Political Prog - Progressive Rock Music Forum

Antoni wrote:

Utopia's "The Road to Utopia" is a track that addresses political and societal issues, reflecting on the journey towards progress, a better world, a more ideal society, or utopia.

Excellent choice. Todd's solo work also addresses political or societal issues. Here's Bag Lady.

Edited by Grumpyprogfan - July 09 2024 at 07:17

Emerson, Lake & Palmer - "Lucky Man", another anti-war song and at the same time sceptical about being rich, the debut album (1970).

quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Genesis' "Dodo/Lurker" touches on themes of environmental destruction and the consequences of human actions on the planet, making it a poignant political statement within the band's repertoire.

Manuel wrote:

Not prog, butr prog related in a way, was John Lennon.

In terms of prog-related stuff, The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" is an iconically political song due to its critical examination of revolution and power.

Strawbs - You Don't Get Me, I'm Part of the Union (NUM leader Arthur Scargill's favourite song, probably) Smile

Edited by Psychedelic Paul - July 09 2024 at 06:12

MortSahlFan wrote:

Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd was the first band that came to my mind when I read this thread. Not prog, butr prog related in a way, was John Lennon. I guess some parts of "Thick as a Brick" can be considered political.

Lie Back and Think of England by The Tangent is essentially anti-Brexit commentary:

“On the day of my creation, I fell in love with education. And overcoming all frustration, a teacher I became.”
— Ernest Vong

"The Knife" by Genesis is a politically charged song that delves into themes of violent revolution and the inevitable rise of dictatorship following such upheavals.

And of course plenty of non-prog songs.

Awesoreno wrote:

^On the other hand, Yours Is No Disgrace IS an anti-war song. Also there's a metric heck-ton of prog bands that have politically-charged lyrics. Though it was usually a little more subtle amongst the classic era anglo heavy-hitters on average, excepting Pink Floyd, of course. Ian Anderson wrote pretty socio-politically charged lyrics, though they were very dense and shrouded in allegory and lofty references. The US had bands that were more overt in the classic era, I find. Kansas had many a message about colonialism in North America. And Frank Zappa... well, this is a man who is quoted to have written "politics is the entertainment division of the military industrial complex." Marillion, Dream Theater, Haken, IQ have all written several songs dealing with politics, including on an international scale. And those are just the big names. Italy in the 70s was rife with prog bands decrying fascism, as did many a band from South America from the 70s onward. Mediabanda comes to mind immediately. And the aforementioned Bubblemath, and the RIO scene. Even Steven Wilson takes a break from the sad boi stuff for a socially conscious message or two. Not to mention Rush and... well, I'll stop there. The list goes on.

quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond