35 Best Songs About Equality
Have you ever felt that beat in your heart that resonates not just with a catchy melody, but with a deep and powerful message?
We’re talking about songs that didn’t just entertain, but guided, inspired, and championed the cause of equality.
So let’s all play our part in making the world more equal!
Here’s a list of hymns that make us clasp our hands and sway in unison:
1. “Imagine” by John Lennon
The Gist: A dreamy vision of a world without borders, religions, or possessions where everyone lives in peace.
Behind the Music: Released in 1971, this iconic track transcends mere song status and stands as an anthem for peace and unity.
2. “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
The Gist: A soulful reflection on the struggles of the African-American experience, with a hopeful gaze towards a better future.
Behind the Music: It was dropped in 1964 during the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. Sam Cooke was inspired by personal experiences of discrimination and the broader fight for racial justice.
3. “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
The Gist: A celebration of individuality, irrespective of gender, race, or sexual orientation.
Behind the Music: Gaga burst onto the scene in 2011 with this track, challenging societal norms and championing the LGBTQ+ community. With its catchy beats and empowering lyrics, it has since become a modern anthem for self-acceptance and equality.
4. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
The Gist: A fiery call for dignity and respect, especially from the perspective of women demanding equality.
Behind the Music: Originally penned and performed by Otis Redding, it was Aretha’s 1967 rendition that transformed this song into a powerful feminist and civil rights statement. That iconic “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” spells out more than just the word; it encapsulates a whole movement.
5. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2
The Gist: A poignant reflection on the tragic events of January 30, 1972, in Derry, Northern Ireland, where British troops shot and killed several peaceful protestors.
Behind the Music: U2 released “Sunday Bloody Sunday” in 1983 as part of their album “War.” The song was a departure from the band’s previous work, taking a bold stand on the political unrest in Northern Ireland. Its martial drumbeat, stark guitar riff, and passionate vocals from Bono make it one of U2’s most memorable and impactful songs. Despite its specific historical context, “Sunday Bloody Sunday” has resonated with audiences worldwide as a timeless plea for justice, and equality.
6. “Where Is The Love?” by The Black Eyed Peas
The Gist: An exploration of the societal ills of the 2000s, from terrorism to racism, asking a straightforward question: “Where is the love?”
Behind the Music: Launched in 2003, this song became an instant hit. It doesn’t just have an infectious rhythm but delves deep into the issues plaguing society. The Black Eyed Peas questioned the societal values, urging listeners to bring back love and compassion.
7. “Same Love” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Mary Lambert
The Gist: A poignant commentary on LGBTQ+ rights, advocating for love in all its forms.
Behind the Music: Dropped in 2012, this song took a bold stand at a time when LGBTQ+ rights were a contentious topic in many parts of the world. Macklemore’s lyrics, paired with Mary Lambert’s haunting chorus, make a compelling case for acceptance and understanding.
8. “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley
The Gist: A song that speaks of freedom – not just from physical chains but from mental slavery.
Behind the Music: Released in 1980, Bob Marley, inspired by a speech from Marcus Garvey, gave us this acoustic masterpiece. It’s a call to arms, urging listeners to “emancipate yourself from mental slavery” and fight for their rights.
9. “Fight The Power” by Public Enemy
The Gist: A hard-hitting track that tackles racial discrimination head-on, challenging listeners to stand up against oppression.
Behind the Music: This 1989 anthem became synonymous with the struggle against racial prejudice. With its energetic beats and confrontational lyrics, Public Enemy encouraged a generation to question the status quo.
10. “If I Were A Boy” by Beyoncé
The Gist: A reflective look at gender norms and the disparities between men and women in society.
Behind the Music: Beyoncé, known for her powerful vocals, delivered this emotional track in 2008. Through the lens of reversed gender roles, she highlights the double standards and challenges faced by women.
11. “We Shall Not Be Moved” – The Seekers
The Gist: It’s a song of unshakeable resolve, the kind that’s belted out when you’re holding the line in the face of adversity.
Behind the Music: “We Shall Not Be Moved” is not just music; it’s a battle cry from the past that echoes into the present; a reminder that some things are immovable.
