Reading Response Assignment

Turner Wegener

Professor Thomas

African American Studies

10/06/2020

Reading Response Module 5: Playlist

1: “The Times They Are A-Changin'” - Bob Dylan: This song has aged very well and delivers a

very simple and true fact, that things are changing. This was especially true for the time the

song was released and became an extremely powerful influence on all cultures to begin to alter

their way of thinking in relation to topics involving equality, and civil rights.

2: “Hurricane” - Bob Dylan: This song tells the true story of an African American Boxer (Ruben

“Hurricane” Carter) who is wrongly accused of murdering a bartender. While he was on trial, he

was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison by an all-white jury. He was eventually released

after about 20 years after retrials that occurred due to the song. The murders and trial took

place in New Jersey and shows that even with the civil rights movement being very powerful

during the time racism still existed everywhere, not just the south.

3: “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize” -Various artists: Being the theme to documentary series I’m

writing about, I would be remised if I didn’t include this as part of the assignment. The song is

very powerful and creates and clear and concise message that the goal of everything the civil

rights movements is working towards is equality and a just democracy inclusive to all citizens of

the United States.

4: “Going Down To Mississippi” - Phil Ochs: This song is reminiscent of the white Americans that

traveled from the northern states to march in support of civil rights. One verse of the song

states “If you never see me again, just know that I had to go”. Several people lost their lives

while in support of this movement and as sad of a fact that is, it was done while standing up for

a greater cause. To me this is something that gives those that lost their lives immortality.

5: “What’s Going On” -Marvin Gaye: I like to think this song would be a great way to help create

understanding in the actions taken by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee while

they carried out their tasks that challenged segregation.

6: “Get up Stand Up” - Bob Marley and the Wailers: The first verse of this song embodies the

civil rights movement, “Get up stand up, stand up for your right”. The entire song is an

empowering message

7: “Fight the Power” - Public Enemy: This song has a strong relation to the marches Mississippi

and Alabama showing conviction and standing their ground against prejudicial law enforcement

and not letting the movement be stopped because of failed first attempts.

8: “Ohio” - Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young: Although this song refers to an event that occurred

passed the timeframe of the topics covered in this module, it relates to themes of people dying

while standing up for their rights and the federal government having little to no interference to

protect people from these heinous acts.

9: “We Shall Overcome” - Toots and the Maytals: This song relates heavily to the perseverance

and attitude that was carried by civil rights leaders to help push those who developed doubts

that their cause may be for naught. This type of attitude has aided in major progress in the fight

for equality.

Sources:

https://americansongwriter.com/30-greatest-bob-dylan-songs-21-hurricane/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohio_(Crosby,_Stills,_Nash_%26_Young_song)

Eyes on the Prize Documentary: Episodes 4-6