It's Election Day, and millions of Americans are heading to the polls as we speak to pick the candidates they want to represent their interests in local, state and federal legislatures. It's an important day with important consequences, so you should make an effort to get out there.
But in case you need a little motivation, how about some of the musical variety? Music and politics actually go hand in hand. William Henry Harrison was a trailblazer in using the song "Tippecanoe and Tyler, Too" for his 1840 presidential campaign, which helped him ultimately claim victory. The 1960s were ripe with songs protesting the Vietnam War. And Beyonce and Jay-Z are very public supporters of President Obama.
Now it's time to get pumped up, because you're about to go out and vote. Here's the ultimate Election Day playlist filled with some of the best politically-minded tunes to help you do that. Just try not to sing and/or dance while you're in the voting booth.
"Strange Fruit" by Billie Holiday (1939)
"This Land is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie (1951)
"We Shall Overcome" by Joan Baez (1962)
"Where Have All the Flowers Gone" by Pete Seeger (1962)
"A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke (1964)
"Taxman" by The Beatles (1966)
"The Times They Are A-Changin'" by Bob Dylan (1964)
"Fortunate Son" by Creedance Clearwater Revival (1969)
"Volunteers" by Jefferson Airplane (1969)
"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" by Gil Scott-Heron (1970)
"Imagine" by John Lennon (1971)
"Ohio" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (1971)
"What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye (1971)
"London Calling" by The Clash (1979)
"Redemption Song" by Bob Marley and the Wailers (1980)
"The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (1982)
"Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen (1984)
"Pride (In the Name of Love)" by U2 (1984)
"Fight the Power" by Public Enemy (1988)
"Talkin' 'bout a Revolution" by Tracy Chapman (1988)
"Killing in the Name" by Rage Against the Machine (1991)
"U.N.I.T.Y." by Queen Latifah (1993)
"Dear Mr. President" by P!nk (2006)
"Georgia... Bush" by Lil Wayne (2006)
"Standing in the Way of Control" by Gossip (2006)
"Yes We Can" by will.i.am (2008)
"***Flawless" by Beyonce (2013)
Image: National Archives / Hulton Archive / Getty Images
