Counterculture and Music

Analyze the messages behind the America countercultural movement

During all the political and military turmoil of the Cold War, there is another war being waged
back in the USA – a cultural war. The high tension, corruption of American values, and military
action of the Cold War caused many to turn to peace movements and protest. Music and
movies was one of the prime mediums of these messages.

Directions:

Below are links to songs and movie clips from the 1950s and 1960s, some of them responding
to the general Cold War world, and some more directed at specific events. Watch/listen to at
least 4 of these, then answer the questions below.

“Blowin in the Wind” – Bob Dylan (1963)

“Masters of War” – Bob Dylan (1963)

“I Ain’t Marchin anymore” – Phil Ochs (1965)

“What are you Fighting For?” – Phil Ochs

“Bring the Boy’s Back Home” – Pink Floyd (1979)

“Another Brick in the Wall p.2” – Pink Floyd (1979)

“Imagine” – John Lennon (1971)

“Born in the USA” – Bruce Springsteen (1985)

“I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixing-To-Die Rag” – Country Joe McDonald (1967)

Standing up the Parents – from Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

Intro, “This is the End” – from Apocalypse Now (1979)

 The War Room – from Dr. Strangelove (1964)

“Goodbye Blue Sky” – Pink Floyd (1979)

1. Choose two songs/clips and complete a primary source analysis

Keywords – choose 5-10 keywords/phrases from the source that stand out and might help you
understand the meaning of the source

Quote – choose one quote from the source that strikes you as significant

Summary – In 1-2 sentences, summarize the meaning and purpose of the primary source. Use
the keywords and quote to help you!

Name of song/clip:

KEYWORDS SUMMARY

QUOTE

Name of song/clip:
KEYWORDS SUMMARY

QUOTE

1. What events could these songs/clips possibly refer to? What lyrics or quotes can you
connect to these events?

2. Find an modern example of a song/movie clip that criticizes something going on today –
paste a link with an explanation below