Musicologists Mike Dines & Dr. Sarah Hill explore Britain's working-class anthems, revealing the raw emotion and resilience that define the nation's collective soundtrack.
5 Dec 2024
Strength in Numbers
Billy Bragg discusses how his modern anthem 'There is Power in a Union' connects the struggles of Britain's working class to a long tradition of labor activism.
5 Dec 2024
The Cost of War
Elvis Costello shares his haunting ballad 'Shipbuilding' to capture the devastating human cost and bittersweet revival of Britain's shipbuilding industry during the Falklands War.
4 Dec 2024
Unpacking Pain : John Lennon's "Working Class Hero"
John Lennon unpacks societal conformity and working-class oppression in his unapologetically raw anthem, 'Working Class Hero'.
14 Nov 2024
Clash of Classes : The Jam's "Eton Rifles"
In this episode of Tunes of Struggle, we unpack The Jam’s ‘Eton Rifles,’ a powerful anthem that confronts Britain’s stark class divide. Inspired by real-life class tensions, Paul Weller’s biting lyrics capture the frustrations of the working class facing off against an elite shielded by privilege and tradition.
28 Oct 2024
Return to Nowhere: The Beatles’ "Get Back" and Britain’s Immigration Debate
In this episode of Tunes of Struggle, we dive into The Beatles’ classic ‘Get Back’ – a song with a hidden past and a powerful social message. Originally written with satirical lyrics about immigration tensions, ‘Get Back’ reveals the anxieties surrounding class and identity in 1960s Britain. Join us as we explore how Paul McCartney and the band addressed the growing divides in British society, reflecting on the social pressures facing the working class in a rapidly changing world.
28 Oct 2024
Behind the Brick Walls: The Kinks' "Dead End Street"
In this episode, we dive into ‘Dead End Street’ by The Kinks, a song that captures the stark realities of working-class life in 1960s Britain. We break down the meaning behind the lyrics, explore the lived experiences of Ray and Dave Davies, and discuss what it meant to be part of Britain’s “dead-end” streets.
4 Oct 2024
Setting the Stage
Welcome to the first episode of Tunes of Struggle, where we kick off our journey through iconic UK songs that capture the struggles of the working class. From The Kinks to Billy Bragg, we’ll explore how these artists turned poverty and class issues into powerful music. Tune in to find out how these songs reflect the reality of life in Britain, and why music is such a strong voice for change.
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