Are you tired of listening to classic Earth Day songs like “Mercy, Mercy Me” and the “Yellow Taxi?” If so, you may want to think about expanding your holiday playlist with one of my favorites. Here they are:
“Where Do the Children Play?”
If you ask me, Cat Steven’s song “Where Do the Children Play” is perfect for Earth Day events. Its lyrics reference overdevelopment and how if it continues they’ll be no place for recreation. You can find a copy of the song on his album “Tea for the Tillerman.”
“Earth Song”
Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song” does a good job of capturing the spirit of Earth Day too. Its lyrics contain a reference to the earth being in tears. You can find the song on his album “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1” along with other super songs like “Heal the World” and “Come Together.”
“Mother Earth (Natural Anthem)”
Neil Young’s song “Mother Earth (Natural Anthem) is an excellent tune as well. Its lyrics stress how it’s important to respect the earth and how greed is killing the planet. The song is on his album “Ragged Glory.” Although not theme appropriate, there are other super songs that appear on the album too. Among them are “Days That Used to Be” and “Country Home.”
“The Landscape is Changing”
You may also want to think about picking up a copy of Depeche Mode’s song “The Landscape is Changing.” Its lyrics reference a sobbing landscape, acid streams, sighing mountains and the ignorance of man. You can find a copy of the song on their album “Constructing Time Again.” Additional songs that appear on the album are “Two Minute Warning” and “Shame.”
Metallica’s song “Blackened” has lyrics that would be appropriate for such an event. The song’s lyrics reference the earth dying, tremendous fires, and the end of the world. You don’t get much more environmental than that. It is available on their “…And Justice for All” album.
“Countdown to Extinction”
In my opinion, Megadeath’s “Countdown to Extinction” is aptly named and suitable for Earth Day celebrations. The song’s lyrics reference eradicating entire species and senseless killing. It appears on their album with the same name. Other great songs that appear on the album are “Symphony of Destruction” and “Architecture of Aggression.”
“Death of Mother Nature Suite”
The last song to make my list is Kansas’ “Death of Mother Nature Suite.” The song’s lyrics issue a dire proclamation of doom for mankind and the earth. It appears on their album “The Ultimate Kansas.” The album also contains “Song for America”, which would be appropriate as well. Its lyrics reference overdevelopment and the scarring of the earth.
