Persuasive Songs

When I was searching through examples on Google for examples of protest songs, I noticed a predominant theme among those I sorted through... most were songs protesting war and related violence.  I realize this is a hot political topic and has been for many years now, but why does it seem that the  vast majority protests war?  There are limitless subjects to protest, but acts of violence are highlighted in so many.  Another interesting note: most of the protest songs against war and violence are played by rock-and-roll and punk rock artists.  To me, these tend to be examples of more "aggressive" music.  I would expect the anti-war/ anti-violence songs to generate from less intense (in sound and rhythm) musical artists.  I just found it interesting...

My examples of protests songs for this week include Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1960) and Imagine by John Lennon.  The song, Fortuante Son, largely protests the government and war that were in operation at the time.  Additionally, the song's lyrics suggest concern for lower class citizens or working class families as opposed to the highly publicized upper class.  I also feel that the song's lyrics portray the idea of confidence despite some "misfortune."

The second example I looked at is Imagine.  The role of religion is discussed in John Lennon's song as unnecessary and as an obstacle.  Lennon implies what most would consider to be "hippie" ideas and moral holdings.  He expresses his visions of a perfect world in the song with comments opposing religion, war and government.