20 Most Popular Songs About History, Ranked, Youtube Lyrics

If you’re a lover of music and history, then you’re in for a treat! We have compiled a list of the most popular songs about history that will take you on a musical journey through different eras and events.

These songs entertain us and educate us about significant moments in our past.

1. “Zombie” by The Cranberries

“Zombie” by The Cranberries is a powerful and haunting song that delves into the consequences of violence and war.

Written during the height of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, lead singer Dolores O’Riordan’s lyrics vividly portray the devastation and turmoil caused by this conflict.

O’Riordan’s passionate vocals convey both anger and sorrow towards those who perpetuate violence while also mourning the senseless deaths that result from it.

2. “Charlotte Corday” by Al Stewart

The song “Charlotte Corday” by Al Stewart tells the story of a French woman who was responsible for the assassination of Jean-Paul Marat, a radical journalist during the French Revolution.

The lyrics depict her as a brave and passionate figure who acted to protect her country and its people from Marat’s extremist views.

The song highlights how Charlotte, despite coming from a privileged background, was deeply affected by the suffering of her fellow citizens and felt compelled to take action.

3. “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel

“We Didn’t Start the Fire” is a popular song by Billy Joel, released in 1989.

The lyrics of the song list significant events and figures from history, starting from 1949 to 1989. They cover various cultural, political, and historical events that have shaped our world today.

Throughout the song, Joel emphasizes that these events were not caused by one generation or one person but are a part of human nature and the constant cycle of change.

4. “Don’t Drink The Water” by Dave Matthews Band

“Don’t Drink The Water” by Dave Matthews Band is a powerful and thought-provoking song that urges listeners to pay attention to the consequences of their actions.

It serves as a warning against greed, ignorance, and destruction, specifically towards native people and their lands.

The lyrics paint a vivid image of violence and devastation brought upon by colonization and exploitation.

The message behind the song is not to ignore these injustices but to take action and make a positive change in the world.

5. “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot

“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot is a haunting and powerful song that tells the tragic story of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975.

The lyrics are filled with imagery portraying the crew members’ bravery, heroism, and the stormy waters’ unforgiving nature.

Lightfoot pays tribute to those who died in this devastating event through his heartfelt singing and poetic lyrics.

6. “Indian Sunset” by Elton John

“Indian Sunset” is a heartfelt song by Elton John that tells the story of a Native American man’s journey through life.

The powerful lyrics and beautiful melody depict struggle, loss, and resilience. The song captures the essence of the Native American culture and touches upon colonization, displacement, and cultural preservation themes.

Through his music, Elton John pays tribute to the indigenous people’s rich history and traditions while shedding light on their current struggles.

7. “American Pie” by Don McLean

“American Pie” by Don McLean is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time since its release in 1971.

This iconic song is more than just a catchy tune. It reflects American culture and society during that era.

Some say it represents the end of an era with references to the death of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper in a plane crash known as “The Day the Music Died.”

8. “Memory of a Free Festival” by David Bowie

“Memory of a Free Festival” by David Bowie is a lively and nostalgic song that celebrates the memories of an open-air festival filled with music, laughter, and freedom.

The lyrics vividly depict people from all backgrounds coming together to celebrate life and escape society’s norms.

As the song progresses, we are transported to a magical world where everyone is equal and has no worries or judgments.

It captures the essence of youthfulness and the desire for a more straightforward way of life.

9. “Ghost Division” by Sabaton

“Ghost Division” by Sabaton is a powerful and energetic song that tells the story of one of the most notorious and feared army divisions in history – the German 7th Panzer Division.

The lyrics describe their swift and ruthless movements during World War II, earning them the nickname “Ghost Division.”

The song captures the intensity and adrenaline of war with its thundering drums and electrifying guitar riffs.

10. “Headless Cross” by Black Sabbath

“Headless Cross” is an influential and iconic song by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath.

Released in 1989, it is a standout track on their album of the same name. The title and lyrics allude to an ancient medieval legend about a headless cross on which human sacrifices were made to gain power.

However, many fans interpret the song as a commentary on the corrupting influence of greed and lust for power in modern society.

11. “A Great Day For Freedom” by Pink Floyd

“A Great Day For Freedom” is a powerful and dynamic song by the renowned English rock band Pink Floyd.

The lyrics are deeply reflective and speak about finding freedom after being stuck in a dark place for far too long. It explores the themes of letting go of past hurts and moving toward a brighter future.

The song also suggests that freedom is not just an external concept but an internal state of mind.

12. “Genocide (The Killing of the Buffalo)” by Thin Lizzy

“Genocide (The Killing of the Buffalo)” by Thin Lizzy is a powerful and thought-provoking song that sheds light on the tragic events surrounding the mass slaughter of buffalo in North America during the 19th century.

The lyrics depict how these majestic creatures were hunted and killed to near extinction, as their hides were highly sought after for commercial purposes.

13. “Dark Ballet” by Madonna

“Dark Ballet” by Madonna is a haunting and powerful song that depicts society’s struggles and the dangers of blind conformity.

The lyrics speak of a world filled with darkness, where people are trapped in their own illusions and afraid to break free from the norms.

It warns against blindly following authority and encourages listeners to question everything around them.

