The history and politics of the English protest song

2011

Freedom for Palestine

Tune: Original
Lyrics: Oneworld
Composer: Oneworld

Released and supported by a collective of artists, activists, and charities as a single to ‘raise awareness’, ‘Freedom for Palestine’ condemns the Israeli government’s treatment of the Palestinian people. The lyrics, set to an anthemic dance arrangement, lend solidarity (‘We’ll break down the wall’) and ‘demand justice for all’, though its reception was, predictably, mixed – Desmond Tutu, a prominent supporter, was praised in the UK parliament, but Coldplay’s endorsement led to anger from some fans.

Cause: Anti-militarist | Anti-racist | Equal Rights
Theme: Rights | Freedoms | War and Peace
Addressed to: Universal
Target of Protest: Armed Forces | Foreign Powers
Proposal/Solution: Social Harmony | Emancipation