From Bob Dylan’s song “Blowin’ in the Wind” as an anthem for the Civil Rights and anti-Vietnam War movements to Childish Gambino’s “This is America” on gun violence and racism, music has always been a powerful weapon against injustice. Even though the issues the U.S. faces evolve, artists have always used their platforms to take action.
Last December, Gracie Abrams released her poignant song “Sold Out,” which discussed the impact of gun violence. She raised both awareness and money for the cause; all proceeds were donated to the country’s largest gun violence prevention organization, Everytown.
Abrams explained she wrote the song following a school shooting. Even a year after the song was written, the relevance of lyrics like “hiding from the gun inside your high school” endures. Gun violence is a sobering reality for many Americans. Abrams’s song helped many people who are affected feel seen and supported.
While songwriters like Zach Bryan and Jesse Wells have released music commenting on recent ICE operations in cities, few have been as direct as Bruce Springsteen.
Springsteen’s recent song “Streets of Minneapolis” recounts the recent anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis. He wrote the song immediately after the killing of Alex Pretti on Jan. 24, and it was released in the four days that followed.
The song confronts political leaders head-on with lyrics like “King Trump’s private army from the DHS” and “against Miller and Noem’s dirty lies,” making his stance on the conflict undeniable.
In a surprise appearance at First Avenue’s benefit concert for the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti on Jan. 30, Springsteen closed the show with his new release. “Nuance is wonderful, but sometimes you have to kick them in the teeth,” he said, prompting explosive celebration from the audience.
After the concert, attendees flooded the streets and joined the “Day of Action” anti-I.C.E. demonstration, undoubtedly inspired by the music they heard at First Avenue.
Musicians have the power to make a difference. Music inspires progress, and it is especially important in today’s political climate that artists use their voices for good.
This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on Feb. 19, 2026
