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INCREDIBLE SONGS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

BROUGHT TO YOU BY SOHO SONIC

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Music is a strange and powerful force that has the ability to change the way we think and talk.

Throughout history, music has been used to speak out against injustice, war, corruption and racism,

acting as the mouthpiece of each generation.

Here, we present to you a selection of the incredible songs that have changed the world.

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Strange Fruit – Billie Holiday (1939)

Written by Abel Meeropol, this song became a battle cry that screamed out against the injustices being faced by African-Americans at this time in history.

It was the first of its kind, as it was performed 16 years before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus.

The song speaks of the extremes of racism; in particular, the act of lynching.

“Southern trees bear a strange fruit, blood on the leaves and blood at the root.”

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A Change is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke (1964)

1960s America was still rife with racism, finding civil rights campaigners continuing to speak out against the prejudice and hardships faced by countless people up and down the country.

Singer Sam Cooke took up the mantle when he recorded this song, which spoke of the hope and optimism that, one day soon, things would change.

“It’s been a long, a long time coming, but I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will.”

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War – Edwin Starr (1970)

This protest song, written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, was released as an anti-Vietnam War song.

Although it was originally intended to speak out against the war in Vietnam, it has been covered countless times, proving that it is relevant to every generation.

“War, it ain’t nothing but a heartbreaker, war, friend only to the undertaker.”

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Imagine – John Lennon (1971)

John Lennon captured the desire for peace with his song. Rather than speaking out against a particular wrong, he spoke of a general wish that humans could one day live in peace and harmony with each other.

His words have been a source of inspiration and aspiration for countless people since the song’s release.

“I hope someday you’ll join us and the world will live as one.”

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Sunday Bloody Sunday – U2 (1983)

The Irish group are well known for their controversial songs and lyrics, but the most political of all their songs is Sunday Bloody Sunday,which talks of the troubles in Northern Ireland, and in particular, the Bloody Sunday incident in Derry, where many unarmed civil rights protesters were shot and killed by British troops.

“And the battle’s just begun, there’s many lost, but tell me who has won.”

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Do They Know it’s Christmas? – Band Aid (1984)

The charity single brought some of the biggest artists in pop together to cry out about the extreme poverty in Africa.

The single raised millions of pounds to be used to help those in need, and changed the way we view charity and fundraising forever.

“And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy, throw your arms around the world at Christmas time.”

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Same Love – Macklemore (2012)

This song challenges the prejudice faced by the LGBT community and was recorded during the campaign for Washington Referendum 74, which legalized same sex marriage in Washington State.

The song calls for equality and acceptance for all, condemning the hate and discrimination faced by members of the gay community every day.

“I might not be the same but that’s not important. No freedom ‘til we’re equal, damn right I support it.”

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Here at Soho Sonic, we’re passionate about music and believe that any song can change the world, even if it is the world of just one

person.

For more information about our services, contact us today.