Standing Firm in a Divided Nation:
Defending our Values & Music
We’ve sensed the division gripping our nation for years, but now we’re witnessing those fault lines crack wide open, revealing the deep fractures running through our society. It’s a landscape defined by stark contrasts: left versus right, wrong versus right, extreme versus reasonable, oppressors versus the oppressed, celebrated versus hated. With each passing day, the burden on the right grows heavier, yet we press on, knowing that we stand at a pivotal crossroads. If we falter now, if we allow our morals and human dignity to be trampled, we risk losing our freedom forever.
This is our moment to stand firm. Growing up, in my history lessons. I learned about historical figures who sacrificed everything to defend our freedoms. I frequently questioned myself: if confronted with the same challenges, would I demonstrate the same unwavering courage?
In today’s world, there’s no time for doubt. We must act decisively, fighting for our beliefs, upholding the integrity of our laws, our constitution, our rights as citizens, our nation’s security, and our cherished values. We must cling fiercely to them, guarding against those who seek to snatch them away and reshape them into instruments of tyranny.
I’ve heard the adage, “if you love something, let it go,” but in this instance, we’ve let go for far too long. We placed our trust in our land and our government, feeling secure in our beliefs. Yet, our trust has been betrayed by those who seek to exploit our love for their gain, wrenching our country from our grasp and distorting it beyond recognition—a mockery of freedom.
Once, music was a beacon of political expression, but over time, it’s been hijacked. It’s become hollow, manufactured, devoid of meaning—a soulless commodity crafted by businessmen for profit. It’s transcended the realm of artistry, becoming a money-driven behemoth that enriches a select few while leaving artists with mere scraps. Just as our government has grown beyond the people it should serve.
Those who dare to speak out, to infuse their music with meaning, face backlash and hostility. Our society’s fragile structure has instilled fear, stifling both citizens and artists alike.
This article aims to shed light on the musicians who have shaped our nation. Will our country and its music withstand the test of time, or will they fade into obscurity? There’s only one way to know. We must continue the fight, unite our voices, and strive towards a “more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Pete Seeger
The song originally written by Tom Paxton, uses impeccable sarcasm to highlight the indoctrination that children receive in school.
“I learned that Washington never told a lie
I learned that soldiers seldom die
I learned that everybody’s free
And that’s what the teacher said to me
That’s what I learned in school today
That’s what I learned in school
I learned our Government must be strong;
It’s always right and never wrong;
Our leaders are the finest men
And we elect them again and again
What did you learn in school today
Dear little boy of mine?
What did you learn in school today
Dear little boy of mine?”
Woody Guthrie
Guthrie expresses despair over homelessness and economic hardship, serving as a critique of the government’s failure to address these issues.
I mined in your mines and I gathered in your corn
I been working, mister, since the day I was born
Now I worry all the time like I never did before
Cause I ain’t got no home in this world anymore
Now as I look around, it’s mighty plain to see
This world is such a great and a funny place to be
Oh, the gamblin’ man is rich an’ the workin’ man is poor
And I ain’t got no home in this world anymore
Bob Dylan
Dylan criticizes the government and those who profit from war. In the song, Dylan condemns the military-industrial complex and the individuals who perpetuate violence and conflict for their own gain. He accuses them of being morally bankrupt and responsible for the suffering and death caused by warfare.
Come, you masters of war
You that build the big guns
You that build the death planes
You that build all the bombs
You that hide behind walls
You that hide behind desks
I just want you to know
I can see through your masks
You fasten all the triggers
For the others to fire
Then you set back and watch
While the death count gets higher
You hide in your mansion
While the young people’s blood
Flows out of their bodies
And is buried in the mud
You’ve thrown the worst fear
That can ever be hurled
Fear to bring children
Into the world
For threatening my baby
Unborn and unnamed
You ain’t worth the blood
That runs in your veins
The Clash
The Clash touches on the concept of free speech. The verse emphasizes that while individuals technically have the right to free speech, there are often consequences or societal pressures that discourage its exercise.
Number three
You have the right to free speech
As long as you’re not
Dumb enough to actually try it
Know your rights
These are your rights
Oh, know your rights
These are your rights
All three of ’em, ha
Tennessee Ernie Ford
In this excerpt from the song “Sixteen Tons,” the lyrics reflect on the hardships faced by workers in a coal mining town. The verses describe the physical toll of labor, contrasting the strength of the body with the weakness of the mind. The chorus emphasizes the endless cycle of toil and debt, with the reference to owing one’s soul to the company store encapsulating the theme of exploitation and economic bondage, portraying a bleak picture of the working class struggling against systemic oppression.
Some people say a man is made out of mud
A poor man’s made out of muscle and blood
Muscle and blood and skin and bones
A mind that’s weak and a back that’s strong
You load sixteen tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don’t you call me, ’cause I can’t go
I owe my soul to the company store
Jimmy Levy &
Trump Latinos
This combo is exactly what America needs in music. The two styles blend together into an anthem for America. Explaining the division that the media is creating in all of us. The powers that be want us to hate one another so that we cannot stand against an overpowering government. This is why it is important to remember this as we try to spread truth to all, not just Republicans.
They want us all divided just to conquer
They want to lead our people to the slaughter
We’re never gonna take the devil’s offer
Now its time for a change
Trump Latinos changing lives I swear it’s a movie
Switching up the laws
Messing up the constitution
World’s been crazy
Everybody’s shootin’ and lootin’
It’s time to make a change
Crowe Boys
The video starts with “wishing the government wouldn’t take all out money.” The Crowe Boys explain that most people don’t even know what’s going on.
First job at 17
Trying to make enough to buy her dreams
Look down at the money I made
The government took it all away
So I crashed my car on the corner
Struck a lighter I bough from the store there
Shrugged my shoulders to the wind
when I found out where my money was going
I smoked my first cigarette
Stressing over politics
Do we really know what’s going on?
Preacher man says you’re not right
Now I’m staying up all night
Where did I go wrong?
Where did I go wrong?
Oliver Anthony
You can’t watch this video without it bringing a tear to your eye. The lyrics speak for themselves. Our government is no longer a government for the people. It has become a government who despises its people.
Living in the new world
With an old soul
There’s rich man north of Richmons
Lord knows they all just want to have total control
Wanna know what you think
Wanna know what you do
And they don’t think you know
But I know that you do
Cause your dollar ain’t shit
And it’s taxed to no end
Cause the rich men north of Richmond
Listen to the whole song if you haven’t already
Jason Aldean
Despite facing a lot of controversy for this song, it No.1 on the charts. Jason Aldean took a huge career risk speaking against the rioting and looting that has been happening in our country since summer of 2020.
Pull a gun on the owner of a liquor store
Ya think it’s cool, well, act a fool if ya like
Cuss out a cop, spit in his face
Stomp on the flag and light it up
Yeah, ya think you’re tough
Well, try that in a small town
See how far ya make it down the road
‘Round here, we take care of our own
You cross that line, it won’t take long
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY
These artists courageously challenged the prevailing narratives of their era. They infused their artistry with purpose, striving to convey meaningful messages. By articulating their beliefs in a manner that commanded attention and respect, they sought to effect change. In an era where free speech is increasingly imperiled, their boldness in speaking out for their convictions stands as a beacon of courage and inspiration.
– F.W
Sources
Constitution of the United States-Preamble
The fine print I have to include for my own protection:
The following text presents the author’s opinions and interpretations of events without intending to cause harm or defame any individuals, organizations, or entities mentioned. While the author has provided sources to support their claims, readers are encouraged to conduct their research and employ critical thinking to form their own conclusions.
