If the ridiculous government mandates and lockdowns brought about anything good during the last few years, it might have been some music. While most artists refused to openly speak about the ongoing government overreach and with many artists actively promoting the government with vaccine mandates and lockdown measures at shows, it's hard to find the good stuff. But it's out there, and we here at the American Beat are fine curators of protest music against government corruption. Below is a list of our favorite protest songs from the 2020-2022 when governments across the world smashed the rights and liberties of the individual with draconian measures forcing people to choose between their livelihood and their own conscience and personal medical autonomy.
1. "This Has Gotta Stop" - Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton, the legendary rocker and vaccine injury survivor, fearlessly questions mandates and coercion methods in his anthem "This Has Gotta Stop.". Known for his iconic work with Cream, Clapton is living proof that vaccine injuries are real, advocating for informed choice and medical freedom. His powerful song, backed by the legendary Nathan East on bass, highlights the importance of individual choice in the face of government overreach. Also, Van Morrison released a version of this song a few months after it's release. The two had formally collaborated on "Stand and Deliver", another protest song in the same vein. Slowhand & Van are some of the only classic rockers who are vocal against government medical misinformation and corruption.
2. "God Help Us All" - Five Times August
Five Times August is the bard and folk music protest hero of the mandates and lockdown era. Leading the charge for medical freedom and advocating greatly for the vaccine injured directly, his songs, including "Sad Little Man" and "Behind the Bars," fearlessly call out figures like Fauci and Gates for their pandemic profiteering and corruption. With so many amazing Five Times August protest song sto choose from, it's hard to find a favorite, however "God Help Us All" resonates deeply with me because it speaks common person's everyday struggles during the period of government censorship and lockdown. The lyrics and delivery evoke the emotions of grief and frustration that many feel towards the corrupt government policy that was enforced.
3. "No More Lockdown" - Van Morrison
Van Morrison, as previously mentioned is a vocal opponent of government overreach, and has many recent protest songs including cuts like "What's it Gonna Take?," "Born Free," and "Where Have All The Rebels Gone?" However, "No More Lockdown" takes center stage for us with its bluesy intimacy and straightforward lyrics, delivering a scathing critique of the government's infringement on our freedoms while simultaneously evoking the greatest traditions of American music.
4. "This Is A War" - Hi-Rez and Jimmy Levy
Gospel artist Jimmy Levy, known for delivering great toplines for other protest anthems like "Boycott Target," teams up with hip-hop artists Hi-Rez for: "This Is A War." The song begins with an acapella of Jimmy's vocals followed by a beat drop and Hi Rez's impeccable rap flow, reminiscent of legends like Busta Rhymes and Eminem. It's fast and spicy on this one and for this reason it's made this top 5 list. Hi-Rez and Jimmy Levy are a dynamic duo and have released other impactful protest songs, including powerful collaborations like "Welcome To The Revolution" and "United We Stand.".
5. "I Will Not Comply" - Blind Joe
Blind Joe is actually blind it's not a gimmick. Originally a contest on The Voice, he has become a savior of country music and a voice of reason for Americans in an age of Woke-ism. He delivers a hilarious and delightful protest anthem with "I Will Not Comply." It's funny, charming and so bouncy that you can put on during any party and get a good chucklef. Blind Joe is awesome and we need to support more artists like this!
These top 5 protest anthems resonate as powerful symbols of resistance during government mandates and lockdowns. From Eric Clapton's defiant call for choice to Five Times August's lyrical mastery, and Van Morrison's bluesy critique, each artist adds their unique voice to the collective fight for freedom. Hi-Rez and Jimmy Levy's fiery collaboration and Blind Joe's common-sense country round out this list of anthems. All of these songs empower listeners to question authority and protect their rights. Through the art of music, these artists unite in a common goal: to challenge oppression and uphold the essence of liberty for all.
