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Songs of the Times

Music is a powerful medium for expressing emotions and giving voice to issues. Students will explore some of the songs that address social justice and create artwork that reflects a song and its topic.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

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  • Paper
  • Poster Board

Steps

  • Step 1

    Throughout history, protest songs, songs about social justice, and unity anthems have been a powerful way to move and inspire people. Examples from the 1800s include "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" and "All Quiet Along the Potomac Tonight, both about the Civil War. The 1900s gave rise to songs about WWI, WWII, the Vietnam War, civil rights, oppression, injustice, etc. Artists such as Woody Guthrie, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Bono, and many more have used their songs to shine a light on societal issues. Have students think of songs, past or present, that fit this description. Ask them to discuss these how these songs affected them when they first heard them.

  • Step 2

    Ask students to choose a song that moves them, research its origin, and then illustrate it with images that evoke its message.

  • Step 3

    Invite students to share their art with the class. Encourage them to describe the eras in which they were written as well as the inspiration for and message of the songs.

Standards

ARTS: Analyze how the arts reflect changing times, traditions, resources, and cultural uses.

ARTS: Analyze ways that artistic components and cultural associations influence ideas, emotions, and actions.

SS: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions: Examine various institutions that affect one’s life and influence people’s thinking and how they advocate for ideas they believe in.

Adaptations

Have students investigate the history of the song "Strange Fruit" based on a poem by Abel Meeropol and popularized by singer Billie Holiday in 1939. It protested the lynching of Black Americans and was controversial in its time. Several record labels refused to record it fearing the reaction of record retailers in the South.

Have the class create a playlist that incorporates social justice songs from different eras. Ask each student to submit two or three suggested songs.