10 Banned Songs That Became National Anthems

“Strange Fruit” – Billie Holiday (USA)

“Strange Fruit” didn’t just shake the music world—it rattled the soul of a nation. Released in 1939, Billie Holiday’s haunting ballad painted a chilling picture of the lynching of African Americans in the Jim Crow South. Radio stations and club owners, fearing backlash or even violence, banned it from the airwaves and pressured Holiday to stay silent. The government, disturbed by its power, even instructed the Federal Bureau of Narcotics to intimidate Holiday and her associates. Despite these attempts to silence her, the song grew to symbolize the struggle against racial injustice. Civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nina Simone drew inspiration from its unflinching honesty. Today, it stands as a musical monument to the pain and resilience of African Americans, and its legacy lives on in protests, classrooms, and hearts across the U.S.

“Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” – South Africa

During the dark days of apartheid, singing “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” was considered an act of rebellion. The South African government viewed it as a rallying cry for anti-apartheid activists and banned it outright in public spaces and on the radio. Yet, the song thrived underground—sung quietly at rallies, funerals, and family gatherings. When apartheid finally crumbled in 1994, the song’s power couldn’t be denied. In 1997, it was woven into the official national anthem, standing side by side with “Die Stem van Suid-Afrika.” Today, the anthem is sung in five different languages and serves as a daily reminder of unity, hope, and the triumph over oppression. Its lyrics still move millions, encapsulating the journey of a nation from division to reconciliation.

“A Change Is Gonna Come” – Sam Cooke (USA)

Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” was born out of personal pain and national turmoil. Released in 1964, its hopeful message was met with fear by many mainstream radio stations, some of which refused to play it due to its association with the civil rights movement. Cooke wrote the song after being denied service at a whites-only motel and hearing Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind.” The song soon became an unofficial anthem for marches, sit-ins, and countless protests. Its lyrics—“It’s been a long, a long time coming, but I know a change is gonna come”—echoed through rallies led by Martin Luther King Jr. and still ring out at Black Lives Matter events today. The Library of Congress added it to the National Recording Registry, recognizing its role in shaping America’s conscience.

“Give Peace a Chance” – John Lennon (USA/Vietnam War Protests)

When John Lennon and Yoko Ono recorded “Give Peace a Chance” during their famous 1969 Bed-In, they had no idea it would spark global outrage—and hope. U.S. authorities considered it dangerous “anti-war propaganda,” and some radio stations banned it, especially as anti-Vietnam War sentiment grew. The song’s mantra-like chorus was irresistible to protesters, who belted it out by the thousands at rallies from Washington, D.C. to London. Over the years, it has resurfaced at demonstrations for peace, from Iraq to Ukraine, proving its staying power. Politicians, activists, and everyday people have all used its simple message to demand an end to violence, making it an anthem for every generation that dreams of peace.

“The Internationale” – Multiple Countries

“The Internationale” might be the world’s most famous banned song. Written in the late 19th century, it became the rallying cry of socialists, communists, and trade unionists worldwide. In capitalist and authoritarian regimes, singing it was a dangerous act—punishable by prison or worse. Yet, its message of worker solidarity was so powerful that the Soviet Union adopted it as its official anthem until 1944. Even after bans in countries like Spain under Franco or the United States during the Red Scare, the song lived on in whispers, pamphlets, and underground meetings. Today, it is still sung at labor rallies and protests, uniting people fighting for justice across continents and generations.

“Glory to Hong Kong” – Hong Kong

“Glory to Hong Kong” exploded onto the scene during the 2019 pro-democracy protests, its lyrics echoing through shopping malls and city streets. The Chinese government moved quickly to ban it, blocking it from online platforms and criminalizing its public performance. Despite these efforts, the song became the heartbeat of the movement, sung by crowds clutching umbrellas and wearing masks. It was even performed at international sporting events by Hong Kong athletes and their supporters, much to Beijing’s frustration. In 2024, Hong Kong’s high court officially banned the song, but its melody continues to inspire those fighting for freedom. It’s a reminder that even in the face of enormous pressure, a song can light a fire that spreads far beyond its borders.

“Zombie” – Fela Kuti (Nigeria)

Fela Kuti’s “Zombie” was a direct attack on the Nigerian military’s mindless obedience and brutality. Released in 1976, it was immediately banned, and government forces responded with shocking violence—storming Kuti’s compound, destroying property, and severely injuring his mother. The authorities tried to erase the song, but it only grew in strength, becoming a rallying cry for resistance. Nigerian youths and activists adopted “Zombie” as an emblem of defiance, and it remains a staple at protests against corruption and abuse. Fela’s fearless spirit and sharp criticism of power echo in global movements for justice, from Lagos to London.

“Redemption Song” – Bob Marley (Jamaica)

“Redemption Song” has a universal power that few songs can match. When Bob Marley released it in 1980, some authorities in the Caribbean and Africa viewed its frank discussions of slavery and liberation as incendiary. It was censored in certain countries, but the song’s message of freedom and resilience proved unstoppable. Over the decades, “Redemption Song” has been performed at countless rallies, memorials, and peace events. Its lyrics—“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery”—have become a mantra for those seeking justice, from South Africa to the United States. Marley’s voice continues to inspire new generations to fight for their rights and never give up hope.

“Bella Ciao” – Italy

“Bella Ciao” began as a song of Italian rice workers and was later adopted by anti-fascist partisans during World War II. The fascist regime desperately tried to stamp it out, banning its performance and punishing those caught singing it. The tune, however, proved impossible to silence. After the war, “Bella Ciao” resurfaced as a symbol of defiance and liberation. In recent years, it has gone viral on social media and been adopted by protesters from Istanbul to Buenos Aires. The song’s infectious melody and message of resistance cross borders and languages, making it a favorite at demonstrations against tyranny worldwide.

“Do You Hear the People Sing?” – Les Misérables (Global)

Originally written for the musical Les Misérables, “Do You Hear the People Sing?” has leaped from stage to street in astonishing ways. Governments in China and Turkey have banned or restricted the song during times of unrest, fearing its call to “join in our crusade” would incite rebellion. Yet, the song has been sung by protesters from Hong Kong to Paris, becoming a soundtrack for movements demanding democracy and justice. Its swelling chorus and emotional lyrics stir courage in listeners, helping unite crowds in the face of overwhelming odds. Whether at a rally or in a quiet moment of hope, its message is unmistakable: freedom is worth fighting for.