March 6, Kathmandu – At the end of February, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, songwriter and musician Joseph Terrell found himself unable to shake the conflict from his mind. Soon, his thoughts began to take shape as lyrics.
Terrell, a resident of North Carolina, said, ‘I began reflecting on the mythology we Americans create around ourselves, imagining we’re some kind of violent explorers riding proudly toward a setting sun.’
‘So I titled the song I wrote “Cowboy Movie,” in which I explore how these myths originated and how we are not the “good guys.”’
Terrell emphasized that the song does not target any particular politician, as many politicians are implicated, and limiting it would be unjust.
However, it does reference specific events, such as the bombing of a school in Iran on the first day of conflict, which killed at least 165 people, the majority of whom were children.
This new wave of protest songs is marked by directly naming political figures and government actions using ‘hyper-specific’ language.
Responsibility for the bombing remains unclaimed, but according to a New York Times report, preliminary investigations indicate possible American involvement.
Terrell has shared the first verses and chorus of many of his songs on TikTok. His most popular political song early this year addressed the killing of Reny Good by ICE agents in Minneapolis, garnering over 735,000 views.
Many of his contemporaries online see younger artists reviving the ‘folk protest song’ genre for digital audiences, infusing politically deep-rooted songs with fresh energy.
The New Era of ‘Folk Protest Songs’
Noriko Manabe, professor and chair of music theory at Indiana University and a scholar of performance music, explains that until the 1900s, folk was the primary medium of protest music. However, by the late 1960s, commercialization and declining popularity led to political songs being associated with rock and roll.
Only recently has the singer-songwriter style of folk music reemerged as a political genre. Manabe notes, ‘The rising popularity of country music has strengthened this trend. The simplicity of this form in today’s tech-enabled era also adds to its appeal.’
She adds, ‘In the age of AI, there’s originality, personal touch, and artistry when someone picks up a guitar and sings with their own voice. It provides a certain authenticity and vitality.’
Songs like ‘Tylenol’ respond directly to false claims from former President Donald Trump, who falsely linked Tylenol use with autism.
This new era of protest songs boldly calls out politicians and administrations by name, often released online within days of a major news event. Manabe points out that their timeliness and concise wording help these songs rapidly spread on social media.
Terrell’s ‘Cowboy Movie’ is part of this effort, but perhaps the best-known name in sharp, direct protest music is Jesse Wells.
Wells, a musician from Arkansas, has amassed 1.5 million followers on TikTok by writing songs about issues such as the Gaza war, the renamed Department of Defense (formerly the War Department), and immigration enforcement. He recently appeared on popular late-night shows like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert.
His songs are released quickly and with focus. For example, ‘Tylenol’ answers false assertions by former President Trump, while ‘Charlie’ is a swiftly released song expressing sympathy following the killing of Charlie Kirk.
In 2025, Wells released six albums based on contemporary topics.
A More Responsive Generation than Before
The use of such pointed lyrics differentiates this new era of folk music from the past. Historically, folk music with messages has existed since the Civil War, with songs like ‘John Brown’s Body’ serving as important anthems for soldiers.
However, artists often wrote new lyrics over familiar tunes. In the 1930s and ’40s, artists like Joe Hill and Woody Guthrie tackled labor rights this way, though some original melodies were created.
In the 1960s, artists such as Joan Baez, Phil Ochs, and Bob Dylan wrote many original songs about the Vietnam War and civil rights, reviving some traditional folk tunes in performances.
According to Holly Swartzendruber, co-chair of music at Bethel College in Kansas, direct naming of politicians or administrations was rare in older folk songs.
‘Few songs did this, like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Ohio,” which named President Richard Nixon regarding the Kent State shootings. Other songs focused on issues such as racism with “Strange Fruit” and anti-lynching themes,’ she explains.
Swartzendruber notes, ‘Words like “Ku Klux Klan” or “white supremacy” were seldom directly heard in those songs, but the themes were undoubtedly present.’
From TikTok to the Real World
However, this new age of protest music largely remains online rather than at concerts or political rallies. Swartzendruber cautions that the internet’s rapid trend cycles could make this movement short-lived.
‘Will this just become a small voice after some time? Will people seek something different rather than another new song?’ she asks.
Swartzendruber says that if this wave of political folk songs is to endure, it must have tangible impacts in the real world.
Manabe agrees, explaining that the purpose of protest music is not just personal dissent or organizing, but becoming a powerful medium within political movements.
Terrell acknowledges that his songs alone may not bring change but hopes they still play a role, however small.
Manabe adds, ‘I want many people to step out from Instagram and onto the streets to connect with their audiences in real life.’
She recently attended a Jesse Wells concert and noted the venue was packed with an audience singing along to complex songs, demonstrating Wells’ dedicated fan base.
A Medium That Connects to the People’s Hearts
Massachusetts folk artist Olive Klug recently toured with a ‘call and response’ style, engaging audiences directly in performances.
Klug left her job to pursue music full-time and often sings about AI’s negative impacts and conspiracy theories.
At each show, Klug teaches audiences a song called ‘I Don’t Want Your Millions Mister’ by The Almanac Singers, written during government shutdowns affecting the unemployed.
‘After concerts, many people told me, “That song gave me hope in these painful times,”’ Klug says. ‘Everyone singing so loudly was truly inspiring.’
American musicians like Karsy Blanton also set up ‘sign-up’ tables at concerts to inform fans about local issues and mobilize campaign participation. Both Klug and Terrell donate portions of their merchandise or song proceeds to charity.
Terrell emphasizes that although his songs alone cannot effect change, he believes they contribute meaningfully.
‘We need more than music; we need real, concrete change. But as long as music can guide people toward that, it will remain an important part of the conversation.’
(Translated from material originally published by CBC)
