13 Lucky Political Theme Songs

July 11, 2008

Jerry Del Colliano of the USC Thornton School of Music constructs a score for this year’s campaign season.

1. Help! by The Beatles
For John McCain’s campaign, every time he shakes up his staff.

2. Say It Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud) by James Brown
Guess who... not Hillary!

3. Can I Change My Mind by Tyrone Davis
For both candidates, who will be courting the undecided independents.

4. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) by Marvin Gaye 
For every time Al Gore appears at a rally with Barack Obama.

5. Back Stabbers by The O’Jays
Since most polls show voters are concerned that both candidates are flip-floppers, reneging on their primary campaign promises.

6. For The Love Of Money by The O’Jays
Played when Clinton, who has millions in campaign debt, appears with Obama, who needs her support.

7. The Hustle by Van McCoy
Any politician — local or national — any time.

8. Ball of Confusion (That’s What The World Is Today) by The Temptations
After any political briefing to “clear up” a candidate’s stand on an issue.

9. Smiling Faces Sometimes by Undisputed Truth
Any politician, any time.

10. Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
The candidates will need this when addressing $5 gas prices and the mortgage crisis.

11. I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty
McCain, when he asserts that the surge turned the Iraq war around.

12. Imagine by John Lennon
The best campaign song of all.

13. You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet by Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Save this one for Inauguration Day.

Jerry Del Colliano is former owner, publisher and editor of Inside Radio and the author of The Future of Radio. A clinical professor of music industry and recording arts and director of executive programs at the Thornton School of Music, Del Colliano is an expert on the changing TV and music businesses, as well as new media and ownership consolidation.
Contact him at (213) 740-2761, (609) 841-7777 (cell) or delcolli@usc.edu.