Now that we’re at the end of an emotionally exhausting—and, for many, devastating—month, it’s time to look ahead. In a time that feels somewhat unreal, we at V believe that music and art are valuable to turn to, as they help ground us and create a tangible narrative, making it easier to process.

Below is a list of songs that either reflect the spirit of our current disillusioned reality or offer hope for America’s future. Almost all of them, excluding Kendrick’s “Alright” which came out in 2015, were written and released under Trump’s first term. We hope this collection offers a way to put everything into perspective. These songs remind us of the possible turmoil ahead, but ultimately, they inspire optimism—because the country has gone through and survived this before. The fight that fuelled this election is far from over.

Béyonce, “Freedom”

Back in 2020, “Freedom” was the anthem for the George Floyd protests. Four years later, Kamala Harris anointed the powerful and poignant tune as the official song of her presidential campaign. It’s rousing, energetic, and one of the most impactful musical rallying cries of the 21st century.

The 1975, “Love It If We Made It”

Considered one of The 1975’s best songs, “Love It If We Made It” is a stream of consciousness that lingers on the vices of modern humanity, including hypocrisy and disinformation. Donald Trump is explicitly referenced in the song by way of his Access Hollywood tape and infamous interaction with Kanye. The song captures the cacophonous, mind-numbing experience of consuming contemporary media, and reminds us to stay passionate and angry about the world’s injustices.

Moon Walker, “The TV Made Me Do It”

LA-based band Moon Walker wrote “The TV Made Me Do It” directly after the events of January 6th, 2021. The “it” refers to the storming of the capitol, and the song itself conveys the chaos and turmoil when Trump used the media to incite political violence in his supporters. The catchy indie-rock melody uses soulful bass lines and powerful lyrics to convey the dystopian intensity of the now-historical moment.

Gary Clark Jr., “This Land”

Fuelled with anger, Gary Clark Jr. wrote “This Land” in 2019 as a direct reaction to the reality he faced living in the South, “right in the middle of Trump country.” The song was inspired by an incident in which Clark’s neighbor repeatedly questioned who lived on the singer’s 50-acre property in Austin, Texas—he refused to believe that Clark, a Black man, owned the home.

Tyler COle, “The Government SOng”

“The Government Song” encapsulates what it was like to come of age under Trump’s administration. Tyler Cole’s screaming vocal delivery gives the song a punky edge that reflects the rage of youthful political activists. Several clipped recordings—taken directly from Donald Trump’s threats to use nuclear violence against North Korea—serve as a stark reminder of the severely dystopian reality living under his first term.

Kendrick Lamar, “Alright”

This song was a rallying cry for many Black Lives Matter protests, and it’s no wonder why. It acknowledges the countless injustices faced in modern society and the cold harsh reality for America’s most marginalized groups, but it still boldly asserts a message of hope and optimism. It is, no doubt, a profoundly fitting tune for the current state of the country.