12. “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” – Gil Scott-Heron
The Gist: Gil Scott-Heron’s not just pushing out a tune; he’s pushing out a manifesto.
Behind the Music: Released in the 1971 album ‘Pieces of a Man’, Gil’s spoken-word performance is an electrifying combination of jazz, blues, and soul. This track argues that true revolution begins in the mind, not on the screen.
13. “Alright” – Kendrick Lamar
The Gist: This track is a beacon of hope, an assurance that despite the difficulties, we will be alright.
Behind the Music: When this hit dropped in 2015, it became a movement. With its sharp beats and even sharper lyrics, “Alright” became an anthem for a generation facing a crossroads, looking for the light.
14. “Solidarity Forever” – Utah Phillips
The Gist: It’s a solidarity song that sounds like unity.
Behind the Music: Utah Phillips took the old union battle cry and turned it into folk anthem. It’s got that twangy goodness that feels like it’s been passed down through generations of picket lines and protest marches. This song resonates in the heart of every worker who’s ever dreamed of a fair shake.
15. “America” – Neil Diamond
The Gist: It’s a sparkling ode to the land of the free. Neil Diamond is painting a picture of the American dream.
Behind the Music: With “America”, Neil Diamond taps into the heart of the immigrant’s journey. Released in 1980, it’s a soaring tribute to the idea that anyone, from anywhere, can find a home in the USA.
16. “To Be Young, Gifted And Black” – Nina Simone
The Gist: It’s a soul-stirring tribute to the beauty and strength found in African American youth.
Behind the Music: Released in 1969, “To Be Young, Gifted And Black” is Simone’s musical embrace to a community in the midst of strife, offering a message of hope and empowerment that resonates with just as much fervor today as it did back then.
17. “Bread And Roses” – Judy Collins
The Gist: This song is a melodic call to arms, reminding us that life’s not just about the dough, but about the beauty that makes it worth living.
Behind the Music: Judy Collins has turned an old labor slogan into a folk classic that is both tender and powerful.
18. “American Flag On The Moon” – Brad Paisley
The Gist: Brad Paisley’s sending a love letter to American ingenuity.
Behind the Music: With his 2014 track “American Flag On The Moon”, Paisley blends the patriotic with the personal. It’s a reminder that no dream is too big, no star too far, and that sometimes, looking up at the night sky can bring us all a little closer together.
19. “Blowin’ In The Wind” – Bob Dylan
The Gist: This song is like a philosophical question wrapped in a harmonica solo.
Behind the Music: When Dylan released this track in 1963, he was setting the stage for a cultural revolution. “Blowin’ In The Wind” is a song that asks the hard questions without easy answers.
20. “Black Rage” – Lauryn Hill
The Gist: It’s a raw and real examination of racial injustice, set to a tune that’s as haunting as it is beautiful.
Behind the Music: Lauryn Hill released “Black Rage” in the wake of the Ferguson protests, offering a poignant and powerful response to a society in turmoil. It’s felt deep down, a reminder that the struggle for equality is far from over.
21. “From Little Things Big Things Grow” – Paul Kelly
The Gist: It’s a song that takes the long view, a melody that tells a tale of how the smallest actions can lead to the mightiest changes.
Behind the Music: Paul Kelly’s 1991 track is a lesson in patience and perseverance set to an easygoing strum. It’s a story about the Gurindji strike and land claim in the 1960s and ’70s, a landmark moment in Australian history.
22. “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” – Marvin Gaye
The Gist: With a groove that’s both chill and charged, this song is a soulful commentary on the hardships of inner-city life.
Behind the Music: When Marvin Gaye released this track in 1971, he was laying bare the struggles of urban America. It’s a song that bleeds blues and breathes despair, yet manages to keep you nodding along with its smooth, funky rhythm. Gaye’s voice is a siren calling out for change.
23. “Step By Step” – Pete Seeger
The Gist: This song is like a walk, each step a steady beat toward progress.
Behind the Music: Pete Seeger’s “Step By Step” is a folk staple that reminds us that the march toward justice is a journey, not a sprint. Released in the mid-20th century, it’s a song with a simple melody that carries a complex message: small, deliberate actions lead to significant change.
