Dunaway reading: How does he define ‘political music’? Do you agree? Why, or why not? What are the 3 characteristics of political songs as artefacts?
What are some presidential campaign songs in American history? Name at least 2 from the early 20th century. Going beyond the reading, doing individual research, identify at least one popular song that was used during a 21st century U.S. presidential campaign. How was it used? What was the artist’s reaction to its use in this way?
Choose a contemporary popular song that you believe is political in some way. What type(s) of song do you think it is (according to Dunaway’s types, see page 286)? What function(s) does the song serve (according to Dunaway’s model, see page 286-7)? Cite excerpts of the song’s lyrics to support your answers. Discuss the song in terms of: mood, genre, instrumentation, voice/speaker, poetics (metaphors, slang, double meanings, etc.), imagery, historical context, & themes.