Songs and Poems
Audio
Songs of Social Significance: David Rovics
Website.
Hundreds of songs about social justice issues and people’s history.
Books: Non-Fiction
Which Side Are You On? The Story of A Song
Book – Non-fiction. By George Ella Lyon. Artwork by Christopher Cardinale. 2011. 40 pages.
This children’s book tells the story of a classic union song written in 1931 and the harsh conditions under which it was written.
Films
E.Y. “Yip” Harburg: Brother Can You Spare a Dime
Film clip. E.Y. “Yip” Harburg’s “Brother Can You Spare a Dime” (1932) is performed by Allison Moorer. From Voices of a People’s History of the United States.
Langston Hughes: “Montage of a Dream Deferred”
Langston Hughes, “Montage of a Dream Deferred” (1951) is read by Danny Glover. From Voices of a People’s History of the United States.
Picture Books
Which Side Are You On? The Story of A Song
Book – Non-fiction. By George Ella Lyon. Artwork by Christopher Cardinale. 2011. 40 pages.
This children’s book tells the story of a classic union song written in 1931 and the harsh conditions under which it was written.
Songs and Poems
“Workers of the World, Awaken!” by Joe Hill
Song. By Joe Hill. 1910.
A classic labor song, reaching out to workers to around the world.
Battle of Blair Mountain
Song. By David Rovics. 2003.
Ballad about the West Virginia Coal Mine War of 1920-1921.
Bread and Roses
Song. Reprinted from Labor Notes 2007.
Links issues of economic secruity and quality of life, also addresses the role of women in the struggle for justice.
Chavez Ravine: a record by Ry Cooder
Songs. By Ry Cooder. 2005.
The story of the Chicano community bulldozed to pave the way for the Dodger Stadium in Santa Monica, told through bilingual songs.
E.Y. “Yip” Harburg: Brother Can You Spare a Dime
Film clip. E.Y. “Yip” Harburg’s “Brother Can You Spare a Dime” (1932) is performed by Allison Moorer. From Voices of a People’s History of the United States.
Elegy for Peter Norman
Poem by Josh Healey. From Hammertime. 2008.
Poem in text and audio about Peter Norman, the white athlete in the iconic photo of the ’68 Olympics.
Hills of Tennessee
Song. By David Rovics. 2005.
Eye-opening song that tells of the perils of mountain top removal.
Langston Hughes: “Montage of a Dream Deferred”
Langston Hughes, “Montage of a Dream Deferred” (1951) is read by Danny Glover. From Voices of a People’s History of the United States.
Occupy Wall Street – Song by David Rovics
Song. By David Rovics. 2011.
A ballad of the Occupy Movement with a high energy beat.
Something in the Rain
Song. By Tish Hinojosa. Culture Swing CD. 1992.
A song about a boy’s little sister who was poisoned by pesticides.
Song for Hugh Thompson
Song. By David Rovics.
Ballad about Hugh Thompson who tried to defend the people of My Lai, Vietnam.
Art & Music, Individuals in US History, Wars & Related Anti-War Movements
Songs of Social Significance: David Rovics
Website.
Hundreds of songs about social justice issues and people’s history.
Union Makes Us Strong
Song. By David Rovics. 2010.
The benefits of a union told through historic examples in a ballad.
Union Songs
Website. Developed by Mark Gregory.
Over 700 union songs in an easy to search and regularly updated online collection with lyrics and audio.
When the Hunger Was Upon Us
By Nigel Gray
Poem about the causes and impact of the Irish Potato Famine.
Environment & Food, Social Class, World History/Global Studies
Which Side Are You On? The Story of A Song
Book – Non-fiction. By George Ella Lyon. Artwork by Christopher Cardinale. 2011. 40 pages.
This children’s book tells the story of a classic union song written in 1931 and the harsh conditions under which it was written.
The World Turned Upside Down
Song. By Leon Rosselson.
The story of the 1649 revolt of the dispossessed in England who fought against the vested interest of the propertied. A vision of society that is cooperative and in harmony with the earth.
Spanish/Bilingual
Chavez Ravine: a record by Ry Cooder
Songs. By Ry Cooder. 2005.
The story of the Chicano community bulldozed to pave the way for the Dodger Stadium in Santa Monica, told through bilingual songs.
Websites
Songs of Social Significance: David Rovics
Website.
Hundreds of songs about social justice issues and people’s history.
Union Songs
Website. Developed by Mark Gregory.
Over 700 union songs in an easy to search and regularly updated online collection with lyrics and audio.
List of Resources
- Articles
- Audio
- Books: Fiction
- Books: Non-Fiction
- Films
- Picture Books
- Posters
- Profiles
- Songs and Poems
- Spanish/Bilingual
- Teaching Activity PDFs
- Teaching Guides
- Websites
