How The Dead Kennedys Embraced Juvenalian Satire to Push Political Messages in Their Songs

Polyphonic takes a look at the manner in which the iconic punk band Dead Kennedys embraced juvenalian satire in the lyrics of their very pointed songs. Wielding ridicule as an abrasive weapon, the band took no prisoners in the political realm.

I think no band has ever been so good at this rebellious satire as the Dead Kennedys. One of the greatest punk bands of all time, their brilliant lyrics wielded satire like a well honed blade and used it to push their political messages…’Holiday in Cambodia’ shows how powerful satire can be as a tool of social commentary. The Dead Kennedys had it down to a science…

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.