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The Documentary: 100 Women: Rebel girls soundtrack

100 Women: Rebel girls soundtrack

22/11/2020 GMT

BBC World Service - The Documentary, 100 Women: Rebel girls soundtrack

The ways in which real events are reflected in the lyrics of popular songs

Beatriz De La Pava researches the ways in which real events are reflected in song lyrics.

Music has been a perennially powerful tool when it comes to protest. Beatriz De La Pava researches the ways in which pivotal real-life events are reflected in the lyrics of popular songs, and shows how music paints a vivid picture of the social, political, economic and cultural landscape.

From the right to being able to plan a family, reflected in The Pill by Loretta Lynn, to the fight against gender discrimination, portrayed by Aretha Franklin, and the struggle to end violence against women with the worldwide movements MeToo and Ni Una Menos immortalised by artists like Miss Bolivia (Argentina) or Ana Tijoux (Chile).

Beatriz explores the relevance of the sexual revolution, as comedian Rusty Warren and singers like Joan Jett reflected it, and navigates matters from abortion to the difficulties of being an outspoken feminist in a Muslim community. Music as the alternative, visceral and captivating historical source, that resonates with listeners from across the generations.

Image: Cyndi Lauper (Credit: BBC), Aretha Franklin (Credit, BBC), Beyoncé (Credit: Getty Images), Cyndi Lauper (Credit: BBC), Miley Cyrus (Credit: BBC)

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