International Workers' Day, Workers' Day, Labour Day... call it what you will, it's never been more vital to stand with the labourers and the working-classes.
It’s already beyond cliché to say we’re living in strange times. Sure, there’s a global pandemic and worldwide health scare but the plight of the working classes is nothing new. Maybe, you’ve been out applauding for key workers but have you considered how the oppressive capitalism of the world and the political representatives you vote for always have and continue to keep the working classes down.
The protest song for the workers has its roots in folk and blues. The gospel songs of freedom of the deep south soon gave way to ballads about the plight of the working man and woman. Artists like Woody Guthrie, Paul Robeson, and the songwriters of The Wobblies lent their voices to the struggle early on. Country, folk, and Americana artists have continued the trend, with songs of factory workers, mill workers, sex workers…
Sure, artists like Bruce Springsteen, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, and Dropkick Murphys may now sell out arena shows, but they remain true to their working-class roots. The latter acts inclusion in this playlist of workers’ songs cross that fine line between folk and punk. Sometimes, plugging in and making some noise is called for and in the hands of The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers, and Rage Against The Machine, the struggle continued.
Still, the rich get richer, the poor get poorer. Is lining the pockets of Richard Branson really helping the NHS in the United Kingdom? Is your politics and lifestyle part of the problem? Check out the tunes, check your vote, respect the workers. Fight the power.