhander Sn0m4n · Post by **Einhander Sn0m4n** » 2003-09-20 07:03pm

Frank Hipper wrote:You're sure they weren't tongue-in-cheek?

They lampooned uber leftist Jerry Brown, made him their bitch with much cruelty. It was done with humorous effect, but it wasn't exactly tongue-in-cheek. Jello Biafra despises Tipper Gore with a purple passion, too.[/quote]
Who DOESN'T despise Tip-a-Cow Gore? Remember her attempts to pass music-censorship laws some years ago?

God gave us our Freedom of Speech by giving us a mind and a mouth. No one can take it away from us no matter how hard they try...

Einhander Sn0m4n · Post by **Einhander Sn0m4n** » 2003-09-20 07:05pm

AAAAGH! Help! I phux0r3d up my damn quote.

Can someone fix it please? Then you can delete this post if you want.

Lata and Happy Fragging!

StarDestroyer.Net BBS

Political lyrics in music

What do you think about lyrics promoting the artists' political views

Political lyrics in music