Acoustic Rage: Country and Folk Protest Songs You Need to Hear

Some tend to think that musicians need amplified, distorted guitars and driving beats to transform their anger into songs. That’s not the case, though. Songwriters have been turning their righteous anger over war, inequality, and other societal issues into protest songs for decades. Many of those songs fall firmly under the umbrella of folk or country music. However, they’re no less pointed than tracks from bands like Rage Against the Machine. The artists are just more restrained in their delivery.

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These tracks below come from country legends, long-dead visionaries, and up-and-coming songwriters. The lyrics were inspired by specific incidents or issues, but have remained relevant protest songs throughout the years.

[RELATED: 4 Powerful Protest Songs That Fought the Power Through Sound]

1. “What Is Truth” by Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash wrote “What Is Truth” and released it as a non-album single in 1970. Later that year, he played the song during a concert for Richard Nixon at the White House. Cash drew inspiration for the song from the anti-war protests of the Vietnam era and the older generation who were criticizing and judging young people who didn’t want to fight and die in the jungles of a foreign country.

Unlike many protest songs, “What Is Truth” was a hit. It went to No. 3 on the country chart and No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of the song seemingly mirrored the popularity of the Man in Black’s message.

2. “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie

Some may be surprised to hear that “This Land Is Your Land” is a protest song. After all, it’s a song that many people grow up hearing and singing. At the same time, it’s one of the most popular folk songs in American history. However, Guthrie wrote it in response to “God Bless America.” Instead of patriotism, the song’s lyrics are about the collective ownership of land from sea to shining sea.

3. “Which Side Are You On” by Pete Seeger

Florence Reece, wife of union organizer Sam Reece, wrote “Which Side Are You On” in 1931 during the Harlan County War in Kentucky. She penned the lyrics after Sheriff J.H. Blair, who is named in the song, and his men entered her home in search of her husband. He was gone, so they took out their frustrations on Mrs. Reece and her children. Pete Seeger was one of several artists who started performing the classic protest song in the early 1940s.

4. “War Isn’t Murder” by Jesse Welles

Not all protest songs come from days gone by. Songwriters are still pouring their anger about current events into their lyrics today. Jesse Welles is the perfect example of a modern songwriter who is keeping protest music alive. Those who spend any time on social media have likely heard snippets of his songs. He wrote “War Isn’t Murder” about the genocide currently taking place in Palestine.

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