The Student Room Group

Favourite songs based on historical events/figures?

I'm a massive fan of music, with many questionable but awesome choices in my playlists (@Paracosm can confirm this, seriously) that covers a wide range.

Naturally, my music tastes cover a lot of different areas and subjects, which got me thinking do I listen to any music that is based on/about historical events/figures. I had to double check, but one of my favourite songs refers to the N.Ireland Hunger Strikes in 1981.

[video="youtube;aQtaqgW6MXg"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQtaqgW6MXg[/video]

Does anyone else have any favourite songs based on/about historical events/figures?
Reply 1
PSY - Gangnam Style.

It is an incredibly deep song about the tragedies of the Vietnam War. The song has a very peaceful and tranquil vibe to it. Has me in tears everytime I hear it.
Ra Ra Rasputin
American Pie is quite a good one. Makes lots of references to the death of Buddy Holly and then lots of pop culture things from the 1960's.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pie_(song)#Interpretations
[video="youtube;vHSNZK4Je-Y"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHSNZK4Je-Y[/video]
Have you ever heard of Hamilton? LIFE CHANGING
Reply 6
Original post by PeachesXXX
Have you ever heard of Hamilton? LIFE CHANGING


Heard, but not looked at yet. Mainly because I love musicals, I would get too sucked in, and then fail uni :rofl:

Original post by Fox Corner
American Pie is quite a good one. Makes lots of references to the death of Buddy Holly and then lots of pop culture things from the 1960's.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pie_(song)#Interpretations


Oh my, I forgot this song existed!
1582 by Kazuya Kamenashi.

Written about Oda Nobunaga's death at Honnoji Temple in June 1582. It's always fascinated me that while the recorded version is sung from a woman's perspective (presumably Nobunaga's wife: Lady No) when he performs it live he switches up the lyrics in the second half and performs from a man's perspective (presumably the pageboy he was said to be sleeping with: Mori Ranmaru). I love it. :heart:

He did an absolutely breathtaking performance of it: for anyone interested. (Starts singing at 4 minutes in, but the build-up is incredible and really sets the tone).
(edited 7 years ago)
Anything by Sabaton :lol:
Learnt more of history from them, then i ever did in school
Original post by Airmed
I'm a massive fan of music, with many questionable but awesome choices in my playlists (@Paracosm can confirm this, seriously) that covers a wide range.

Naturally, my music tastes cover a lot of different areas and subjects, which got me thinking do I listen to any music that is based on/about historical events/figures. I had to double check, but one of my favourite songs refers to the N.Ireland Hunger Strikes in 1981.

[video="youtube;aQtaqgW6MXg"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQtaqgW6MXg[/video]

Does anyone else have any favourite songs based on/about historical events/figures?


ALL HORRIBLE HISTORIES SONGS :party:
Reply 10
Billy Joel - We Didn't Start The Fire

Quick Reply