Songs In The Key Of Resistance
From the movement to end slavery to the Civil Rights struggle, from labor strikes to global uprisings for justice—music has always been at the heart of resistance. Songs carry our stories, sustain our spirits, and move us to act. They touch places words alone cannot reach, connecting us to one another and to the movements we build together.
Songs in the Key of Resistance (SKOR) is a cross-movement project, hosted by the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice, for artists, organizers, faith leaders, and community members to come together in song. We gather to learn and share music for demonstrations, direct actions, and community rituals; to tell stories of hope and resistance; and to create the world we know is possible.
We lift up the practice of organizing through song—recognizing that music, when used intentionally and strategically, grounds our communities, energizes our spirits, sets tone and intention, and helps us grieve, celebrate, and connect our struggles. Music is not a decoration—it is foundational to how we express our deepest values and collective dreams. Through SKOR, we are working to reclaim and reimagine the role of music in building powerful movements for justice and liberation.
Songs in the Key of Resistance (SKOR) Music Video Playlist
The Songs in the Key of Resistance Music Video Playlist showcases powerful collaborations between song leaders, musicians, organizers, and media makers. These music videos were created as resources for political education and as tools to uplift movement music—spreading the vision, values, and messages of our struggle.
Songs in the Key of Resistance (SKOR) Live Playlist
The Songs in the Key of Resistance Live Playlist features powerful video recordings from our online song-sharing sessions, capturing the spirit, solidarity, and sound of our collective resistance.
Songs In the Key of Resistance (SKOR) Song Challenges Playlist
The Songs in the Key of Resistance Song Challenges playlist brings together artists from across the country, each reimagining iconic movement songs through the lens of their own lived experience and musical style
Additional Resources
Songs in the Key of Resistance: A Movement Songbook
Songs in the Key of Resistance: A Movement Songbook draws on a rich history of social movement music, both old and new. This rich tapestry of song gives us a way to join together. To remember. To affirm. To honor. To rage. To celebrate. To practice new ways of being in relationship with one another and the earth. To envision and create a world that is just and habitable for future generations.
Songs in the Key of Resistance: Song Sheets
SKOR song sheets are crafted to prepare our communities for action. Each collection features powerful, time-tested movement songs that ground us, energize us, and keep us connected in the streets and in our organizing spaces. The links below gather songs around key social justice issues and mass mobilizations, offering relevant lyrics along with audio and video recordings. Use these song sheets to learn, teach, and carry movement music into your communities—fueling resilience, collective voice, and action.
Ceasefire + Free Palestine
Faiths 4 Climate Justice + Make Billionaires Pay
Free Families
Hands Off!
Highlander Movement School Homecoming 2025
Holiday Songs for Collective Action
Housing Justice Song Sheet
Medicaid Marches
Multi Issue Marches
No Kings
We Pray Freedom
You Only Get What You’re Organized To Take
