These songs are not only enjoyable to listen to, but can also teach us about important events in history.

Some events aren’t just in the history books—they have also been immortalized in song. While it’s no surprise musicians often look to their own experiences for inspiration, some have gone even further, turning landmark events into art. And although artistic license sometimes comes before historical accuracy, these songs paint a vivid picture of real events, and they can be a great entry point for listeners eager to learn something new.

  1. “April 29, 1992 (Miami)” by Sublime
  2. “Zombie” by The Cranberries
  3. “Ohio” by Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young
  4. “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot
  5. “Enola Gay” by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
  6. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2
  7. “All and Everyone” by PJ Harvey
  8. “American Witch” by Rob Zombie
  9. “Cities in Dust” by Siouxsie and the Banshees
  10. "Run to the Hills” by Iron Maiden