Buffy Sainte-Marie: How to Write a Protest Song

Summary

In this video, Buffy Sainte-Marie shares her insights on writing a protest song, using her iconic 'Universal Soldier' as an example. She emphasizes the importance of simplicity in melody to make the song accessible, while the lyrics should be grounded in real, accurate details. A protest song, she explains, should address universal themes like war and oppression, providing a clear, relatable message. Buffy also highlights the long-term impact of protest songs, encouraging writers to stay true to their emotions and beliefs. Ultimately, she shows how music can inspire change and reach generations with its powerful, portable message.

Takeaways

• 😀 A protest or activist song can communicate complex ideas in a simple and portable way, unlike lengthy books.
• 😀 Music in protest songs should be simple and catchy to ensure accessibility and broad appeal.
• 😀 Lyrics in protest songs should be grounded in reality and reflect real-world issues.
• 😀 A song can influence people immediately, with the potential to impact generations of listeners.
• 😀 Simplicity in music helps keep attention, especially when tackling complex subjects like war and social justice.
• 😀 For protest songs, accuracy is crucial—be real, and avoid exaggeration to ensure credibility.
• 😀 The first line of 'Universal Soldier' is inspired by the height parameters of soldiers during the Vietnam War.
• 😀 The second line of 'Universal Soldier' reflects the age disparity in soldiers during the Vietnam War, emphasizing how young soldiers were recruited.
• 😀 When writing a protest song, ensure the lyrics make sense both intellectually and emotionally, and don't necessarily have to rhyme.
• 😀 Despite not being a cure-all, protest songs can provide important 'vitamin C'—a source of emotional support and awareness for those who need it.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Buffy Sainte-Marie's protest song, 'Universal Soldier'?

The song focuses on war, oppression, and the individual's responsibility in the context of global conflict. It reflects on the persistence of war and soldiers' roles in perpetuating violence.

Why does Buffy Sainte-Marie believe protest songs are impactful?

She believes protest songs are impactful because they are portable, easy to replicate, and can reach people immediately. They are also short enough to influence generations and can be translated into different languages.

What is Buffy Sainte-Marie's approach to writing protest songs?

She emphasizes keeping the melody simple and catchy while ensuring that the lyrics are accurate and meaningful. This helps to capture attention and effectively communicate the message.

How does Buffy Sainte-Marie suggest making protest songs 'bulletproof'?

She suggests ensuring that the song's content is accurate and real. The message should not exaggerate, but rather tell it like it is, which makes the song more powerful and reliable.

How does Buffy Sainte-Marie incorporate personal experience into her song writing?

In 'Universal Soldier', she uses real-life details, such as the height and age parameters from the Vietnam War, to make the song's message authentic and relevant to the time it was written.

What does Buffy Sainte-Marie mean by 'bulletproof' when referring to protest songs?

She means that protest songs should be well-crafted and accurate, leaving no room for doubt about their message. The song should be solid and unassailable in its truth.

How does Buffy Sainte-Marie suggest balancing complicated subjects with simple music?

She suggests using simple, easy-to-play music that is catchy and easy to remember, even if the subject matter is complex. This helps maintain listener engagement and allows the message to be conveyed effectively.

What are the specific references to the Vietnam War in 'Universal Soldier'?

The references include the height requirements for soldiers and the age parameters (17-year-old soldiers being sent to war), which reflect the real experiences of soldiers during the Vietnam War.

How does Buffy Sainte-Marie view the power of music in social activism?

She believes music can play a vital role in social activism by providing a form of expression that is easily accessible and relatable. It can inspire, educate, and unite people in a way that other forms of communication might not.

What role does simplicity play in writing protest songs, according to Buffy Sainte-Marie?

Simplicity plays a key role in ensuring that the message of a protest song is clear and easily understood. By keeping the melody and structure simple, the song can reach a wider audience and effectively communicate its message.