Ultimate Playlist for the Democratic Convention

By Douglas Newman
August 25th, 2008

PUNK

“Rise Above” - Black Flag

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“Jealous cowards try to control / Rise above / Were gonna rise above / They distort what we say / Rise above / Were gonna rise above.”

“People Have the Power” - Patti Smith

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“I awakened to the cry / That the people have the power to redeem / the work of fools / Upon the meek / the graces shower / it’s decreed / the people rule.”

“If the Kids Are United” - Sham 69

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“Just take a look around you / What do you see / Kids with feelings like you and me / Understand him, he’ll understand you / For you are him, and he is you / If the kids are united then we’ll never be divided.”

“New Day Rising” - Husker Du

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“New day rising / New day rising / New day rising.”

“I Believe in Miracles” - The Ramones

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“I believe in miracles / I believe in a better world for me and you.”

Create a list of your Top 5 Punk Songs for the Democratic Convention HERE

RAP

“Black President” - Nas

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“They said this day would never come / They said our sights were set too high / They said this country was too divided / too disillusioned to ever come together around a common purpose / They Said, They Said . . .”

“The Message” - Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five

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“Don’t push me, cause I’m close to the edge / I’m trying not to loose my head / It’s like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder / How I keep from going under.”

“Fight the Power” - Public Enemy

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“Right on, c’mon / What we got to say / Power to the people no delay / To make everybody see / In order to fight the powers that be.”

“Stakes is High” - De La Soul

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“The facts are gettin’ sick / Even sicker perhaps / Stickabush to make a bundle to escape this synapse.”

“Umi Says” - Mos Def

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“Umi said shine your light on the world / Shine your light for the world to see / My abi said shine your light on the world / Shine your light for the world to see / I want black people to be free, to be free, to be free.”

Create a list of your Top 5 Rap Songs for the Democratic Convention HERE

Go to Page 3: Alternative & Reggae>>

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Add a Comment

COMMENTS (6)

Nancy R. Lichtenstein said:

Douglas, I wish they’d read this…the song choices yesterday were horrible, yours are much better!

Mike Long said:

Probably the first music related article on this here internet that I’ve been able to agree with. NICE JOB. I especially appreciate the New Day Rising inclusion. I just heard that song in a new light there. I usually just picture my friend Ian screaming that at the bar every time I’ve played it. Thanks.

DJ Markie said:

James, I’m playing a party tonight in Denver. A very BIG party. I wish I was able to brag about which one. Some great suggestions here. Thank you.

Jan Owen said:

Can anyone tell me about the orchestral music that was played after Barak Obama’s speech at the Democratic Convention tonight (Thursday)? It seemed familiar, but I have no idea what it was.

By the way, this was the best political convention I’ve ever experienced. Finally, I have hope for this country after so many years of oppressive leadership.

Raj said:

Can anyone tell me the music when Barack Obama came out onto the stage at Mile High Stadium?

Paul said:

Who sang the Alicia Keys song “No One?”

Thanks!