Post-Roe, a look at how old and new protest music reflects political moments

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A march protesting the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022 in Portland, Ore. Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images hide caption

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A march protesting the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022 in Portland, Ore.

Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images

Since the Supreme Court announced the decision to effectively overturn Roe v. Wade on Jun 27, musicians have made their positions on the landmark ruling clear in their words, with their dollars and, of course, through song.

In the wake of dramatic shifts like last week's decision, music from the past can take on new salience. Lyrics land with a renewed weight.

All Things Considered's Ari Shapiro spoke with NPR Music critic Ann Powers and music scholar Shana Redmond about how old and new protest music — including tracks like Nina Simone's "Missippi Goddam" and Anderson .Paak's "Lockdown" — can reflect political moments.

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