Sign Up
School Account Sign Up
Contributor: Brian Anthony. Lesson ID: 11521
Some love music you can dance to. Others need music with a meaning. Explore some of the great protest music of the 20th century and the history that surrounded it. Then, write your own protest song!
Sometimes, you have to speak out!
Perhaps you saw something on TV that spurred you to action or a news article you just had to comment on.
Reflect on the following questions.
Much of the great music of the 20th century was written and performed to speak out against injustice. Explore some great songs and the causes that they communicated.
If you listen to popular music today, much is about love, money, and living a fast life.
However, artists and songs are concerned with more than just material things. They are part of a musical tradition that goes back decades: protest music.
One of the most famous composers of protest music was Woody Guthrie, and "1913 Massacre" is one of his best and saddest songs. As you listen and read the lyrics below, write down answers to these questions.
 |
This song was about an actual historical event!
Learn the true story behind The Italian Hall Disaster: One Reason to Observe a Silent Night This Christmas Eve.
Listen to the song and read the lyrics once again. This time, consider the following questions.
Woody Guthrie is considered a master of American folk music, but he was just one of many great musicians who infused their music with more profound messages.
In the Got It? section, you'll explore some of their work.
Supplies
FAVORITE
Like