Tunes of Struggle: Britain’s Working-Class Anthems

In the final featured episode of Tunes of Struggle, we explore Billy Bragg’s ‘There is Power in a Union.’ A passionate call for solidarity, this modern anthem connects the struggles of Britain’s working class in the 1980s with a long tradition of labor activism.

In this episode of Tunes of Struggle, we explore Elvis Costello’s haunting ballad, 'Shipbuilding.' Written during the Falklands War, this song captures the bittersweet revival of the shipbuilding industry amidst the devastating human cost of conflict.

In this episode of Tunes of Struggle, we discuss John Lennon’s powerful anthem, ‘Working Class Hero.’ Stripped-down and unapologetically raw, this song critiques societal conformity and the systemic oppression of the working class.

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.