Corruption is a prevalent problem in our society, which has led many musicians to discuss their anger towards what they feel is rampant corruption. From classic protest songs to modern hip-hop anthems, songs about corruption point out the sects of our society that need to be helped.
In this article, we list 20 great songs about different forms of corruption. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, solace, anger, or just a good song that’s all about fighting corruption, this list will surely hold what you’re looking for!
1. “Purge the Poison” by Marina
“Purge the Poison” by Marina is about the many different ways our planet has become corrupted, whether from pollution or human greed. Marina points out all of these issues and says we need to get rid of all of this corruption — or “Purge the Poison”.
She sings the lyrics, “Earth is like a white rose, quiet cloud of petals cold / A place so corrupt where angel flesh and blood is sold.”
2. “Stars and Stripes of Corruption” by Dead Kennedys
Dead Kennedys’ 1985 song “Stars and Stripes of Corruption” discusses what the band sees as severe corruption in Washington’s establishment and politicians. The band says these corrupt politicians do not care about anyone, only themselves. This song, therefore, also has to do with corrupt government control.
The band sings, “The blind me-generation doesn’t care if life’s a lie / So easily used, so proud to enforce the stars and stripes of corruption.”
3. “The Horsemen Arrive” by Blue Oyster Cult
“The Horsemen Arrive” by Blue Oyster Cult, first released in 1992, discusses thoughts of the end of the world. The band sings about armageddon and how many aspects of our present-day world are already corrupt.
In line with this thinking, the band sings, “(There’s a nightmare) civilization / (There’s a monster) industry / (There’s a devil) human corruption / (There’s a vampire) human greed.”
4. “Dust” by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac released their song “Dust” on their 1972 album Bare Trees. While there are surely many different interpretations of this song, the song does seem to follow the idea that two romantic partners aren’t reunited until death.
This idea can be seen in the following lyrics: “To crumble in our separate light / When your swift hair is quiet in death / And through the lips corruption / Thrust to still the labor of my breath.”
Therefore, the topic of corruption is related to human life and mortality, rather than an institution or government!
5. “Neuromancer” by Billy Idol
“Neuromancer” by Billy Idol tells a story about the future. However, much of what he sings about could also be applied to everyday life. As he sings about what the future holds, he mentions quite a lot of bleak situations.
For example, he sings, “It’s the age of destruction / In a world of corruption / It’s the age of destruction / And they hand us oblivion.”
6. “Poison” by Gary Numan
“Poison” by Gary Numan also talks about corruption. This song also has a lot of different interpretations that listeners may find for themselves. However, the song does deal with corruption in the future, as well as how society can change and harm people.
The singer explains, “Listen / They stole my dream / New corruption / Know what I mean?”
7. “Race Babbling” by Stevie Wonder
1979’s “Race Babbling” by Stevie Wonder sees the icon express his thoughts that the world is moving on too fast. While he sings about how we are all connected to other life here on Earth, and while he also talks about religion and God, Wonder does bring up corruption on the earth.
He sings, “Man’s production / Life’s corruption / World destruct.”
8. “Machine and Soul” by Gary Numan
“Machine and Soul” by Gary Numan also discusses corruption! In this song, the singer details a relationship he has with a female — one that could potentially become romantic. This woman is unique and definitely herself. As a result, he feels as if something in their relationship will turn corrupt.
He sings, “So this is / My future / And you’re my / Corruption.”
9. “Preservation” by The Kinks
The Kinks’ 1974 song “Preservation” tells a fictional account of a villain named Flash who comes to a world and buys up all of the lands for himself — and for “Preservation”. However, the others in this land struggle. He doesn’t seem to care.
The band sings, “When money is evil / And power is corrupt / The devil moves in and takes over.”
This song is one of the best songs about corruption and money, especially because this so-called fictional account can seem quite familiar to modern-day listeners.
10. “Clint Eastwood” by Gorillaz
“Clint Eastwood” by Gorillaz is definitely one of the most popular songs about corruption! This 2001 song discusses quite a lot of topics, though it mainly is an analysis of one’s ego versus one’s spirit. However, the theme of corruption also appears.
This can be seen in the lyrics, “I see destruction and demise, corruption in disguise.”
