Music as an Agent of Environmental Change

9 songs from 1970–2019 that acknowledge climate change and the need for social reform

Music is, has been, and always will be a powerful social change agent. With the average American listening to roughly four hours of music each day, music has the power to influence our society whether that be culturally, morally, or emotionally.

There are numerous songs about climate change released to the public, by artists from Neil Young to, Gen Z icon, Billie Eilish. Read on for 9 climate change songs.

‘After the Gold Rush’ by Neil Young (1970)

In Neil Young’s ‘After the Gold Rush’ from his 1970 album of the same name, he reflects on the past and anticipates the future. This song consists of three verses which move from the Medieval period, to the present, and then to the end of humanity’s time on Earth. “Flyin’ mother nature’s silver seed/To a new home in the sun/Flyin’ mother nature’s silver seed/To a new home,” he sings. The lyrics allude to the end of human existence on Earth as the “silver seed” finds a new home. We can conclude that this end of humanity is due to environmental catastrophes like the one that happened in California during the Gold Rush.

‘Mercy Mercy Me’ by Marvin Gaye (1971)

Marvin Gaye was ahead of time in the sense that he wrote about global warming many years before it became a hot topic. His lyrics provide a vivid description of the environmental crisis, creating a juxtaposition of upbeat sounds with a pessimistic message. In the second verse he sings, “Oil wasted on the ocean and upon our seas/Fish full of mercury,” alluding to the pollution of our oceans and its impact on marine species. He believes that it is our obligation to care for the Earth, and he makes this clear in his creative work.

‘A Day in the Life of a Tree’ by The Beach Boys (1971)

This song, by The Beach Boys, is a song from their 1971 album ‘Surf’s Up.’ Written by Brian Wilson and the group’s manager Jack Rieley, this song expresses Wilson’s feelings towards environmental pollution. The lyrics follow the life of a tree whom was once tall and strong and is now limp and lifeless, thus showing the significant impact of pollution on life on Earth.

‘Global Warming’ by Pitbull (2012)

American rapper and songwriter, Mr. Worldwide, is apparently staying woke about the environmental crisis. ‘Global Warming,’ from his 2012 album, references Category Sixes. “Category Sixes are storming/Take this as a, take this a warning/Welcome to, welcome to global warming,” Pitbull sings. The lyrics reference the worsening of hurricane season due to global warming. He encourages his audience to notice this environmental change and take it as a warning for what the future could look like without reform.

‘Despite Repeated Warnings’ by Paul McCartney (2018)

The track, ‘Despite Repeated Warnings,’ from Paul McCartney’s album ‘Egypt Station,’ was inspired by McCartney’s visit to Japan. He said that while he was in Japan, he came across an article from a newspaper which talked about people being in denial of climate change. McCartney is thought to have addressed previous President Donald Trump in the lyrics, “Despite repeated warnings/Of dangers up ahead/The captain won’t be listening/To what’s been said.” He expresses his frustration with politicians not taking climate change seriously.

‘Feels Like Summer’ by Childish Gambino (2018)

Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, dropped this song in the summer of 2018. Not only does this song give major summer vibes, but it also delivers the message that climate change is very real. “Every day gets hotter than the one before/Running out of water, it’s about to go down/Go down/Air that kill the bees that we depend upon,” he sings. He addresses the need for change before the effects of climate change are irreversible.

‘The Greatest’ by Lana Del Rey (2019)

In Del Rey’s song, ‘The Greatest,’ from her 2019 album, she reflects on her personal relationships and experiences. She sings, “If this is it, I’m signing off/Miss doing nothin the most of all/Hawaii just missed that fireball/LA is in flames, it’s getting hot.” These lyrics, co-written with Jack Antonoff, allude to the wildfires in California. As a resident of California, she experienced these wildfires which are ultimately exacerbated by climate change.

‘Earth’ by Lil Dicky (2019)

Lil Dicky released this track prior to Earth Day 2019, and many listeners had something to say about it. The song received mostly negative views from critics, however, the message behind his song is apparent. He emphasizes the importance of altering our habits and saving the planet as he sings, “There’s so many people out here who don’t think global warming’s a real thing. You know? We gotta save this planet. We’re being stupid/Unless we get our shit together now.” Despite his lack of musicality, he did deliver a much needed message. He, himself, also donated net proceeds from the song and music video to the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in support of environmental causes.

‘All the Good Girls Go to Hell’ by Billie Eilish (2019)

As a vegan and an activist, Billie Eilish writes about her passion for the environment and wildlife among other things. Like Lana Del Rey in her track ‘The Greatest,’ Billie references the California wildfires in this song. “Hills burn in California/My turn to ignore ya/Don’t say I didn’t warn ya,” she sings. She emphasizes the importance of taking action before the repercussions are too bad.

All of these 9 songs acknowledge climate change and the dire need for social reform. It is clear to me that music can serve as an agent of environmental and social change because of the intense connection that a lot of us have with particular artists, songs, and albums. These artists have found a way to creatively express their beliefs and concerns, which I find admirable as a music lover and an individual who is passionate about the environment.