14. “The British Are Coming” by Weezer

“The British Are Coming” is a popular American rock band. It is a song by Weezer. It tells the story of a group of friends fascinated by British culture and decide to embark on a journey across the Atlantic to experience it firsthand.

The upbeat melody and catchy lyrics capture their excitement and longing for this adventure. They sing about iconic landmarks like the London Bridge and Stonehenge and famous Brits like Winston Churchill.

15. “Black Day In July” by Gordon Lightfoot

“Black Day In July” is a powerful and thought-provoking song written by Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot.

It tells the story of the 1967 Detroit riot, also known as the “12th Street Riot”, which was one of the largest and most violent riots in US history.

Through his haunting lyrics and sad melody, Lightfoot captures the chaos, fear, and desperation that engulfed the city during those six days in July.

16. “Run to the Hills” by Iron Maiden

“Run to the Hills” is a classic heavy metal anthem by British band Iron Maiden, released in 1982.

The song is a commentary on the history of European colonization and its impact on indigenous populations, particularly those in North America.

It tells the story of Native Americans who are being hunted and killed by European settlers for their land and resources.

Lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson’s powerful vocals and the band’s signature guitar riffs add to the intensity of the lyrics, portraying a sense of urgency and desperation for survival.

17. “Children’s Crusade” by Sting

“Children’s Crusade” by Sting is a thought-provoking song that illuminates the harsh realities of war and the innocent lives it claims, specifically children.

The song refers to the historical event in the 12th century where thousands of young children were sent to fight in the Crusades, with many losing their lives.

18. “The Palace of Versailles” by Al Stewart

“The Palace of Versailles” by Al Stewart is a captivating song about King Louis XIV and his opulent palace in France.

The song describes the grandeur and extravagance of the palace, with its lavish gardens, gilded halls, and luxurious furnishings.

It also touches upon Versailles’s history, from its humble beginnings as a hunting lodge to its becoming the center of power for the French monarchy.

19. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2

“Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2 is a powerful and iconic song about the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1970s.

It was written as a response to the violence and conflict that plagued the country, particularly on the tragic “Bloody Sunday.”

The lyrics of the song paint a vivid picture of this event, where British soldiers fired upon unarmed civilians protesting for civil rights, resulting in multiple deaths.

20. “Public Enemy No. 1” by Megadeth

One of the most iconic songs by the legendary heavy metal band Megadeth is “Public Enemy No. 1”. Released in 1993, this song has become a fan favorite for its powerful lyrics and hard-hitting music.

The song tells the story of a person labeled as a public enemy, feared and hated by society.

It speaks about how this person’s actions and decisions have led to their downfall. Still, instead of remorseful, they revel in their notoriety and embrace their status as rebels against authority.

FAQs

What are 5 facts about history?

History is a vast and fascinating subject that chronicles past events, cultures, and people. Here are five interesting facts about history.

  • History can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt, with rich written records dating back thousands of years.
  • Historical knowledge allows us to learn from the mistakes and triumphs of our ancestors and provides us with valuable insights into understanding our present world.
  • Studying history helps us develop critical thinking skills by analyzing various perspectives and sources of information.
  • Discoveries and evidence constantly challenge existing beliefs and change our understanding of the past.
  • History is made daily, shaping our world and laying the foundation for future generations.

What’s interesting about history?

History is an endless source of fascination and wonder. It allows us to journey through the past and discover stories of civilizations before us, helping us understand how our present world came to be.

It gives context to our lives, allowing us to see how events and decisions made in the past have shaped our present realities.

History also teaches us valuable lessons about human nature, showing us humanity’s best and worst aspects.

The diverse range of historical topics, such as art, politics, religion, and culture, add depth and complexity to our understanding of the world.

Through history, we can explore different perspectives and gain a deeper appreciation for different cultures.

Moreover, studying history helps develop critical thinking skills as we analyze evidence and draw conclusions based on facts rather than opinions or biases.

Why are humans fascinated with the past?

Humans are naturally curious beings, and one of the things that pique our interest the most is the past. We are fascinated with history, with stories of ancient civilizations, long-gone empires, and forgotten cultures.

Perhaps it is because we want to learn from our ancestors’ mistakes and successes, or maybe it’s because we are constantly searching for a sense of identity and belonging.

The past also holds a certain charm and nostalgia, especially for those who have experienced their own personal histories. It allows us to connect with our roots and understand how far we have come as a species.

Additionally, exploring the past can provide insight into human behavior and social patterns, helping us better understand ourselves.

What is the value of history?

History is not just a subject that we learn in school; it holds immense value and importance in our lives. It connects us to our past, helps us understand the present, and shapes our future.

Through history lessons, we can learn from the successes and mistakes of those who came before us. It gives us a sense of identity and belonging and roots to ground ourselves.

History also teaches us empathy and understanding towards others by providing different perspectives on events and cultures.

Moreover, it allows us to appreciate how far we have come as a society and inspires us to work toward creating a better world for future generations.

Studying history can give us valuable insights into human behavior and societal patterns that can guide our decision-making.

In essence, history’s value lies in its ability to educate, inspire, and shape individuals into informed citizens who are critical thinkers capable of making positive contributions to society.

Conclusion

These popular songs about history are a great way to learn about our past, appreciate the present, and look forward to the future.

From iconic events and figures to meaningful moments in our own lives, music has the power to capture it all and leave a lasting impact on us.

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