Destination Jam: 5 tracks that criticize US presidents, from Demi Lovato's 'Commander in Chief' to Eminem's 'Mosh'
There has never been a shortage of criticizing politics or presidents via strong lyrics in American songs or pop music in general. There are a ton of politically-charged diss tracks, and sometimes artists use their material to strike a chord with listeners, inspire audiences or even call out incorrect decisions made by government bodies. There's freedom of speech in the powerful tracks and the lyrics can be sharp and on-point.
Please note that this list does not amplify any specific bias toward any political stance or president or government, but simply addresses the most notable songs with criticizing lyrics. Here's a look at five of the harshest diss tracks.
Demi Lovato: 'Commander in Chief'
The latest track on our list, Demi Lovato's 'Commander in Chief' released this year on October 14. Although the song carries an inspirational or anthemic tone, the song's lyrics are a direct confrontation to the current POTUS, Donald Trump. Lyrics include lines such as "But you can't get enough of shutting down systems for personal gain," "Do you get off on pain? We're not pawns in your game," "Commander in Chief, honestly. If I did the things you do, I couldn't sleep," "How does it feel to still be able to breathe?" among others. The song was released prior to the 2020 Presidential Elections, beginning today (November 3), and it's clear who Lovato hasn't voted for.
Eminem: 'Mosh'
Eminem's 2004 politically-charged track 'Mosh' carries a more protest theme apart from its criticism against President George W. Bush. The song was released before the 2004 elections and encouraged voters to vote George W. Bush out of office. “Let the president answer a higher anarchy,” Eminem raps. “Strap him with an Ak-47, let him go, fight his own war – Let him impress daddy that way.”
Stevie Wonder: 'You Haven't Done Nothin''
One of the angriest tracks on our list, Stevie Wonder's 'You Haven't Done Nothin'' took direct aim at President Richard Nixon. The song was released in 1974 (and just two days before Nixon's resignation) and featured backing vocals by The Jackson 5. It was Wonder's fourth Number 1 pop hit and his tenth Number 1 soul hit. Shortly after Nixon's resignation, Wonder made a candid statement: "Everybody promises you everything but in the end, nothing comes out of it," he said, according to uDiscoverMusic. "I don't vote for anybody until after they have really done something that I know about. I want to see them do something first. The only trouble is that you always hear the president or people say that they are doing all they can. And they feed you with hopes for years and years. I'm sick and tired of listening to all their lies."
Killer Mike - 'Reagan'
One half of the legendary hip-hop duo Run The Jewels, Killer Mike's political offering taps on subjects including social inequality, police brutality, and systemic racism while drawing parallels from the career of Reagan and the Presidents who have followed. “Ronald Reagan was an actor, not at all a factor. Just an employee of the country’s real masters. Just like the Bushes, Clinton and Obama. Just another talking head telling lies on teleprompters.” The track also touches on crypticism and governmental secrecy with its lyrics and a video that includes an Illuminati symbol on the American Flag: "If I say any more they might be at my door. (Shh..) Who the fuck is that staring in my window? Doing that surveillance on Mr. Michael Render. I'm dropping off the grid before they pump the lead. I leave you with four words: I'm glad Reagan dead."
Anohni: 'Obama'
Anohni's 'Obama' features more like a plea than dissing a president. In a statement accompanying the video, Anohni implored President Obama to release Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning, who is currently serving a 35-year sentence for leaking classified documents in 2010. "If you leave Chelsea Manning in prison for whistleblowing You send the final message to our nation that the Obama administration brutally punished moral courage in these unforgiving United States," Anohni said. Lyrics include, "When you were elected. The world cried for joy. We thought we had empowered. The truth-telling envoy. Now the news is you are spying. Executing without trial. Betraying virtues. Scarring closed the sky."
Destination Jam is a daily list of songs that will keep you entertained and grooving up top in lieu of feeling drained and losing the plot. Look out for a fresh selection of great tunes from MEAWW to refresh your mood every day!