Not the Average Rock 'n Rollers
To many in the 1960’s, The Beatles were simply the best. The were the best looking, the best dressed, the best singers, and the best musicians. But what about politicians, were they any good at being politicians? In reading Marcus Collins’ essay entitled, The Beatles Politics, it becomes clear that not only were they influential musically, but very much so politically. The Beatles were the first to really legitimatize popular music as a form of political expression, and through this expression inspired political activity and participation amongst those who consumed their music; young people.
Perhaps by a twist of history, when the Beatles arrived in the USA in 1964, things were starting to destabilize. The President of the United States had fallen to an assassins bullet, the civil rights movement was in full swing and racial tension was at an all time high, and a conflict was slowly becoming a war in Southeast Asia. The lack of stability in the 60’s left young people somewhat confused and in search of somewhere to turn for guidance in their thoughts, opening the door for musicians to shift focus from the happy-go-lucky tunes of the 50’s and early 60’s to the beautiful, melodic, and highly politicized music the 60’s are so famous for.
Many of the Beatles political songs (often originating out of the late 60’s) are anti-establishment, eye bowel raising, highly politicized melodies reflecting both John Lennon’s radicalism, and the general culture of resistance the decade become known for. More importantly than the Beatles songs however is the impact the concept they developed became in the decade, using popular music as a way of organizing resistance to the various issues, and mobilizing an entire political group through music. The Beatles were the first to truly do this effectively, and bands like Credence Clearwater Revival, CSNY, and Simon and Garfunkel were quick to follow suit.
The Beatles were not only an incredibly talented group of musicians, but they were incredibly effective political activists. They inspired many through their music, set the standard for other 60’s artists to turn to for guidance in their own politicized music, but furthermore they created a culture of using music to express political and cultural feelings; a phenomenon which has only grown stronger in this contemporary age as songs like “My President” by Jeezy, or “Glory” by John Legend hit the top of the billboard charts. For this, we thank the Beatles.
Perhaps by a twist of history, when the Beatles arrived in the USA in 1964, things were starting to destabilize. The President of the United States had fallen to an assassins bullet, the civil rights movement was in full swing and racial tension was at an all time high, and a conflict was slowly becoming a war in Southeast Asia. The lack of stability in the 60’s left young people somewhat confused and in search of somewhere to turn for guidance in their thoughts, opening the door for musicians to shift focus from the happy-go-lucky tunes of the 50’s and early 60’s to the beautiful, melodic, and highly politicized music the 60’s are so famous for.
Many of the Beatles political songs (often originating out of the late 60’s) are anti-establishment, eye bowel raising, highly politicized melodies reflecting both John Lennon’s radicalism, and the general culture of resistance the decade become known for. More importantly than the Beatles songs however is the impact the concept they developed became in the decade, using popular music as a way of organizing resistance to the various issues, and mobilizing an entire political group through music. The Beatles were the first to truly do this effectively, and bands like Credence Clearwater Revival, CSNY, and Simon and Garfunkel were quick to follow suit.
The Beatles were not only an incredibly talented group of musicians, but they were incredibly effective political activists. They inspired many through their music, set the standard for other 60’s artists to turn to for guidance in their own politicized music, but furthermore they created a culture of using music to express political and cultural feelings; a phenomenon which has only grown stronger in this contemporary age as songs like “My President” by Jeezy, or “Glory” by John Legend hit the top of the billboard charts. For this, we thank the Beatles.
Take a listen to some of the Beatles best, and most politicized music. "Hey Jude" by the entire group, and "Imagine" by the groups most radical member, John Lennon.
The Beatles taught us how to infuse politics into our music, and some 50 years later, John Legend encapsulated the struggle for African American equality into his song, "Glory."