5 1970s Classic Rock Songs That Captured How Political The Era Was

Strong movements like feminism, civil rights, and anti-war agitation characterized the turbulent 1970s. Music evolved into a voice for the people as the world rebelled against the current quo. It served as a rallying cry for change, a soundtrack for demonstrations, and occasionally even too daring for radio broadcasts. What astounded listeners at the time today serves as evidence of the decade’s challenges and achievements. In addition to encapsulating the ferocious energy of the 1970s, these six classic songs influenced the social reforms that are now taken for granted. Let’s travel back in time to a period when music had a real impact.

“Fight The Power (Part I & II)” — The Isley Brothers, 1975
Inspired by the chaotic news of the decade, the Isley Brothers made waves in 1975 with their audacious anthem, “Fight the Power (Part I & II).” The song took on authoritarianism head-on and swiftly became one of the group’s biggest singles. At the time, radio stations censored it because of its unreserved use of the word “bullshit.” Lead singer Ron Isley, however, defended the decision, saying it was crucial to the song’s meaning.

In the end, “Fight the Power” is a worldwide exhortation to resist tyranny and never give up, even though many see it as a mirror of the Black experience in America in the 1970s. The song’s ferocious chorus, “Fight it, fight the power, baby,” transformed it from a societal critique into a rallying call for reform and resiliency.

“What’s Going On” — Marvin Gaye, 1971
After becoming a Motown icon in the 1960s, Marvin Gaye began to approach his music more personally and socially in the 1970s. Gaye started writing songs that captured the chaos of the world after being influenced by the Watts Riots and his brother Frankie’s hardships following his service in the Vietnam War.

The title tune of his ground-breaking “protest album,” “What’s Going On,” became a poignant plea for reform. Gaye made significant changes to the song, which was originally written by Al Cleveland, giving it a more urgent and unadulterated feel. It asked a poignant but incisive inquiry regarding the mayhem of the racial riots and urged listeners to consider how they influenced society.

Considered by many to be among the best songs ever written, “What’s Going On” is still a timeless anthem for understanding and compassion that has the same profound impact now as it had in 1971.

“Ohio” — Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, 1970
The Ohio National Guard opened fire on students demonstrating against the Vietnam War on May 4, 1970, causing four fatalities and nine injuries in the horrific Kent State shootings that rocked the country. Outrage and widespread protests in American colleges followed the incident, which became a turning point in the public’s opposition to the war.

Neil Young wrote “Ohio” after seeing the eerie images in Life magazine. The song, which was released a month after the tragedy, condemned President Nixon head-on and encapsulated the grief and indignation with its eerie refrain: “Four dead in Ohio, why did they die?”

The song struck a deep chord and became a rallying cry for the student protest movement, despite being banned by most radio stations. “Ohio” is still an unvarnished, potent reminder of that crucial period in American history.

“Get Up, Stand Up” — Bob Marley & The Wailers, 1973
“Get Up, Stand Up” is a perfect illustration of Bob Marley’s talent for writing songs that are strong and meaningful. This classic song, which was released in 1973, is a call to action for justice as well as a scathing indictment of religious leaders who fail to provide genuine aid to the underprivileged.

After touring Haiti, where he was profoundly affected by the tremendous poverty and misery, Marley found inspiration for the song. “Get Up, Stand Up” urges people to fight for their rights and better lives in the here and now by challenging the notion that one should wait for benefits in the afterlife with its audacious lyrics.

The song, which embodied Marley’s conviction in standing up for what’s right, became an anthem for resistance and empowerment with its powerful call to action. It serves as a timeless reminder of the power that comes from tenacity and solidarity.

“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” — Gil Scott-Heron, 1971
“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” a song by Gil Scott-Heron from 1971, is a daring, satirical anthem that is full of political and cultural satire. Before turning it into this iconic song, Scott-Heron performed it as a spoken-word performance, using a phrase made popular by the Black Panthers. The message? Real revolution takes place in the streets, via action, and not from the comfort of your couch.

The song’s scathing lyrics underscore the sharp contrast between commercialism and significant change by criticizing the gaudy distractions of consumer culture, name-dropping advertisements, and current products. To provide more depth and perspective, Scott-Heron also incorporates allusions to political and civil rights leaders, such as Whitney Young and Richard Nixon. The song is still a timeless cry to wake up, get involved, and make a difference because of its incisive analysis.