Chumbawamba- English Rebel Song 1381-1984

A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating a Rebel Song™

1.     Identify the Problem: What is wrong with this picture? Are people starving? Why are they starving? What is the injustice being done? Identify that, and you’re on your way to laying the groundwork for a great Rebel Song™.

2.     Who is the Oppressed? Who is being effected most by this problem? Who is being “attacked”? Setting yourself up as the wronged party is essential to Rebellion, and a good Rebel Song™.

3.     Tell A Story: Stories are the best way to tell of your plight because it gives people someone with whom to identify. Don’t just sing about the problem, tell a story of how a person or a group of people is effected by the problem.

4.     Choose how to incorporate solos: Whether or not you choose to have your Rebel Song™ be a solo comes with it’s own set of problems. If you want it to be a solo then keep in mind:

a.     Everyone has to be able to sing it: This Rebel Song™ is supposed to unite the oppressed. To have it in a high key, or to have complex melody would make it impossible for everyone to sing, therefore reducing the unifying effect. This goes for group numbers as well.

5.     Whether or not it’s a solo, these Rebel Songs™ are meant to be sung in groups: These Rebel Songs™ are a way for the oppressed to communicate with each other and they fulfill that purpose best in person, in a group.

You now have all you need to create a Rebel Song™ that will last for generations. Remember: music is a powerful tool of propaganda, so use it wisely. Even after your movement has died, people may still sing your song. Let that knowledge inform how you write.

In all seriousness, this is a 3/5 album, only of interest to those that like very old-fashioned songs, but you might be one of them. Give it a shot, you just might like it.