‘Standing In The Way Of Control’: Gossip and the epitome of a modern protest anthem
For as long as artists have been creating music, people have been using music as a form of social and political protest. Music and songwriting are as viable options for getting your message out there as writing a manifesto or running for election. However, when you think back to the most prominent examples of protest music over the past century, you will not find many that are as suitable at a rally as they are at a nightclub. Then again, there are not many bands in existence that are quite like Gossip.
The modern era of protest music dates back to the prevalence of old school folk music, which was later adopted by figures like Woody Guthrie and, later, Bob Dylan to provide stunning social commentary and discuss the political situation of their time. As rock rose to the forefront, the defiant sounds of punk, new wave, and post-punk soon breathed aggressive new life into the protest anthem. Groups like Crass were particularly effective in imbuing their music with a staunch political standpoint, a tradition which was later embraced by the hip-hop scene as well as punk-adjacent styles like grunge, riot grrrl and even nu metal.
Of course, Gossip took heavy inspiration from the revolutionary sounds of punk rock. The Arkansas outfit have always been dedicated to individualism and rebellion, with frontwoman Beth Ditto a particular devotee of groups like X-Ray Spex, The Slits and Blondie, to name but a few. However, if those groups had been the extent of Gossip’s record collection, there is no way they could have landed upon such a unique dance-rock sound. No, Ditto also found joy in the world of pop singer-songwriters like Tori Amos, which can account for some of the band’s distinct sound.
The chances are, even if you are not a Gossip fan, you have heard their defining anthem, ‘Standing In The Way Of Control’. Its infectious rhythm, coupled with Ditto’s incredibly soulful vocal performance, helped to make the track a virtually unavoidable hit of the mid-2000s, aided along by its prominent use in promotional material for the television show Skins. Despite appearances, however, the indie rock single might just be the most compelling protest anthem of the 21st century.
Reportedly, Ditto was initially inspired to write the track in response to the Federal Marriage Amendment, a regressive policy under then-President Bush which would have constitutionally outlawed same-sex marriage if passed. ‘Standing In The Way Of Control’, therefore, is a defiant cry against the authoritarianism of the American state and its inherently homophobic attitudes. The song also provided a stunning sense of identity and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community in the US and around the world, which continues to face horrific prejudice and persecution to this day.
During Gossip’s recent appearance at Glastonbury Festival, Beth Ditto introduced the track by despairing at the fact that its message is still relevant nearly two decades later. By the end of the performance, however, there was a real sense of togetherness and unity within the Woodsies tent. Yes, it is depressing that the LGBTQ+ community still faces widespread discrimination, but protest tracks like ‘Standing In The Way Of Control’ are incredibly powerful in their ability to inspire unity and togetherness within the community.
It might not be as wordy as Woody Guthrie or as abrasive as Crass, but with ‘Standing In The Way Of Control’, Gossip succeeded in creating an unsuspecting yet groundbreaking protest anthem. The people dancing to the track at indie club nights may be unaware of the true origins of the song’s lyrics, but when Ditto belts out that chorus, she provides a sense of hope and defiance for an entire community.