United Nations in Popular Culture - in Music

In Music

  • In Summertime Blues, Eddie Cochran sings "I'm gonna take my problem to the United Nations," appealing the decisions of a school-age boy's boss and parents that interfere with his summer social life.
  • In Megadeth's 2007 album United Abominations, The United Nations is severely criticized and described as "a blot on the face of humanity." This is defended by several examples, including ambassadors using diplomatic immunity to live a tax-free life and commit crimes, the fact that the UN is never there when they are needed most, and that American and NATO forces end up doing the fighting instead of the UN. It is also expressed the opinion that "our so-called allies" are not pulling their share of the work and sometimes even work directly against the United States. This isn't the first time Megadeth portray UN in a negative manner, on the cover of their album Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? shows their mascot Vic Rattlehead standing in front of the UN building after a devastating nuclear war, with a sign "For sale".
  • In "Operation", from Jamie T's 2007 album Panic Prevention, he repeatedly sings "Take your problem to United Nations. Tell old Kofi about the situation". He is referring to Kofi Annan, who was Secretary-General of the United Nations at the time Jamie T wrote the song, but not anymore at the time the album was released.
  • In "The Words That Maketh Murder," from PJ Harvey's 2011 album Let England Shake, Harvey sings "What if I take my problem to the United Nations?", referring both to Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues" and to the futility of the United Nations' stated mission to promote peace.

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