Have you ever thought of the exact difference between unity and solidarity? While both concepts embrace the idea of working as a team towards a main goal, unity focuses primarily on sameness. On the other hand, solidarity encourages union amidst dissimilarities. Many people think it’s noble to push a sense of teamwork while embracing each person’s uniqueness. Much so that there are endless songs about it.
If you looking for the best songs about solidarity, we’ve come up with a great playlist to satisfy what you’re looking for!
Table of Contents
- 21. Workers of the World, Awaken! — Magpie
- 20. We Shall Overcome — Mahalia Jackson
- 19. We Are Young — Fun. and Janelle Monáe
- 18. We Are the World — USA for Africa
- 17. Wavin’ Flag — K’NAAN (Coca-Cola Celebration Mix)
- 16. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) — Shakira
- 15. Unity — Shinedown
- 14. Solidarity Forever — Tom Morello
- 13. Solidarity — Black Uhuru
- 12. People Get Ready – The Impressions
- 11. One Day — Matisyahu
- 10. New Power Generation — Prince
- 9. Imagine — John Lennon
- 8. Heal the World — Michael Jackson
- 7. Get Up, Stand Up — Bob Marley and The Wailers
- 6. Formation — Beyoncé
- 5. Fight The Power — Public Enemy
- 4. Everybody Hurts — R.E.M.
- 3. Come Together — The Beatles
- 2. BLACK LIVES MATTER — Dax
- 1. 21 Guns — Green Day
21. Workers of the World, Awaken! — Magpie
Genres: Folk
Album: When We Stand Together (2017)
Due to the hardships of many workers in the 1980s, many songs about solidarity were composed during this time. “Workers of the World, Awaken!” was written by Joe Jill as a protest against workers’ exploitation. The song reaches out to every worker worldwide, imploring them to stand against wage theft, maltreatment, and even physical abuse.
20. We Shall Overcome — Mahalia Jackson
Genres: Gospel, Holiday, Christian
Album: Let’s Pray Together (1964)
“We Shall Overcome” is a Gospel song by Mahalia Jackson that brings hope, peace, and unity. The song is melodious and harmonious, giving the listeners a laid-back feeling. However, its lyrics give deep meanings to solidarity. Mahalia Jackson is a prominent figure in the Christian world. Her lyrics, “We shall overcome someday, black and white together” gives hope not just in the spiritual aspect but also in the social aspect of racism.
19. We Are Young — Fun. and Janelle Monáe
Genre: Alternative/Indie
Album: Some Nights (2012)
There is one thing about young people that unites them: their youth. “We Are Young” is a song by Fun. that is famous for its diverse meanings. At first, it may seem like the lyrics pertain to a romantic evening. However, its music arrangement and music video also give implications about the singer’s call to enjoy youth while it lasts.
18. We Are the World — USA for Africa
Genre: Holiday
Album: We Are the World (1985)
“We Are The World” by the USA for Africa is an awe-inspiring song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. The song is about solidarity, aiming to unite everyone towards one goal, which is to make the world a better place. It kindles our compassion and makes us want to be kinder and more understanding.
17. Wavin’ Flag — K’NAAN (Coca-Cola Celebration Mix)
Genres: Reggae fusion, Pop
Album: Troubadour (2009)
“Wavin’ Flag” is a pop song by K’NAAN, recorded for Coca-Cola’s promotional song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by South Africa. We all know the vital role of sports in uniting a nation. It doesn’t matter if the team is winning or losing, sports are still one of the best ways to inspire young minds. This song invites its listeners to dream big, get stronger, and rise above any struggle!
16. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) — Shakira
Genre: Pop
Album: Sale el Sol (2010)
“Waka waka (This Time for Africa)” is the Official 2010 FIFA World Cup song, which was sung by the famous Columbian singer Shakira. The term “Waka waka” is a slang word that means “do it.” The song is lively and energetic, promoting solidarity while representing Africa. It was inspired by African elements, including traditional rhythms and phrases.
15. Unity — Shinedown
Genre: Rock
Album: Amaryllis (2012)
“Unity” by Shinedown is a rock song that encourages camaraderie and a sense of belongingness. The song conveys a message that you are not alone in your struggles and hardships. We might be in different levels of pain and may not share common struggles, but someone out there is determined to find us amidst hopelessness and despair.
14. Solidarity Forever — Tom Morello
Genres: Rock, Country
Album: Union Town (2011)
“Solidarity Forever” is a song written by Ralph Chaplin, used by several union movements, especially the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). Written in 1915, the song became a civil war theme. It emphasizes the importance of solidarity and union. The song questions society’s trend, exposing the exploitations of many industrial workers in the 1980s. Tom Morello retells the story when he released his version of the song from his album Union Town (2011).
13. Solidarity — Black Uhuru
Genre: Reggae
Album: Anthem (1984)
“Solidarity” by Black Uhuru is a song from the album Anthem. The song makes an effort to relate to its listeners by stating our desires for basic humanity. Additionally, this basic need reiterates the importance of solidarity. It means no matter how physically different we are, we ultimately want the same things.
