The broadside ballad is a song that takes a strong stance on a political and social issue. They were a way to raise awareness for something that the artist felt strongly about. It was used to motivate and unite the masses against that specific issue. Ephemeral in nature, Broadside Ballads used popular songs at the time and rewrote the lyrics to reflect their issue.
I chose to look at Pete Seeger's "What Did You Learn in School?". Pete Seeger was once a teacher and felt strongly about the education system. Seeger addresses issues like war and government and how they should be traditionally viewed. You can see the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VucczIg98Gw
With the simple banjo accompaniment, the listener can focus completely on the message of the song. I can’t help but feel angry when I listen to this because I hear how our society should be and realize how it isn’t. Our government is not always right. “I learned that murderers die for their crimes. Even if we make a mistake sometimes.” This shows how flawed our court systems are. I felt the drive and passion that this song portrayed and, in my opinion, it is the what Broadside Ballads are all about.
Express Yourself,
Felix
This song rocks! Pete's voice goes so perfect with a banjo, Especially on that line you mentioned about the murderers and the mistakes in the courtroom...his face is pretty good there too! He does another distinct look in the end while they are clapping. As if to say, "as long as schools are funded by the government, then wars will continue to be fought by the youth." It's such a sad truth!
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