The Secret History Of Political Music
Shocking stories behind secretly political songs
Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang - DR DRE
This funky classic introduced the world to refrigerators full of malt liquor, and also Snoop Dogg. But what does the “G” in the title represent? Scholars have identified a reference to the “G” symbol in Freemasonry. The shadowy history of Freemasons has been subject to many dark rumors. So let’s set the record straight - yes, most Masons are humanoid reptilians but also quite benign, even friendly. Whatever influence they have is nothing compared to the nonsense perpetrated by our own Supreme Court. And reptilians are fans of rap music! They helped bankroll NWA via their friendship with Eazy-E, so Dr Dre’s first solo hit was a nod to that contribution.
Private Eyes - HALL & OATES
Intelligence agencies are not monoliths. CIA and NSA agents are often too mired in their own internecine wars to accomplish anything. The losers then go rogue, and leak agency secrets. One such loser was John Oates, who seemed to have no purpose in this pop duo except to waddle around with an unplugged electric guitar. Ironically he was the plug, a former agent who used his intelligence connections to secure their rise to fame. “Private Eyes” was his wink to his former employers, that he still knew their secrets.
I Want A New Drug - HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS
Audiences in the ‘80s had to wonder - how did this schlubby medium talent become a pop star? That sentiment was satirized by Bret Easton Ellis in American Psycho via Patrick Bateman’s tone deaf admiration. That book also gives us a key clue in its cameo from Tom Cruise, who later starred in American Made, about a pilot smuggling drugs for the CIA. Who was the real pilot? None other than Huey Lewis. He remained employed by the CIA as he transitioned to music. With rumors swirling about their illegal drug trades, the Agency had to signal their need for re-ups via the radio. Each play of this song represented an order for more product. Since it was the ‘80s, it got played a lot.
Take It Easy - THE EAGLES
Whatever we can say about the Eagles, this much is clear - they were military operatives. Just look at them. Don Henley looks like a staff sergeant after too many tours. Glenn Frey belongs at a drunken Air Force poker game. For their first hit, they turned Jackson Browne’s song of post-hippie calm into a sinister political message. “Take it easy,” they told anti-Vietnam protesters, “because we’re gonna keep fighting all the wars we want, our way.” Does that sound like a stretch? Just look at their signature song “Hotel California,” which celebrated the military’s power over politicians and the futility of anti-war efforts.
The Gambler - KENNY ROGERS
The Federal Reserve had a message for investors on the cusp on the Ronald Reagan era. This 1978 hit by restaurant mogul Kenny Rogers was a coded sign to his fellow elites to lie in wait through the dodgy late-’70s economy. Reaganomics loosened restrictions and taxes, effectively installing a “dealer” to help the high rollers get richer than ever. Wall Street and country music have always been closely linked, employing inane cowboy rhetoric to share stock tips.
Don’t Worry Be Happy - BOBBY MCFERRIN
The looming election of 2024 is replete with rumors of a billionaire takeover. We’re being promised hardships by aristocrat turned internet troll Elon Musk. But we wonder - how can anyone stop this march toward Hypernormalisation, as Adam Curtis calls the process of elites reshaping the world into a techno-utopia that’s only utopic for them? At least we know where it started, with this vile 1988 song. How was “Don’t Worry Be Happy” not cited in government censorship debates? It promotes blithe irresponsibility and narcotized deviancy. “Don’t worry” about paying bills or contributing to society or your own self-sufficiency in any way, just do nothing and “be happy.” Yeah right.
“Don’t Worry Be Happy” is when we should’ve known the fix was in. It was called out by Chuck D on “Fight The Power” - “‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’ was a number one jam/ Damn if I say it you can slap me right here.” But we have to do more. Let’s vote, and moreover hope that this Election Day we can stem the dark prophecy of this song.