Songs for Change
We asked members of our cast and creative team to share songs and music that inspired change. What songs inspire change and civic action?
Glynis Leyshon, Director
I start with work by our great Canadian poet Joni Mitchell - more a warning and a call to action than inspirational per se … but brilliant.
Next are two songs (and performers) that always lift my soul in celebration of the beauty of our planet.
3. Somewhere Over the Rainbow sung by the brilliant Israel (IZ) Kamakawiwo’ole
For a classical piece - I selected the final section of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro
4. Ah, Tutti contenti - The idea that redemption and forgiveness are possible always gives me hope for humanity (and our planet).
Finally a video that is definitely not for our younger audiences- a powerful plea to save the planet- definitely a call to action but hard to watch.
Maxime Goulet, Composer
The song I chose is Hey Jude, by The Beatles:
I always was a big fan of the Beatles. Hey Jude was written by Paul McCartney to comfort Julian Lennon when his father, John Lennon, was going through divorce with his mother. Although the ballad isn't directly related to global world change, the lyric "Take a sad song and make it better" inspires me to take action in making myself a better person and making the world around me a better place for everyone to share. At the end of the song, everyone groups to sing the coda. I find it heartwarming and empowering.
Here's a few more ideas to inspire change through music:
The times are changin' - Bob Dylan
Imagine - John Lennon
Get Up, Stand Up - Bob Marley
Michael Nicholl Yahgulanaas
Fight the Power, Parts 1 & 2 - The Isley Brothers
Keely McPeek
Treat People with Kindness by Harry Styles is a song that reminds me of one of the best ways to make a difference. My belief is that if we want to make a change in the world, we have to start from a place of kindness and compassion for others. The world is a big place to change and we can’t do it alone. When I’m feeling stressed about this, I like to listen to this song! It reminds me that if I can “find a place to feel good”, I can bring others in with kindness and we can make world change together.
Marcel d’Entremont
Some Other World - Elton John
I know this song because it plays during the ending credits of Fern Gully, a beloved movie from my childhood. Fern Gully is essentially a warning about the environmental impact of human pollution and deforestation, done in a way that is both light-hearted profound. The song, much like the entire movie, underscores the idea that we cannot ignore the consequences of our choices and emphasizes our shared responsibility for the planet. It serves as a poignant reminder to consider the impact of our actions even when we think they won’t affect us, because Earth is the only home we have.
Bruno Roy
Tonight, Tonight - The Smashing Pumpkins
“…Our lives are forever changed. We will never be the same. The more you change the less you feel.”
In the past, there may have been actions you've taken that have brought you feelings of pride or embarrassment, courage or fear. In any case, all of these things are now behind us. This song teaches us at the most important action is to keep moving forward, learning from past experiences, and striving to make better decisions in the future.
Matt Udry
The Roots - The Fire
"You can't escape the history you were meant to make."
Especially today, it can be easy to feel powerless in the face of so much tragedy across the world. Even if we can't save the planet on our own, we are still capable of change in tiny ways, whether it be something in our personal lives or how we treat the world around us. Each small step brings us closer to what we hope to achieve, even if it feels like that goal is very far away. "The Fire" reminds us to always listen to those passionate calls for change and keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult circumstances may feel or how much work we have left to do.
Ashley Daniel Foot
Ultestakon (Shaker Lullaby) - Jeremy Dutcher
“We have so much to learn from those that came before us,” says indigenous singer Jeremy Dutcher. Jeremy is from the Tobique First Nation, and has released two incredible JUNO winning albums that celebrate and reveal long lost language and recordings from his Wolastoq community in New Brunswick. This beautiful song, "Ultestakon (Shaker Lullaby)” begins in a small way but grows to a powerful celebration of voices in community. Every time I hear the song, I am moved to tears and motivated to continue to find ways that our voices can be the change we need in our world. Enjoy discovering Jeremy’s powerful music.
Rebecca Hass
Red Future (feat.Electric Fields) - Snotty Nose Rez Kids
I went to a concert by Snotty Nose Rez Kids in a big concert hall, filled with local urban Indigenous folks of ALL ages and it was unforgettable. They spoke before the concert and encouraged youth to dream big and go for it, sharing their experiences as successful musicians. Making change needs the youth to be our future, to feel hopeful. That night, as they invited so many young people on stage to dance to their live performance, I could feel the energy of hope, and a bright future ahead.
“Red Future is about wanting to see our future generations thriving. We were inspired by Indigenous futurism and we see us, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, as a small part in opening doors and inspiring future youth to realize the vision for their own lives, whether it’s music, art or anything else.” Yung Trybez, Snotty Nose Rez Kids
If you’re ready (come go with me) - The Staple Singers
Mavis Staples and the Staple Singers are iconic in music for social change. They began as a gospel group, and became well known for accompanying Dr. Martin Luther King at events and supporting the fight for civil rights through their music. Lead Singer Mavis Staples said:
“We had made a transition back there in the ‘60’s with Dr. King. We visited Dr. King’s church in Montgomery before the movement actually got started. We heard Dr. King preach, we went back to the motel and had a meeting. Pops said, ‘Now if he can preach it, we can sing it”.
I heard Mavis Staples live a few years ago and her passionate performance is something I will never forget. I admire her deeply for her ongoing commitment to music as a means for sharing a message.
As the lyrics say
“No hatred
Will be tolerated
Peace love all between the races
Love is the only transportation
To where there;s communications
If you're ready come go with me”