Protest Poetry

Playlist and article by: Gunakkshi Garg

“You don’t have to sing it right, who could call you wrong? You don’t have to sing it nice, but honey, sing it strong.”

- “To Noise Making”, Hozier

Music moves. It moves between people and vibrates empty places and shatters walls of glass. It is a weapon, when wielded right. In our politically fragmented world, it is essential to the process of driving change. Structures that know they deserve to fall often build their boundary walls the highest. Good for us, music carries over walls and through the air. How will they stop sounds? How many will they stop? How many will we let them stop?

Because of music’s power to inspire revolutions and unite commonfolk, clampdowns on artists and musicians are not uncommon. It is in our hands now to realise our power. Supporting artists who ask important questions is an important facet of this. This playlist is full of songs about social issues, calling your attention to the needs of the hour. Hopefully, it inspires you to use your most expensive asset, your attention, wisely.

Find your power in the poetic nuance of Hozier’s folk tunes, Sofia Isella’s cutthroat lyrics and eerie instrumentals, Kendrick Lamar’s insightful raps, and even in legends like Nina Simone and John Lennon.

As always, I hope you enjoy the journey: beat by beat, heartbeat by heartbeat.

Listen here! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/31UQ4XR9AsBivpLT6X3YPG?si=ySIYHkJLQ1Sd56n7vlLOYA&pi=u-kPfSRUCXQkGb