10 Activist Anthems for 2022

As we trudge into the new year, some of us might have made some resolutions to become more involved in our communities and pursue real activist work in 2022. But perhaps you are starting to feel a little unmotivated or don’t know where to begin. Music can be very empowering and has become a source for many social justice movements, so I have placed together the perfect playlist to help you become inspired to get up and do something.

Rebel Girl - Bikini Kill

“In her kiss, I taste the revolution.”

First getting their start in Olympia, Washington, Bikini Kill quickly made their impact on the 90s punk scene as a fiery, bold, and outspoken female band. Led by Kathleen Hanna, the band has risen to popularity among young Gen Z feminists with daring songs like “Carnival”, “White Boy” and “Double Dare Ya” that fiercely call out the patriarchy. Their most popular single is “Rebel Girl”, the perfect angsty anthem for teenage girls who might be experiencing blatant sexism for the first time. On top of that, it's also an openly queer anthem. The song opens up with a rattling guitar and vibrating drum solo before giving way to Hanna’s chilling voice and leaving you feeling angry at the world, itching to scream at the next ignorant man who thought he had something to say.

Mercy, Mercy Me - Marvin Gaye

“How much more abuse from man can she stand?”

Listening to this masterpiece by R&B/Soul legend Marvin Gaye is similar to spinning around barefoot in your childhood backyard in the summertime, running through the sprinkler, and then taking a break to soak in the sun on the porch. It is truly a nostalgic, calming, and groovy tune. Not to mention, its lyrics are powerful, reminding society of the harm we are causing our planet. It harnesses a certain early 1970s dreamy sound, with a dark but important undertone. This song could become your anthem if you are interested in environmental justice and want to fight for a more sustainable future.

Zombie - The Cranberries

“And the violence caused such silence.”

The Cranberries, an Irish rock band, wrote “Zombie” to describe the apathy some human beings experience when witnessing crimes that don’t affect them personally. More specifically, “Zombie” describes the armed conflicts in Northern Ireland in the 1990s in response to British militarization and oppression (The Troubles). Dolores O’Riordan, the lead singer of The Cranberries, describes this singing, “with their tanks and their bombs…and their guns” in a gritty, unholy, pained voice. Her unapologetic Irish accent makes the song just that much better, as she speaks out against violence at the hands of oppressive governments urging others to snap out of their bubble and advocate for those who can’t defend themselves.

Strange Fruit - Billie Holiday

“Southern trees bear strange fruit.”

The chilling song starts with a piercing saxophone solo before cascading to Billie’s soulful voice. Her lyrics are graphic - describing the epidemic of racial hate crimes ravaging America during the early to mid 20th century, specifically lynchings. This song was so powerful when it was released in 1939 that the FBI started a whole investigation on Billie, determined to silence her. They clearly failed, and Billie continued to sing Strange Fruit at clubs and bars despite being told not to. Today, the song is just as relevant, and just as haunting.

True Trans Soul Rebel - Against Me!

“Does God bless your transsexual heart?”

Against Me! is an American punk rock band that formed in 1997 in Naples, Florida. The band’s lead singer, Laura Jane Grace, identifies as transgender and through “True Trans Soul Rebel” has been able to tell her story, along with countless others, and bring a true voice to the Trans Lives Matter movement. With jarring lyrics like, “Who’s gonna take you home?”, this song deals with self-discovery and acceptance. Nothing is more punk than this queer protest song, and it’s the perfect motivation to get you involved in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Wargasm - L7

“Body bags and dropping bombs, the Pentagon knows how to turn us on.”

L7 is a band similar to Bikini Kill - for being a female punk band that became popular during the Riot Grrrl movement. “Wargasm” comes from their second studio album, Bricks Are Heavy, which is one of the greatest punk albums out there (in my opinion). Wargasm is the first track, starting the album off strong with blunt and ironic lyrics, and a shattering sound. The song speaks on issues like American militarization and intervention in the Middle East and shows how utterly ridiculous some Americans are who romanticise and encourage war. It makes a mockery of American nationalism and personal freedoms, showing the hypocritical behaviour of our government. This is the perfect song to jumpstart you into socialist or pacifist work.

Mississippi Goddam - Nina Simone

“I think everyday’s gonna be my last.”

Similar to Billie Holiday, Nina Simone was a powerful Black female singer, except she spoke out during the 1960s, using her platform and talent to spread awareness on the Civil Rights Movement. “Mississippi Goddam” can be seen as an outright obliteration of the disgusting behaviour of racist politicians like George Wallace, a struggle unfortunately still relevant today. While George Wallace might not specifically be the problem anymore, Republican Senators and House of Representatives from the South who are actively trying to make sure certain people cannot access basic human rights still are. Back then, the song encouraged Americans to stand up against racial inequality and it does the same thing today, standing out as a poignant, critical anthem on a certain region of the country that seems to be paralyzed in time.

Organs - Pussy Riot

“Freedom and bondage is the same shit now, but instead of inserting c*cks they insert tanks in my town.”

The Russian punk rock all-female band Pussy Riot rose into prominence fairly recently, around the time of the 2016 United States Presidential Election, when they were arrested for speaking out against Russian president, Vladimir Putin. They are infamous for wearing brightly coloured ski masks and dancing around Eastern Orthodox churches - speaking out against misogynistic political agenda. Their energy is sporadic and unpredictable which is what makes them so interesting. Not to mention, their gritty voices screaming the lyrics of “Organs” in Russian is beyond entertaining, even if you have no idea what they are saying. Although once translated, you can tell the lyrics are extremely profound and brave. Pussy Riot does not care about social norms or standards and vows to make certain apathetic listeners uncomfortable, slightly uneasy, and alarmed.

Kill the Poor - Dead Kennedys

“Jobless millions whisked away, at last, we have more room to play.”

The Dead Kennedys got their start in the Bay Area, California in 1978. Their songs focus on anti-Vietnam war and anti-right wing fascist sentiment, as well as exploring class issues. “Kill the Poor” is a deeply empowering anthem, known for its irony and ridiculousness. It's 'told' from the perspective of the American capitalist elite and it really makes a point of the violence the working and lower classes are susceptible to. This is a perfect song to motivate you to do something about the socio-economic issues in your community.

Change (Taylor’s Version) - Taylor Swift

“These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down. It’s a revolution, the time will come.”

I could not write a whole article about empowering musicians and incredible songs without including the music industry herself. You might be surprised, but yes, I would consider “Change” (Taylor’s Version) an activist anthem. Especially now as Taylor is starting to regain the rights to her music, the song is even more important. However, what I love most about this Fearless era tune is that it highlights emotions young people often feel, feelings of frustration with older generations, and feelings of anxiety about the future ahead. Taylor took all this youthful energy and made a beautiful anthem about young people standing up for what they believe in, and truly never giving up the fight no matter how hard it becomes.