Andrew and I just got back from a fantastic Pennsylvania holiday, on which we belatedly celebrated our third anniversary. (I know, right? We’re in luv. For three years and six weeks.)

Here are some things we did:

(1) Knocked on doors for Obama

(2) Stayed at a cute B&B

(3) Explored impossibly quaint towns with names like New Hope

(4) Went through a corn maze

(5) Saw a musical

(6) Went through the fantastic exhibits at the Constitution Cener in Philadelphia.

My fellow Americans, the last entry is why I’m here today. The Constitution Center rules. Historic Philadelphia is already exciting, since it’s literally America’s birthplace, but the Center ups the ante by defining the ideals of America in relationship to the realities of America.You hear that “all men are created equal,” but you also hear about the men and women who have been left out of the equation. Taken as a whole, the center enacts our flawed yet constant push toward total equality. It’s inspiring.

So how does this relate to pop music? Well… for those of us not in historic Philadelphia, pop songs can be quick reminders of important historical facts. And those reminders can make change, people! Change!

If you’re ready to revisit history, then Crank That Hit!

(Crank it back… after the jump.)

NOTE: I will not be writing about “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” Too easy.

(1) “Hurricane” by Bob Dylan — Rubin “Hurricane” Carter’s story became a Bob Dylan song and a Denzel Washington movie because it’s a striking example of how doubt can taint our justice system. The song is one of Dylan’s best, laying out facts in a  desperate rush of drums, fiddles, and guitars. Carter’s emotional state is suggested by the sound of the song, while the lyrics remind us how he got to that state in the first place. No matter what you think about Carter’s still-disputed guilt or innocence, this song tells a vital story.

(2) “Meet James Ensor” by They Might Be Giants — TMBG can teach us about all kinds of things, like science and The Planet of the Apes movies and the birdhouses in our souls. And in this fun little hit, they condense the life of Belgian artist James Ensor into less than 3 minutes. Listening to it in college made me seek out his work for the first time. History comes alive!

(3) “Buzzer“ by Dar Williams — My favorite song from Dar Williams’ new album Promised Land, “Buzzer” explores the infamous Milgram Experiment from the perspective of a participant. Over a fierce, eerie rhythm, Williams sings as a working class woman who signs up for the experiment just to make some extra cash… and then discovers that in her willingness to “shock” a fellow human being, she has the makings of a fascist.

It’s great that this song is in the first person. Instead of accusing the experiment taker, Williams humanizes her. For instance, it’s upsetting (and appropriate) that this woman puts on nice clothes before driving to a university to be told she’s capable of evil. The good clothes are another sign that she wants to be respected by these officials… which is exactly why they were able to push her into doing awful things.

And who can’t relate to dressing up out of respect? Glimpses into this woman’s routine remind us that  we are her. They push the song desperately close to the bone.

(p.s. — That link leads to the song, but it also takes you to an interesting NPR interview where Dar talks about why she wrote it.) 

(4) “A.P. US History Rap (Grillz)” by Big T and AG — Because extra credit songs are the gateway to my heart. Ask me sometime about “Uncle Tom’s Cabin (Everybody Dance Now).”

(5)  Your turn! — Which songs make history come alive for you?