Music

Popular musicians have often released material responding to political events and military conflict. Consider two popular songs; Bob Dylan’s “With God on Our Side” (Links to an external site.) and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” (Links to an external site.) Both songs were released in response to a military conflict (Dylan’s song was released in 1964 during the Vietnam War and Greenwood’s song received heavy airplay during the first Gulf War and in the aftermath of September 11). Both songs also evoke divinity, yet are very different in tone, lyrical content, and musical language. 

Listen to both songs. Compare and contrast the instrumentation, lyrics, groove, and other relevant features. What is the message of both songs? What musical and lyrical devices do both artists use to convey meaning? What role does irony play in interpreting the Dylan song?