Protest Song Of The Week: ‘Dig, Capitalism’s Grave’ By Mike and the Molotovs
“The spirit of satire is alive and well, as the Molotovs continue to take nothing seriously except for how crazy the world has become,” declares a press release from the “spaghetti punk” band Mike and the Molotovs.
The Molotovs put out an EP in 2024 titled “Monarchy in the USA” with six songs. “Billionaires, Have Feelings Too” was their single—if you can call it that. Because the group is opposed to just about everything that comes with becoming a successful music act.
They don’t want to be famous. They don’t want some music industry executive to tell them how to make their songs more marketable. They don’t want to go on a months-long tour and leave their home in Phoenix, Arizona. They probably don’t even want anyone to spotlight their music because then that may give others the wrong impression.
“Billionaires” is quite appropriate for the political moment when Elon Musk and Donald Trump are ransacking the United States government. It’s very catchy, but I’m going with the final track off their EP, “Dig, Capitalism’s Grave,” for this week’s protest song.
“Now you’ve got so much freedom, we’ll let you starve,” the Molotovs snarl. “And if you can’t afford to live, then use a credit card.”
The source of working class angst is identified. “Now you don’t hate Mondays, you hate being a slave. So dig, dig capitalism’s grave.”
“Dig, Capitalism’s Grave” also is a clear example of their signature “spaghetti punk” sound, which they describe as “lighthearted western-infused pop of jawharps, saloon pianos and spoons.” And the band says they have “one cowboy boot firmly planted in the world of punk rock and one combat boot firmly planted in the anarchy of the wild west.”
It’s righteously cynical—filled with anger directed at the plutocrats and a healthy dose of humor. According to the Molotovs, “Laughter, and lots of it, is the right response to the things which drive us to tears."
Listen to “Dig, Capitalism’s Grave” by Mike and the Molotovs: