Creator: Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote the song “We Are The World” as a charity single in 1985. It was performed by the supergroup USA for Africa and sold over 20 million copies. The project was instigated by Harry Belafonte and Ken Kragen who selected Jackson and Richie to author the song. Purpose: The…
Tag Archive: Song
Midnight Oil: Beds Are Burning
Creator: Song written and performed by Australian band Midnight Oil composed of James Moginie, Robert Hirst, Peter Gifford and Peter Garrett, released in 1987. Purpose: “Beds Are Burning” is a political song about giving native Australian lands back to the Pintupi, who were among the very last people to come in from the desert. (Wikipedia)….
Les Miserables: Do You Hear the People Sing?
Creator: French composer Claude-Michel Schonberg created the song as part of the musical Les Miserables. Purpose: The story is based on the novel Les Miserables by Victor Hugo and the song reflects the desire to spark the French Revolution. Song Manifesto Do You Hear the People Sing? ENJOLRAS Do you hear the people sing? Singing…
John Farnham: You’re The Voice
Creator: “You’re the Voice” is a song written by Andy Qunta, Keith Reid, Maggie Ryder and Chris Thompson for John Farnham. It was recorded in 1986 and released on his album “Whispering Jack”. Purpose: The song is about standing up to make your family and the world work a little better. Song Manifesto We have…
Rose Tattoo: We Can’t Be Beaten
Creator: Rose Tattoo’s song ‘We Can’t Be Beaten’ was released in 1982 Purpose: An anthem to “make the streets free”. (song lyrics) Song Manifesto If ya wanna be in my gang, stand up with me We’ll start a revolution and make the streets free We’ll never weaken, we’ll give it our best Can’t be defeated,…
Bobby McFerrin: Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Creator: Bobby McFerrin released the song ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ in 1998 (Capitol Records) and it rose to #1 on Billboard and won a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1989. Purpose: The saying ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ was made famous by Meher Baba. And McFerrin wrote the song because it was a “…pretty…
John Schumann: I Was Only 19
Creator: John Schumann, songwriter and member of Australian folk-rock band Redgum. The song was recorded in 1983. Purpose: To draw attention to the experience of Australian soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War. Manifesto I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green) John Schumann: Universal Music Publishing Pty Ltd Mum and Dad and…
Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On
Creator: Marvin Gaye’s music album What’s Going On was released in 1971 by Tamla Records. The single What’s Going On was co-written by Al Cleveland, Obie Benson and Marvin Gaye. Purpose: The song was written to raise political awareness of the effects of the Vietnam War. Manifesto Mother, mother There’s too many of you crying…
Helen Reddy: I Am Woman
Creator: Cowritten by Helen Reddy and Ray Burton in 1970. Purpose: To express Reddy’s passion for empowering females. This song became an anthem for the women’s liberation movement. Manifesto I am Woman I am woman, hear me roar In numbers too big to ignore And I know too much to go back an’ pretend ‘Cause…
Bob Dylan: Hurricane
Creator: Co-written by Bob Dylan and Jacques Levy in 1975. Purpose: The song protests the 1966 imprisonment of Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter and suggests racism played a significant role in his court trial and subsequent conviction. In 1985, all charges against Carter were dropped and he was released from jail. Manifesto Hurricane Song Lyrics Pistols shots…
