BY: PROVOKR Staff

Music has always been a way for artists to call their listeners to action, whether it’s to combat social injustice, rage against sexism, or simply proclaim their support and alliance with marginalized groups. Here are some of our favorite political songs from our favorite female artists who have never been afraid to raise their voices.

Beyoncé’s “AMERIICAN REQUIEM”

The opening track of Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER is a rousing reminder of how far we’ve come — and how far we still have to go. “Can we stand for something?” Beyoncé asks her listeners, encouraging us to “face the wind” and “let love in.”

No Doubt’s “Just A Girl”

A critique of male-driven society, No Doubt’s “Just A Girl” sees Gwen Stefani howl, “Oh, I’ve had it up to here!” as she bashes everyone and everything who have made her feel like “just” a girl.

Pussy Riot’s “DISOBEY”

Known for being hyper-political in many of their works, Pussy Riot’s recent single “DISOBEY” urges listeners to fight back against those in power who claim they “can’t change anything.” The video shows real footage of Pussy Riot members at a protest, standing up for Ukraine. 

Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me”

Women have used music to get political and express their discontent for decades, as demonstrated by Lesley Gore. Her revolutionary single “You Don’t Own Me” defies all the ownership men seem to feel toward women. It’s been such a lasting influence that pop artists Grace and G-Eazy revamped it just two years ago.

H.E.R.’s “I Can’t Breathe”

Written in the wake of the protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, “I Can’t Breathe” is a call to action, urging listeners to “fight for” those in need. The track would go on to win Song of the Year at the 2021 Grammy Awards.

L7’s “Shitlist”

Punk rock band L7 take aim at everyone on their “shitlist” in this raucous rocker, from “the ones who bum me out,” to “the squares who get me pissed.”

Halsey’s “Nightmare” 

“I’m tired and angry, but somebody should be,” Halsey declares in her 2019 single “Nightmare.” In the riotous music video, she bares her teeth at the camera while fearlessly embracing her strength and femininity while calling out the bigots who insist women owe them sometime.

Lola Young’s “Messy”

For anyone who has ever felt like too much, and then not enough, Lola Young’s “Messy” is for you. The song critiques the impossible standards women are held to, as Young sings, “A thousand people I could be for you and you hate the fucking lot.”

Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”

Perhaps the most iconic girl power anthems of all time is Aretha Franklin’s biggest hit. It shouldn’t seem like much to ask, but the fight for basic respect continues for various genders, races, and other identities in so many spaces. We like to imagine if Franklin could’ve made a music video for “Respect” today, it’d have some killer costuming and dance sequences on par with Beyonce’s.

Billie Eilish’s “LUNCH”

“LUNCH” is Billie Eilish’s ode to a girl who might just be “the one.” The pop star purrs, “I could eat that girl for lunch” over the driving drum beat and laidback guitar riff, making it clear she has an insatiable appetite for her girlfriend — a direct LGBTQ+ declaration that is rare in today’s pop music world.

The Cranberries’ “Zombie”

One of The Cranberries‘ most emotional songs, “Zombie” is a protest anthem, opposing the violence that took place during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Lead singer Dolores O’Riordan’s vocals are haunting, making her message all the more powerful.

Bikini Kill’s “Rebel Girl” 

Though it doesn’t have an official music video, the plucky girl group Bikini Kill deserves to make the list with their punk hit “Rebel Girl.” Fan-made mashup videos of the group performing the song live show their spunk and sass while they inspire us all to embrace our inner rebel girl.