11. “Money and Corruption / I Am Your Man” by The Kinks
Another song by The Kinks! “Money and Corruption / I Am Your Man” discusses the common theme of the working class versus the rich. The singer opens the song by explaining that he (and everybody else) is tired of working all day and having nothing to show for it.
By comparison, he says the rich don’t work at all and reap the benefits of his work. As the song progresses, he talks about government corruption. The band sings, “Money and Corruption / Are ruining the land / Crooked politicians / Betray the working man.”
12. “Pray For Me” by The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar
“Pray For Me” by The Weekend and Kendrick Lamar, which appears on the Black Panther official movie soundtrack, follows a lot of different topics. The theme of sacrifice, loyalty, and corruption are all discussed.
When it comes to corruption, the duo says, “Mass destruction and mass corruption, the souls of sufferin’ men / Clutchin’ on deaf ears again, rapture is comin’ / It’s all prophecy and if I gotta be / Sacrificed for the greater good then that’s what it gotta be.”
13. “Beer For My Horses” by Toby Keith
Toby Keith’s 2003 song “Beer For My Horses” talks about a group of people deciding to find justice for themselves and their neighbors in town. Keith sings, “We’ve got too much corruption, too much crime in the streets / It’s time the long arm of the law put a few more in the ground / Send them all to their maker and he’ll settle them down.”
14. “Pressure” by Muse
Muse’s song “Pressure”, which appears on the band’s 2018 album Simulation Theory, follows the band as they try to deal with pressure from their fans. Their old fans want them to stick to their old sound, even if the band wants to grow and try something new.
This pressure seemingly gets to them, and they call out these corrupt people who make them feel this way. The band sings the lyrics, “I see your corruption / I’m not blind / I’ll carry the burden and take the strain / And when I am done I will make you pay.”
15. “Ship of Fools” by Scorpions
“Ship of Fools” by Scorpions discusses many of the issues in the world — issues that cannot be readily solved. There’s violence, anger, and corruption all around. The band drills this point home when they sing, “Corrupt politicians / Promise paradise / The thieves are reaching out for the crown.”
16. “Till the End” by Logic
“Till the End” by Logic mainly follows the rapper as he finally finds that he’s breaking into the music industry. All of his struggles have paid off. The song also has many religious undertones, which is where talk of corruption comes to play.
A sample in the song mentions how many people find themselves on the wrong path in life. However, this doesn’t mean that they cannot change things, as the lyrics say, “A path of corruption and destruction! But yet, God’s mercy every day that they live is extended to them and they have another opportunity to be saved!”
17. “Afraid to Shoot Strangers” by Iron Maiden
“Afraid to Shoot Strangers” by Iron Maiden tells the story of a young soldier who doesn’t want to go to war. However, he is forced to go — and forced into battle. He doesn’t want to shoot and kill strangers, even though he is made to do just this.
As the song progresses, the narrator of the song changes. Trying to deal with or cope with his life in the warzone, he tries to rationalize what he was previously so scared of. The band sings the lyrics, “But how can we let them go on this way? / The reign of terror, corruption must end / And we know deep down / There’s no other way.”
18. “Land of the Free” by Joey Bada$$
“Land of the Free” by Joey Bada$$ is a protest song about corruption in the United States, as well as the country’s tragic history when it comes to African Americans. While much of the song deals with pointing out all of these issues, Joey Bada$$ also takes time to inspire people to change and stand up for what they believe in.
He says, “I’m reaching out to my children, just hoping that they will listen / Start a new coalition against corrupt politicians.”
19. “Shock to the System” by Billy Idol
Billy Idols’ 1993 song “Shock to the System” isn’t necessarily completely about corruption. For the most part, the song is about a great night out on the town — even though the town is full of crazy things and corruption.
Billy Idol sings the lyrics, “Aww, fear, police and civil corruption, oh yeah / Is there a man who would be king? / And the world stood still.”
20. “Take a Bow” by Muse
Finally, the last song about corruption featured on our list is “Take a Bow” by Muse, released on their 2006 album Black Holes and Revelations! This song is all about corruption and how it relates to power and greed.
The band explains that so many politicians are corrupt. As a result, they are only worried about their own wealth and greed. They only help themselves — not the people they are supposed to be helping, the people of the country.
This song opens with the lyrics, “Corrupt, you corrupt And bring corruption to all that you touch / Hold, you’ll behold / And beholden for all that you’ve done.”