There are of course many great, meaningful, and entertaining songs, but two songs that most touch my being are “For What It’s Worth” written by Stephen Stills and performed by Buffalo Springfield and “I’d Love to Change the World” written by Alvin Lee and performed by Ten Years After.
Both songs summarize in just a few words the chaos and uncertainty experienced by the nation and especially the youth like myself in the sixties and early seventies. The first song was written in reaction to local clashes between police and youth in Los Angeles. The release of both songs coincided with the growing counter-culture, civil-rights, and anti-war unrest, and so its significance grew broader with time. While the words of Lee’s song seem somewhat regressive, they are actually a short catalog of the contrasting themes society faced at the time and sadly we still face today.
Suggestion:
Sit down for a few minutes in a comfortable chair or couch in a low-lit, quiet room and play Buffalo Springfield and then Ten Years After. You may see what I mean.