Songs About Social Change

Updated April 1, 2024

When it comes to Songs About Social Change, there are many artists who created music about this feeling. Here are 25 of our favorites.

Where Is The Love? by Black Eyed Peas

From the album, Elephunk, released on June 24, 2003

The song "Where Is The Love?" is a hip hop song by American group Black Eyed Peas. It was released in June 2003 as the lead single from their second album, Elephunk (2003). The song was written by group members will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo, as well as Justin Timberlake, who provides vocals on the track. The song's lyrics discuss the world's problems, including terrorism, poverty, and racism. The song was widely successful, reaching number one in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In the US, it became the group's first single to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 2004 ceremony.

Respect by Aretha Franklin

From the album, I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, released on March 10, 1967

Aretha Franklin's song "Respect" was released in 1967 on Atlantic Records. The song was written by Otis Redding and produced by Jerry Wexler. The song is a cover of Redding's original song, which was released in 1965. Franklin's version of the song became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has been covered by many artists, including Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, and Beyonce.

Waiting On the World to Change by John Mayer

From the album, Continuum, released on September 11, 2006

"Waiting on the World to Change" is a song by American singer-songwriter John Mayer. It was released in August 2006 as the lead single from his third studio album, Continuum. The song peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Adult Contemporary chart. The song is a mellow, acoustic guitar-driven ballad with lyrics that express Mayer's frustration with the current state of the world and his desire for change. In the chorus, he sings: "We're all just waiting on the world to change / We're all just waiting on the world to change / But it's not going to change / Unless we change it first." "Waiting on the World to Change" was written by Mayer and produced by Jack Joseph Puig. The song was recorded at Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood, California.

This Is America by Childish Gambino

From the album, This Is America, released on May 6, 2018

"This Is America" is a socially conscious hip-hop/trap song by American rapper/singer/songwriter Childish Gambino. It was written by Donald Glover, Ludwig Goransson, and Jeffery Lamar Williams, and produced by Ludwig Goransson. The song was released as a single on May 5, 2018, and was the lead single from Glover's fourth studio album, 3.15.20. Musically, the song is a hybrid of hip-hop and trap, with prominent guitar and driving percussion. Its lyrics are a commentary on gun violence, racism, and police brutality in America, as well as the Black experience in general. The accompanying music video was directed by Hiro Murai and was released alongside the single. The video has been praised for its commentary on African-American issues, with its powerful imagery garnering much attention.

The Times They Are A-Changin' by Bob Dylan

From the album, The Times They Are A-Changin', released on January 13, 1964

"The Times They Are A-Changin'" is a song written by Bob Dylan and released as the title track of his 1964 album of the same name. The song is considered by many to be an anthem of the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s. The song is a slow, somber folk ballad that features Dylan's trademark fingerpicking guitar playing and harmonica. The lyrics call out to people of all generations to recognize the changing nature of the times and to embrace the changes that come with it. The song was recorded in New York City at Columbia Records' Studio A. The track was produced by Tom Wilson and featured Dylan's backing band The Hawks, who later became known as The Band.

A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke

From the album, Ain't That Good News, released on March 1, 1964

"A Change Is Gonna Come" is a classic soul song from 1964, written and performed by Sam Cooke. The song is a statement of hope, a call to action, and a reflection on the civil rights movement in the United States. Cooke wrote the song after witnessing the discrimination and inequality faced by African Americans. The song was recorded at RCA's Studio B in Nashville on December 17, 1964 and released as a single on January 22, 1965. It was produced by Hugo & Luigi, who also played the instruments on the track. The song was written by Sam Cooke and arranged by René Hall. It was later featured on Cooke's posthumous album Ain't That Good News. The song has become a civil rights anthem and has been covered by numerous artists, including Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Bryan Adams. In 2009, "A Change Is Gonna Come" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.