5 Songs That Changed The World
Every one of us at AAA believes in the power of music to make a difference in each of our lives. On the individual level, music has the power to be inspiring and empowering, making us feel seen and understood. But every now and then, a song comes along that inspires millions of people and becomes the catalyst for long-lasting global change.
Here’s just five examples of songs that have changed the world.
1. Bob Dylan - Times They Are A-Changin’
Times They Are A-Changin’ was written for young people who felt that segregation and oppression were outdated practices and were looking for change, but this iconic 60’s folk song has become a timeless anthem for positive change in society.
2. Rihanna, Jay-Z, Bono, The Edge - Stranded (Haiti mon amour)
The Hope for Haiti Now telethon was hosted on January 22, 2010 to raise funds after an earthquake struck Haiti. With an audience of 83 million viewers, and performances by Madonna, Coldplay, and Shakira, the concert raised $58 million. The original song Stranded (Haiti mon amour) debuted at this event, performed by Bono, The Edge, JAY Z, and Rihanna.
3. Artists United Against Apartheid - Sun City
In 1985 activist and performer Steven Van Zandt and record producer Arthur Baker formed the group Artists United Against Apartheid and wrote Sun City to protest the South African policy of apartheid, imploring other entertainers to boycott gigs at the Sun City casino. The track features many popular artists of the time and was even banned in South Africa.
4. Bob Marley and the Wailers - Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)
Known by some as the “Voice of the third world”, Marley was another artist who chose to use his music to make political and social statements. Them Belly Full (But We Hungry), performed by Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1975, warns of the danger of letting a nation's poor to go hungry.
5. K'naan - Wavin’ Flag
Keinan Abdi Warsame, known by his stage name K'naan, was born and raised in Mogadishu, Somalia. In Wavin’ Flag, he talks about the struggle of refugees displaced by war, and how people are waiting for the dream of freedom. The song was picked by Coca-Cola as their promotional anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and made K’naan an ambassador for the plight of his homeland.