On Nov. 8, 2016, the country I knew as the United States of America was forever changed. For many of us, the election of Donald J. Trump engendered a profound sense of failure as well as an even greater sense of hopelessness. What can we, the people, do when a mean-spirited, bigoted, narcissist ascends to the highest office in the land?
When I feel hopeless, I turn to music. Not only can it provide catharsis, it can also provide a source of energy. Music can mobilize and inspire. And above all else, it connects us.
On Nov. 9, I went to see Jeff Rosenstock at The Sett. While the New York punk’s aim has always been to provide spaces for fans to vent and celebrate, that show had an entirely different meaning. Maybe it was the convergence of a number of scared, like-minded people, maybe it was the beer, or maybe it was both. But somehow, shouting out songs about tallboys and uncertainty with a room full of strangers made some of the worry go away.
I’ve compiled a list of songs that I’ve found myself revisiting in the days since the Trumpening. Hopefully they will speak to you as they have to me.
“We the People...” by A Tribe Called Quest: Because being a person of color doesn’t mean that you matter any less than anyone else.
“To Have and To Have Not” by Billy Bragg: Because being a part of the working class doesn’t mean that you necessarily support a racist strongman.
“Make America Great Again” by Pussy Riot: Because right now, the Russians know all the ways that this can go wrong.
“Don’t Pray on Me” by Bad Religion: Because “lay hands off her body/it’s not your fucking life” needs to be screamed at Vice President-elect Mike Pence twice daily.
“MariKKKopa” by Desaparecidos: Because of all people, it’s Conor Oberst who wrote the fieriest pro-immigration protest song ever.
“War Ready” by Vince Staples: Because we’re mad as hell, and we’re not going to take it anymore.
“Let’s Face It” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones: Because it’s still hard to face the fact that, in this day and age, somebody’s race can trigger somebody’s rage.
“Early” by Run the Jewels featuring Boots Riley: Because unarmed civilians are still getting executed in the street, and we need to be reminded of that.
“What It Means” by Drive-By Truckers: Because unarmed civilians are still getting executed in the street, and we need to be reminded of that.
“Alright” by Kendrick Lamar: Because Kendrick Lamar is quickly becoming one of the most important musicians of his turbulent generation.
“White People for Peace” by Against Me!: Because comfortable white liberals need to remember that screaming into the void can only do so much.
“Nazi Punks Fuck Off” by Dead Kennedys: Because, in case you forgot, our president-elect was endorsed by both the KKK and the American Nazi Party.
“Power Doesn’t Run on Nothing” by The Thermals: Because, in case you forgot, our president-elect thinks that climate change is a hoax invented by the Chinese.
“Bored in the U.S.A.” by Father John Misty: Because we can’t let our apathy get the best of us.
“Rise Above” by Black Flag: Because we need to rise above.
“FDT (Fuck Donald Trump)” by YG featuring Nipsey Hussle: Just because.
