A Few Songs from Two Artists that have Relevance Today [View all]

[Ranting Randy]

Frank Zappa – His lyrics often reflect systemic issues like racism, economic inequality and cynicism towards politics. He saw the political system as a popularity contest rather than a genuine representation of the people's will. Zappa promoted voter registration and political awareness, believing in the power of music to influence change.


* Frank Zappa - Trouble Every Day

(One of the first Rap songs?)

Wikipedia: In August 1985, 19 record companies agreed to put "Parental Guidance: Explicit Lyrics" labels on albums to warn consumers of explicit lyrical content. Before the labels could be put into place, the Senate agreed to hold a hearing on so-called "porn rock" There were 3 musicians who testified: —Dee Snider, Frank Zappa, and that porn rock legend John Denver!

* Frank Zappa at PMRC Senate Hearing on Rock Lyrics Testimony to Congress with video

* Congress Shall Make No Law (Frank’s testimony to congress regarding the PMRC -Parents Music Resource Center)

(See Media Matter for information about Sinclair Lewis’ book and Frank Zappa’s song, “It Can’t Happen Here”)


Wikipedia: Dee Snider tweeted in 2022 about the use of the song by right-wing activists:"ATTENTION QANON, MAGAT FASCISTS: Every time you sing 'We're Not Gonna Take It' remember it was written by a cross-dressing, libtard, tree hugging half-Jew who HATES everything you stand for. It was you and people like you that inspired every angry word of that song! SO FUCK OFF!"[68]

* Twisted Sister - We're Not Gonna Take It (Official Music Video) (The PMRC listed this as one of the Filthy 15)

Lyrics : https://genius.com/Twisted-sister-were-not-gonna-take-it-lyrics

Edited Comments: This song was not only a challenge to the status quo when it was made, but became an anthym for the freedom of the human spirit.

* How Twisted Sister Outclassed Congress (He showed up in costume to show it was all performance)

* Dee Snider's PMRC Senate Hearing Speech (Full)