Songs to keep our spirits up in dark times

Cafe Society
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When the human race gets me down, music comes to the rescue. I love songs that fire my spirit in dark times, so let’s share.

First of all, support the Singing Resistance of Minneapolis, who are taking their collective voices to the streets right now.

“Streets of Minneapolis” by Bruce Springsteen is exactly the song we need at this moment. Kudos, Boss!

“The Little Flame” by Carsie Blanton is historically informed as well as powerfully inspirational. This song keeps me going. Prison cells, Freedom Rides, we keep that little flame alive.

“Lincoln Portrait” by Aaron Copland to refresh our memory of what America’s ideals are supposed to be all about. It helped topple a dictator. Let’s deploy it here.

“Biko” by Peter Gabriel is an old favorite.
You can blow out a candle, but you can’t blow out a fire
Once the flames begin to catch, the wind will blow it higher

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For whatever reason, Let it Be makes me feel hopeful.

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I think ‘Bridge over troubled water’ is a heartening song.

Here’s a wonderful version by John Legend:

[Bridge Over Troubled Water - John Legend - North Sea Jazz 2013(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnCHCqYRQFs)

And a truly great songwriter:

Blowing In The Wind (Live On TV, March 1963)

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Works for me.

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Billy Bragg and Wilco covering Woody Guthrie:

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All you fascists bound to lose! That’s a great one.

I was trying to think of what song “Streets of Minneapolis” reminded me of musically—then it came to me: “Desolation Row” by Bob Dylan. Effective.

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Well, I don’t know if it “Lifts the Spirit”, but I think this one captures the feelings we’re all having:

Flogging Molly - The Worst Day Since Yesterday

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On a more hopeful notes, there’s some Blues:

Lead Belly - “Hitler Song (Mr. Hitler)”

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How about something a bit escapist

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How about something rousing

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Van Morrison’s ‘Cleaning Windows’. It’s remarkably cheerful and happy.

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Fortunate Son always gets my blood moving. Yeah, I know it’s a war protest song, but it also says “fuck you” to the establishment.

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Get up! Stand up! Stand up for your rights.
Get up! Stand up! Don’t give up the fight!

(now global)

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Lady Gaga sings Fred Rogers:

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Top 10 Protest Songs That Are Still Powerful in 2025

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Fleetwood Mac, Sunny Side of Heaven.

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Rage Against The Machine’s “Killing In The Name”. It’s even more relieving and liberating to shout along “Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!” now than when I saw the band at Pink Pop, Netherlands 33 years ago:

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:heart: Viva Tom Morello! Yaşasın

I love angry songs that cry out for justice.

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Refuse/Resist by Sepultura

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Phil Ochs has so many songs which feel so topical! For the moment I’m just going to nominate Power and Glory, though.