OT: Songs that reference historical events

[UHF]

Fotheringay by Fairport Convention
You get some history with this one. Fotheringay was the final place of imprisonment for Mary Queen of Scots who was executed there in 1587. As a bonus you get the beautiful voice of Sandy Denny.

Sandy Denny left Fairport Convention and formed the short lived band Fotheringay in 1970.

Fotheringay,Way I feel

 

[Ozimoto]

Another song referencing the bombing of Hiroshima.

 

[Ozimoto]

Here is another from the same album about the relocation of Native Americans from the south eastern United States, known as the Trail of Tears.

 

[UHF]

Fortunate Son.
Creedence Clearwater Revival.
1969.
Willy and the Poor Boys album.


Inspired by the wedding of David Eisenhower’s grandson and then President Richard Nixon’s daughter in 1968. John Fogerty explained “Julie Nixon was hanging around with David Eisenhower, and you just had the feeling that none of these people were going to be involved with the war.


It ain't me, it ain't me.
I ain't no senator's son, son.
It ain't me, it ain't me.
I ain't no furtunate one, no.

 

[UHF]

We Gotta Get Out Of This Place.
The Animals.
1965.
Animal Tracks album.

Vietnam War anthem.

 

[UHF]

Sky Pilot.
Eric Burdon & The Animals.
1967 (released in 1968).
The Twain Shall Meet album.


He smiles at the young soldiers tells them it's all right.
He knows of their fear in the forthcoming fight.
Soon there'll be blood and many will die.
Mothers and fathers back home they will cry.


Does this qualify for the thread?

 

[UHF]

What's Going On.
Marvin Gaye.
1971.


Inspiration came from police brutality and violence in People’s Park, Berkeley, during an anti-war protest.


Picket lines and picket signs.
Don't punish me with brutality.
Talk to me.
So you can see.
Oh, what's going on (What's going on).

 

[Bigboote]

Ayreon on the Moon landing.

 

[UHF]

For What It's Worth.
Buffalo Springfield.
1967.


Inspired by the Sunset Strip Riots of the late 1960s. Embraced as a Vietnam War protest song.

 

[UHF]

A Change Is Gonna Come.
Sam Cooke.
1964.


Inspired by various events in Sam Cooke's life, most prominently when he and his entourage were turned away from a whites only motel in Louisiana.

 

[Bigboote]

Steppenwolf was the first concert I saw, and they played this song, which references the Summer of Love and Woodstock. Bobby Cochran, Eddie's nephew, only played with them for three albums, but was a whale of a lead guitarist.

 

[Bigboote]

This was kind of Emmy's lament at the death of Gram Parsons. The historical reference is the line "the canyon was on fire." That's a reference to a wildfire in LA that burned shortly before she wrote the song.

 

[UHF]

Eve Of Destruction.
Barry McGuire
1965.


PF Sloan wrote the song in 1964. Lyrics include references to the Vietnam War, the draft, the threat of nuclear war, Civil Rights movement, turmoil in the Middle East, the US space program.


Scrolled thru the 5 pages twice, but did not see it. Hope that I did not miss it.

 

[UHF]

Hurricane.
Bob Dylan.
1976.

Song about professional boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter.

 

[UHF]

Goodbye.
Night Ranger.
1985.


Remixed as a tribute to the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger crew for FM 100.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

1812 Overture……….

 

[UHF]

Ballad Of The Green Berets.
SSGT Barry Sadler.
January 1966.

 

[UHF]

Fanfare For The Common Man.
Aaron Copland.
1942.

Written in response to the US entry into World War II. Partly inspired by Vice President Henry Wallace, who announced the dawning of the Century of the Common Man.

 

[UHF]

"Leningrad" Symphony #7.
Dmitri Shostakovich.


Dedicated his symphony to the city of Leningrad in 1941, after Nazi Germany attacked Russia. First 3 movements were completed in Leningrad, while it was under siege.

Full symphony at the link.

 

[Replicant]

 

[Replicant]

David Bowie performs an emotional ‘Heroes’ at the ‘Concert for New York City’

David Bowie performs an emotional 'Heroes' at the Concert for New York City at Madison Square Garden, just weeks after 9/11 ripped the Big Apple in two.

faroutmagazine.co.uk

Scroll down to video...great performance for NYC 1st Responders post 911

 

[luvgiraf]

 

[CaliHuskyFan]

The Cranberries "I Just Shot John Lennon". 12.08.80

Every radio station was playing Beatles songs the next morning.

 

[cockhrnleghrn]

For What It's Worth.
Buffalo Springfield.
1967.


Inspired by the Sunset Strip Riots of the late 1960s. Embraced as a Vietnam War protest song.

My favorite protest song from the 60s.

 

[Replicant]