Love this topic....I know a LOT of protest songs (and folk songs too), but decided on these two to bring forward first, with the out of competition one being third, as I couldn't find a recording of my favourite version of it.  

Edited by Snicolette - January 04 2021 at 12:40

That's because there was a typo, try again.

I created pdf files with the lyrics. I hope they work.

Logan wrote: ^^ It's tricky. I would think that your own translation in this context would be fine with a link to the original language lyrics. If it's a problem and someone complains tell them to contact me (I have a team of crackpot lawyers* ready to deal with any personal litigation). *that is if cracked pots can be called lawyers. ^ And sorry to be the bearer of this. I would like to be able to post full lyrics too, but I understand the legal issues around it (and even fair use/ fair dealing practices vary from one country to another).

^^ It's tricky. I would think that your own translation in this context would be fine with a link to the original language lyrics. If it's a problem and someone complains tell them to contact me (I have a team of crackpot lawyers* ready to deal with any personal litigation).

*that is if cracked pots can be called lawyers.

^ And sorry to be the bearer of this. I would like to be able to post full lyrics too, but I understand the legal issues around it (and even fair use/ fair dealing practices vary from one country to another).

Edited by Logan - January 04 2021 at 11:16

I would have to create some links of my own then, because I don't think there are any English translations out there.

NOTE: We have a policy against posting full lyrics at this site if you don't have express permission from any copyright holders or the artists. It's better to post a link -- I think excerpts if cited properly might be okay.

Please see this topic and edit posts accordingly: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=51801

Edited by Logan - January 04 2021 at 11:10

I thought of four very quickly. Two are "Ohio" (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song) and "Universal Soldier" (Buffy Sainte-Marie), but I think I'll go with "Shipbuilding" and "I Was Only 19".

"I Was Only 19" is a first-person telling about an Australian's soldier's experience in Vietnam, and the effects of Agent Orange.

Redgum - "I Was Only 19":



A middle verse:

"...And then someone yelled out "Contact"
And the bloke behind me swore
We hooked in there for hours
Then a God almighty roar
And Frankie kicked a mine
The day that mankind kicked the moon
God help me - he was goin' home in June..." (Redgum).

Full lyrics: https://genius.com/Redgum-i-was-only-19-a-walk-in-the-light-green-lyrics

"Shipbuilding" (lyrics by Elvis Costello) is well-known both for the Robert Wyatt sung version and Elvis Costello's, but I decided to go for a quite modern cover version (there are many great covers of this song).

"Shipbuilding" is a reaction to the "Falkland's War" of 1982, which was a conflict between Argentina and the UK that lasted ten weeks

Suede - "Shipbuiding"



A middle verse:

"...It's just a rumor that was spread around town
A telegram or a picture postcard
Within weeks they'll be re-opening the shipyard
And notifying the next of kin
Once again..." (Elvis Costello)

Full lyrics: https://genius.com/Elvis-costello-shipbuilding-lyrics

By the way, we do a have policy that prohibits posting full lyrics due to copyright/ intellectual property reasons without the artist/ copyright holder's permission, although excerpts are fine. Instead I have linked to the lyrics and included a verse from each (and the Redgum video includes lyrics).



Edited by Logan - January 04 2021 at 10:39

To help understanding and voting, I would ask you, dear friends, to post both songs that make up your selection (the ones to be voted on) in the same message. 

Edited by jamesbaldwin - January 04 2021 at 08:43

jamesbaldwin wrote: Nick, if you found another song (protest song or folk song) you would partecipate to the poll with your selection.