Political Songs and Satire

Déjà Vu (All Over Again)

• from Deja Vu All Over Again
• by John Fogerty

Credence Clearwater Revival singer and songwriter John Fogerty has a new song about the war in Iraq and how the body count reminds him of another war, not so long ago. This is the title track to a new CD Fogerty is expected to release September 21.

Rich Man's War

• from Revolution Starts...Now
• by Steve Earle

Steve Earle has a reputation for writing provocative songs. His most controversial single was "John Walker's Blues" featured on All Songs Considered episode 24.

Day After Tomorrow

• from Future Soundtrack for America
• by Various Artists

Tom Waits sings a new song with an old message. It is a tune about a soldier, his loneliness, his dilemma and his hopes in times of war.

Seattle label Barsuk records and John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants organized this compilation of political songs, featuring artists like David Byrne and REM. They say 100 percent of the money raised with this CD will go to "progressive organizations working to involve more Americans in our political process."

John John

• from John John
• by Nellie McKay

What's a girl to do? Vote for who you want or vote for who could win. Nellie McKay sent us this tune about John Kerry and Ralph Nader. McKay was featured on All Songs Considered's Year Ahead '04 program in January. This song was produced as a single for All Songs Considered and is not available for purchase.

Democratic Hit Parade

• from Papa's Got a Brand New Baghdad
• by Capitol Steps

Capitol Steps is a group of current and former congressional aides who offer politcal parody in songs and skits. This song is from their new CD, Papa's Got a Brand New Baghdad.

Move On

• from Future Soundtrack for America
• by Various Artists

Appearing here on the Future Soundtrack for America compilation, Mike Doughty was the frontman for Soul Coughing before going solo.

Bush Must Be Defeated

• from My Country II
• by Dan Bern

Somehow Dan Bern carries the torch of Woody Guthrie. He's biting, angry and funny all at the same time. His new CD features a number political songs including "The President," in which Dan imagines what he would do as the American leader during his first week in office.