Music is essentially a way of getting a message across. Even though a lot of songs do not appear to be political and may not even contain lyrics, Brian Longhurst argues that any piece of music is political. It is common for protestors to accompany their marching with a repetitive, unanimous chant and the effects of messages in music can even be seen in hymns sung in church. Many songs have been seen to have a political impact such as Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday which may have had something to do with the beginning of the civil rights movement and was named Song of the Century by Time magazine. There have also been music that has failed in its attempts to impact politics such as Red Wedge.
In conclusion I think that music alone can deliver a message and raise awareness but cannot have a political impact. Changes come from a combination of music and the context in which it was produced.
This post is succinct and generally well argued.
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