Songs About Violence Against Women (and Staying Strong and Positive)

One of the most powerful and creative methods of raising awareness about taboo subjects like Violence Against Women (VAW) is through music and song. From medieval bards to protest folk singers of the 1960s to today’s Pop, Rock and Country songwriters, musicians, singers and songwriters continue to play a vital role in spreading the message about social issues via heartfelt lyrics and musical hooks that ensure that the song stays with the listener until the message sinks in.

 1-A Broken Wing – Martina McBride

American Country superstar Martina McBride is a staunch supporter of the cause to end VAW and her songs often reflect her commitment to empowering women. A Broken Wing is no exception.

https://youtu.be/dgjTO5eAbZY

She loved him like he was
The last man on Earth
Gave him everything she ever had
He'd break her spirit down
Then come lovin' up on her
Give a little then take it back

She'd tell him 'bout her dreams
He'd just shoot 'em down
Lord he loved to make her cry
You're crazy for believin'
You'll ever leave the ground
He said only angels know how to fly

And with a broken wing
She still sings
She keeps an eye over the sky
With a broken wing
She carries her dreams
Man you oughta see her fly

One Sunday morning
She didn't go to church
He wondered why she didn't leave
He went up to the bedroom
Found a note by the window
With the curtains blowin' in the breeze

And with a broken wing
She still sings
She keeps an eye over the sky
With a broken wing
She carries her dreams
Man you oughta see her fly

With a broken wing
She carries her dreams
Man you oughta see her fly

 2-No More Drama – Mary J. Blige

Grammy-award winning singer, songwriter and producer Mary J. Blige sings about surviving and transcending harmful relationships, emerging stronger than ever and leaving all the drama behind.

https://youtu.be/em328ua_Lo8

3- India Arie

This song by India Arie calls on women and girls everywhere to accept and be happy in their own skins and to appreciate themselves for who they are inside and out!

https://youtu.be/Mq86e4Fhja0

4-You Gotta Be – Des’ree

British singer Des’ree had a hit in the late 90s with this feel-good song about being the best that you can be as a woman.

5-The Rose – AHMIR

AHMIR – the 1R&B band on YouTube and The Pixel Project’s YouTube Music Ambassador – recorded Amanda McBroom’s The Rose in April 2012 as part of The Pixel Project’s Music For Pixels campaign. The Rose is their message of love and healing to survivors everywhere

6-Family Portrait – P!nk

In “Family Portrait”, P!nk is a child growing up in an abusive household. She pleads with her parents “I’ll be so much better, I’ll do everything right / I’ll be your little girl forever / I’ll go to sleep at night,” believing the anger and fighting is her fault.