24. “Philadelphia Freedom” – Elton John
The Gist: It’s Elton’s love letter to liberty.
Behind the Music: When “Philadelphia Freedom” hit the airwaves in 1975, it was a tribute to Elton John’s friend Billie Jean King and the spirit of American independence.
25. “400 Years” – Bob Marley & The Wailers
The Gist: It’s a reggae reckoning, a song that calls out centuries of oppression.
Behind the Music: Bob Marley and The Wailers released “400 Years” in 1973 as part of the album “Catch a Fire.” Marley’s lyrics are a profound reflection on the enduring legacy of slavery.
26 “Dear Brother” by Nahko and Medicine for the People
The Gist: This is a heart-to-heart in song form, an earnest conversation stretched across guitar strings and piano keys.
Behind the Music: It’s a musical letter, not just addressed to a sibling, but to humanity, asking us to look in the mirror and then at each other with a bit more compassion and understanding.
27. “Killing In The Name” – Rage Against The Machine
The Gist: This track is a defiant scream against the machine of oppression, with a guitar riff that’s as angry as the message.
Behind the Music: Rage Against The Machine’s “Killing In The Name” was dropped in 1992. This song doesn’t just challenge the status quo; it’s a riot in audio form.
28. “The Power of Equality” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Gist: It’s a funk-rock fusion that’s all about standing up and speaking out.
Behind the Music: The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “The Power of Equality” is a track from their 1991 album “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” that tackles issues of racism and social injustice head-on. It’s a call to arms that’s as fiery as it is funky.
29. “Equal Rights” (feat. P!nk) by The Lonely Island
The Gist: It’s a satirical spin on the fight for equality, where humor pokes at serious issues without poking fun at the struggle itself.
Behind the Music: The Lonely Island, known for their comedic genius, teamed up with the powerhouse vocals of P!nk to deliver “Equal Rights” in 2016. With a catchy chorus and a beat that bounces, the song is a parody from the movie “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping,” but don’t let the laughs fool you. It’s a clever critique of those who loudly proclaim their support for equality, perhaps without understanding the depth of the issues at hand.
30. “This Is Me” by Keala Settle & The Greatest Showman Ensemble
The Gist: This is an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt out of place.
Behind the Music: “This Is Me” burst onto the scene with the release of “The Greatest Showman” in 2017, and it quickly became a beacon for the underdogs and the marginalized.
31. “Woman’s World” by Little Mix
The Gist: This is a pop manifesto for the modern woman, a slick production that’s all about female empowerment and smashing the patriarchy with a killer hook.
Behind the Music: When Little Mix dropped “Woman’s World” in 2018, they were making a statement. It’s a song that’s as danceable as it is powerful, with lyrics that challenge gender norms and celebrate women’s strength in a world that often tries to hold them back.
32. “Equality” by Black Gryph0n & Michelle Creber
The Gist: It’s a song that tackles a heavy topic with a light touch, bringing a message of unity and respect.
Behind the Music: Black Gryph0n & Michelle Creber team up a track that’s as hopeful as it is harmonious.
33. “Equality” by Hellsongs
The Gist: It’s a serene yet profound ballad with a soft approach to a hard topic of the equality.
Behind the Music: So, you’re chatting about equality, and suddenly you’re down the rabbit hole, debating the politically correct palette of your kiddo’s overalls. But Hellsongs? They’re singing about a world where equality isn’t just about whether blue is for boys and pink is for girls, but about sharing the sandbox we call society, regardless of the size of your wallet.
34. “Equality” by J.R.M.S.
The Gist: It’s a hip-hop beat-driven declaration that demands respect for everyone, regardless of background.
Behind the Music: Released in 2019, the song layers thoughtful lyrics over a laid-back track.
35. “Song for Equality” by Brian Blommer
The Gist: Iit’s a heartfelt shout for equality that resonates with raw authenticity.
Behind the Music: Brian Blommer’s “Song for Equality” is a straightforward acoustic call to action, a humble yet powerful piece that speaks to the heart of the human condition. Blommer is advocating for a world where everyone gets a fair shot.
