Samiul Bashar Samin
Ah, the sweet bells of revolution. Very few things can boil the blood of the youth faster than an oppressive force. The oppressed marching to the drumbeats of revolt has been bringing down tyrants for ages and will continue to do so as long as humankind’s will for freedom exists. However, we understate the role of anthems and songs that have fuelled revolutions excessively easily.
Revolutionary songs have been around for as long as the will for revolt itself. Let’s just take La Marseillaise as an example. The current anthem of France stemmed from the frustration of the oppressed population of France. The song was much more than just music, it was a call for the citizens to join forces to stand against tyranny and invasion from the neighboring foreign powers. In fact, this song echoed through the streets of Paris as the revolutionaries conquered the city for the people.
We, as Bangladeshis do not even need to go as far as Paris to realize the importance of music for revolt. Our country was freed after nine months of intense struggle. However, one does have to consider the huge mental pressure on a soldier when his life is uncertain. At these bleak moments, just a song can be the ray of hope that boosts morale and rejuvenates the will of fire that sends an ordinary man running towards death fearlessly in order to free his motherland.
From the bullet-ridden walls of Cuba to the trenches of France, songs have given soldiers and freedom fighters the ultimate weapon that has won one too many wars. The desire for change is often highlighted with songs that have brought about revolution and it will continue to be the engine that drives freedom. For as long as music exists, so does the thirst for freedom.