Songs of Strength and The Feminist Revolution in Music

17 DEC 2024

Music is a mirror of society, a reflection of emotions, struggles, and victories. For decades, it has echoed the voices of women worldwide, from jazz legends to Tamil cinema powerhouses, from rock stars to pop divas. Feminism and music are deeply entwined, with songs becoming anthems of resistance, freedom, and self-expression. These melodies and rhythms tell a woman’s story—her power, her style, and many more

The journey of feminist music spans borders, languages, and genres, seamlessly flowing across time and space. When it comes to english music, it began as whispers of rebellion, grew into cries for justice, and now, roars in unapologetic celebration of womanhood. Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” in the 1930s stood as a haunting protest against racial injustice, boldly revealing truths society chose to ignore. Nina Simone, the “High Priestess of Soul,” sang her heart out with “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black,” becoming a beacon of Black pride and female resilience during the Civil Rights Era. These trailblazers laid the foundation for women to use music as a weapon, an art form, and a movement.

The rebellious energy of the 80s brought Joan Jett snarling onto the scene with “Bad Reputation,” a song that smashed gender norms and declared independence from societal expectations. Madonna ruled with her boldness, with tracks like “Express Yourself” and “Like a Virgin,” unapologetically celebrating femininity and sexual liberation. At the same time, emerging punk bands like Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney, and Bratmobile formed the Riot Grrrl movement, creating raw, DIY anthems of rebellion against patriarchy, rape culture, and stereotypes. It was music that roared from underground stages, amplifying issues that society often kept silent.

The 90s also saw the rise of female voices in hip-hop, where Salt-N-Pepa danced into the male-dominated genre with style, wit, and unapologetic boldness. Missy Elliott arrived, breaking stereotypes with futuristic beats and empowering lyrics, while Destiny’s Child made “Independent Women, Pt. 1” an anthem for female self-reliance. Meanwhile, the Spice Girls sparked a cultural phenomenon with “Girl Power,” blending feminism and pop in a way that resonated across generations.

As music evolved, women continued to raise the bar. Beyoncé turned feminism into a cultural movement with her powerful tracks like “Run The World (Girls)” and “Flawless,” reminding everyone that women are strong, unapologetic leaders. Lady Gaga championed self-expression and identity, while Taylor Swift challenged the industry on behalf of women artists, reclaiming her voice and music. Songs like Katy Perry’s “Roar” and Billie Eilish’s defiance of conventional femininity became soundtracks for empowerment, blending modernity with timeless themes of resilience.

Tamil music, too, found its own feminist rhythm. A voice that speaks directly to societal struggles and hopes. Songs like “Vaadi Raasathi” from 36 Vayadhinile boldly question gender biases with lines like, “Oru ponnu ethu seiyalamnu 5 iruke, ethu seiya kudhathu nu 50 iruke…” (As a woman, there are five things she is allowed to do, and fifty others she isn’t). In Bigil, “Singappenney” became a viral anthem, encouraging women to rise above societal barriers. Tracks like “Maathare” delve into deep struggles while celebrating female resilience. The modern woman’s fight found its voice in Tamil cinema through powerful narratives. “Magalir Mattum” tracks like “Adi Vaadi Thimiraa” smashed stereotypes with their unapologetic beats. Songs like “Pogiren” from 36 Vayadhinile are soulful cries for freedom, while “Maya Visai” from Irudhi Suttru captures a boxer’s fight for triumph against all odds. Each of these tracks is not just music, but reminders of what women can achieve when they break through societal chains.

Music has always been a medium of expression, and over the years, few songs from Bollywood, Mollywood, and beyond have captured the spirit of feminism in unique ways, from the fiery Punjabi beats of “Patakha Guddi” from Highway, celebrating youthful freedom and carefree living, to “Girls Like to Swing” from Dil Dhadakne Do, a dazzling track featuring Anushka Sharma’s exuberant swing dance to Sunidhi Chauhan’s powerful voice, these songs celebrate individuality and joy.

Malayalam cinema contributes its share of feminist anthems with tracks like “Here We Go” from 2 Penkuttikal (Two Girls), which defies societal dos and don’ts imposed on women, urging them to live on their terms. Similarly, Shreya Ghoshal’s soulful “Vijanathayil Pathi Vazhi Thedunnu” from How Old Are You accompanies Manju Warrier’s character as she rediscovers her strength and potential.

Bollywood has amplified this movement with tracks like “Dhaakad” from Dangal, a rousing anthem urging women to embrace their inner strength and face the world as unstoppable forces. Sona Mohapatra’s “Rupaiya” from Satyamev Jayate challenges patriarchy, proclaiming a woman’s independence and refusal to conform to societal expectations. Lines like “Patwar banungi, lehron se ladungi, arre mujhe kya bechega Rupaiya?(I will be the rudder to my own boat, I will fight the waves. How can money ever sell me?)” capture the spirit of resilience. Using themes of liberation and zest for life, “Masakali” from Delhi 6 uses the metaphor of a white pigeon symbolizing innocence and freedom, reflected in Sonam Kapoor’s carefree dance.

Each of these songs, with their diverse cultural contexts, carries a unified message of empowerment and celebration of womanhood.