The campaign songs chosen by Kamala Harris and Donald Trump reveal a lot about the candidates themselves.
James Brown’s iconic song “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” is a peculiar choice for Donald Trump. At the Republican National Convention, Trump walked out to Brown’s song, a move that forever tainted the song for some. This choice is emblematic of Trump. The song, released in 1966, is as old as Trump and seems to reflect his hyperchauvinistic persona. However, it appears Trump only listened to part of the song and missed its full meaning.
Trump embodies toxic masculinity, yet to his followers, he represents strength and traditional masculinity reminiscent of old-school tough guys like Clint Eastwood. They idolize him, creating images of Trump as a Rambo-like figure. “It’s A Man’s Man’s World” initially seems to reinforce this image with lyrics like “Man made the cars to take us over the road. Man made the train to carry the heavy load.”
But the chorus flips the meaning: “This is a man’s world / But it wouldn’t be nothing / Nothing without a woman or a girl.” This essential part of the song, partially written by Brown’s then-girlfriend Betty Jean Newsome, underscores that a male-dominated world is incomplete without the contributions of women. Trump appears to have missed this crucial message, focusing only on the initial proclamation of a “man’s world” and ignoring the song’s deeper, more inclusive meaning.
In stark contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris is symbolized by Beyoncé’s “Freedom.” This powerful anthem, dedicated to Black women, plays at her rallies. It speaks of determination, self-determination, and the fight for true freedom. The chorus’s message, “I’ma keep running cuz a winner don’t quit on themselves,” underscores resilience and perseverance.
“Freedom” represents the political evolution of Beyoncé, resonating with the Black Lives Matter movement while remaining inclusive. It appeals to anyone striving for freedom and self-empowerment. The song casts Harris as both powerful and attuned to the people’s needs, conveying her understanding of the song’s profound message.
Harris’s choice of a modern song about liberation reflects her identity as a contemporary candidate focused on upliftment. In contrast, Trump’s choice of an old song about male dominance highlights his outdated views. These songs tell us a lot about the candidates and what they stand for.
