In one dictionary the word 'protest' is explained as "an expression or statement of objection, disapproval or dissent, often in opposition to something that a person is unable to prevent or avoid" (dictionary .com, n.d.). Because definitions must be written in a formal style and mitigation is often used to ensure that they are. In this case even words (such as “expression of disapproval”) seem to imply that the protest is a harmless action. In reality, however, if we talk about protest the most common associations would concern mass demonstrations, pickets, strikes or even blood and violence and this is not surprising since in most cases it really involves all of these things. As an example it is worth mentioning the recent riots that took place in London and many other cities. The insurrection caused a lot of damage to buildings, cars, shops and caused the death of several people. While this time it wasn't entirely clear what the rioters were protesting against, protests usually carry an explicit message. However, not all forms of protest need to include violence. One of the most peaceful and probably most unifying protests happens through music. The purpose of this essay is to critically examine the political effectiveness of protest songs by analyzing the most popular political songs, censorship, and events from English, Latvian, and Russian language resources. “We Shall Overcome” If we talk about protest songs it is impossible to miss something probably the most popular protest song ever written: “We Shall Overcome”. A song that has its roots in the 1900s but is still popular. At first it was a gospel song but later maybe the song didn't start a movement but gave hope to people just by singing it, it was more effective for the nation itself by giving strength... middle of paper... . ...Neimanis, J., 1997. The collapse of the Soviet empire: a view from Riga. United States: Praeger publishers.Phull, H., 2008. Story behind the protest song. United States: Greenwood press.Pratt, R., 1990. Rhythm and resistance: the political uses of American popular music. Washington and London: Smithsonian Institution Pressprotest.Dictionary.com. Dictionary.comUnabridged.[online]Available:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/protest (accessed 17 August 2011).Pushkin,Y.,2009.Guardian.[online].Available:http:// www .guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2009/oct/06/russian-rock-bands-censored [accessed: 15/10/2011]Ritter, J.; Daughtry MJ, 2007. Music in the post-9/11 world. United States: Taylor & Francis group.Seleda,2008.CNET.[online].Available:http://www.lookatme.ru/flow/posts/music-radar/14173-muzyika-na-kostyah[accessed:18/ 10/2011] trans. M. Prokopenko