Protest music: the soundtrack
Songs written for this moment, from the artists themselves. Press play on any track, or open the pop-out jukebox to keep the music going while you read. Every link goes to the artist's official channel or label; nothing is hosted here and the artists get the plays.
The jukebox opens in a small window and keeps playing while you browse the rest of the site. Browsers do not allow music to start on its own, so it begins when you press play.
Start here
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Threat Level Orange
Earth to Eve · 2025
The editor's favorite. Written for the No Kings protests and performed live at the DC rally; released July 21, 2025.
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Heart of America
Willie Nelson · 2026
Released at 92 for The Gray House soundtrack; adopted as a protest anthem within days of release.
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Vote 'Em Out
Willie Nelson · 2018
Three chords and the whole plan: 'If you don't like who's in there, vote 'em out.'
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Streets of Minneapolis
Bruce Springsteen · 2026
Written after the January 2026 ICE shootings in Minneapolis; released on Land of Hope and Dreams.
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Big Crime
Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts · 2025
'Don't want no fascist rules, don't want no soldiers in our streets.' Young also re-cut his 2006 album as Living With War 2026.
Watch on YouTube · Living With War 2026 · Let's Impeach the President (V3)
No Kings songs
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No Kings
Jesse Welles · 2025
Performed with Joan Baez at a No Kings rally; Welles writes a protest song a week.
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No Kings
Earth to Eve · 2025
Part 2 followed for the October 2025 marches.
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No Kings (No Crown)
Paul Metsa with Alan Sparhawk · 2025
Minnesota songwriters; Sparhawk was half of Low.
2025 and 2026 releases
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Oval Room
Margo Price · 2025
A Blaze Foley cover reworked for the moment; played at Farm Aid 2026 with Dave Matthews and Jesse Welles.
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Boots on the Ground
Massive Attack and Tom Waits · 2026
Released against the Iran war.
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Bad News
Zach Bryan · 2025
The ICE verse that got him attacked by the administration.
The classics
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Nazi Punks F*** Off
Napalm Death with Jello Biafra · 2016 live
Explicit. Dead Kennedys original, 1981.
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