12. People Get Ready – The Impressions
Genre: Soul gospel
“People Get Ready” is a single by The Impressions that was released in 1965. Although the music elements of the song are relaxed and soulish, its lyrics are far from it. This gospel song is about getting ready for an important milestone in Christianity, which is the second coming of Christ. The song urges its listeners to take heed of the Word of God and not ignore its warnings.
11. One Day — Matisyahu
Genres: R&B/Soul, Alternative/Indie, Pop, UK R&B, Reggae, Hip-Hop/Rap, Rock
Album: Light (2009)
“One Day” by Matisyahu is a reggae song loaded with multi-layers of interpretations. This is not a surprise because American-Jewish reggae singer Matisyahu is well-known for incorporating spiritual elements into his songs. The song is about longing for peace and holding on to hope while waiting for it to happen.
10. New Power Generation — Prince
Genres: New jack swing
Album: Graffiti Bridge (1990)
“New Power Generation” is an electronic song perfect for dancing and disco. However, despite its energetic beat and wild elements, the song is actually about solidarity. It implores society to lay down its weapons and let go of violence. Instead, enjoy your life with dancing, parties, and music.
9. Imagine — John Lennon
Genres: Pop music, Alternative/Indie, Soft rock, Pop, Holiday, Rock, Folk
Album: Imagine (1971)
“Imagine” is a song by the Legendary singer and songwriter John Lennon. UNICEF added a new layer of meaning to the song, by releasing a “world version” of the song. The song is basically about imagining a perfect world for children. It also urges people that with unity, they can make it happen.
8. Heal the World — Michael Jackson
Genre: Genres: Pop music, Rock, Rhythm and blues, Soul music
Album: Dangerous (1991)
“Heal the World” by Michael Jackson is a song about solidarity and unity toward making the world a better place. The song is packed with anti-war themes, such as safety, peace, and love. It is also focused on dedicating this wonderful change to children and the future generation.
7. Get Up, Stand Up — Bob Marley and The Wailers
Genre: Reggae
Album: Burnin’ (1973)
“Get Up, Stand Up” is a reggae song by Bob Marley and The Wailers which originally appeared in their album Burnin’ (1973). The song portrays the voice of an activist, encouraging everyone to fight poverty and oppression. Many sources say that the song was written in response to Marley’s visit to Haiti, where he witnessed how much people were suffering.
6. Formation — Beyoncé
Genres: Pop music, Rhythm and blues, Bounce music, R&B/Soul, Hip-Hop/Rap
Album: Lemonade (2016)
“Formation” by Beyoncé is a song for women that exudes confidence while promoting solidarity in fashion and culture, such as baby hair and afros. We also can’t help but notice Beyoncé’s genius lyrics “Ok ladies now let’s get in formation,” which has a double meaning that says, “Ok ladies now let’s get INFORMATION.”
5. Fight The Power — Public Enemy
Genre: Hip-hop
Album: Fear of a Black Planet (1990)
“Fight The Power” by Public Enemy is a song that promotes solidarity, revolution, and strength in numbers. It implores everyone to “fight the power” against racism, empowering the black community. Although the song gives an anti-authority vibe, it still has a voice that calls on the mass to take action.
4. Everybody Hurts — R.E.M.
Genres: Alternative rock, Alternative/Indie
Album: Automatic for the People (1992)
“Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M. is a song that attempts to comfort its listeners with the fact that “everybody cries, and everybody hurts sometimes.” It promotes solidarity in keeping the faith and holding on to hope. It is also dedicated to people suffering from damaging suicidal thoughts and depression.
3. Come Together — The Beatles
Genres: Blues rock, Swamp rock, Rock, Folk
Album: Abbey Road (1969)
“Come Together” is a rock song by The Beatles released from the album Abbey Road (1969). The song describes a mysterious man. According to sources, they revealed that the song is for a campaign against a California Governor Ronald Reagan. The song calls for solidarity in votes against the politician.
2. BLACK LIVES MATTER — Dax
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Album: Black Lives Matter (2020)
“Black Lives Matter” by Dax is a hip-hop song that has become one of the theme songs of the Black Lives Matter movement. The song is about solidarity. It highlights the need for change in our society and intensifies the importance of every black individual’s voice that has been suppressed. As of the time of writing, the song has garnered over 5 million hits on YouTube alone.
1. 21 Guns — Green Day
Genres: Pop-punk, Hard rock, Power pop, Arena rock, Rock
Album: 21st Century Breakdown (2009)
“21 Guns” is a rock song by Green Day that was released in their 2009 album called 21st Century Breakdown. The song gives special importance to all our servicemen and servicewomen, addressing the topic of patriotism and solidarity. The song emphasizes the importance of their lives and honors them by giving them the 21 guns salute.