this is something that i have been thinking about for a month now.
i think it is important that the songs not be political, in the same way that the songs of the civil rights movement were basically just old time gospel songs. they have uplift, and to be joyful, and easy to sing. but they also have to have relevance to today's music. woodie is great but his time has passed, and he would understand that.
the song that most epitomizes OWS to me is Sit Down by James
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRD51qEJ8t4but all movements also need rally call songs, in addition to theme songs--that song i think should be Billy Bragg's rendition of Ode to Joy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL0Tmq_qJXgSee now like a phoenix rising
From the rubble of the war
Hope of ages manifested
Peace and freedom evermore!
Brothers, sisters stand together
Raise your voices now as one -
Though by history divided
Reconciled in unison
Throw off now the chains of ancient
Bitterness and enmity
Hand in hand let's walk together
On the path of liberty
Hark a new dawn now is breaking
Raise your voices no as one!
Though by history divided
Reconciled in unison
Furnish every heart with joy
and banish all hatred for good.