Donald Trump is not 'free' to use Neil Young's song

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Neil Young Blasts 'The Donald' For Using Song Without Permission
Neil Young Blasts 'The Donald' For Using Song Without Permission


Donald Trump is the latest politician to get told off for using a popular song in a campaign without the artist's permission, with Neil Young now telling the business magnet that he's not free to use his song "Rockin' in the Free World."

The scolding comes after Trump took the stage at Trump Tower on Tuesday to the rock anthem and announced himself as the newest Republican presidential candidate, making for his fifth run ever.

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Since "Rockin' in the Free World" was written as a critique of the Republican George H. W. Bush administration and how it did not care about America's poor, you can see why Young wouldn't be very excited about the conservative multi-billionaire appropriating his tune and misrepresenting its message.

"Donald Trump's use of 'Rockin' in the Free World' was not authorized," a representative for Young told Mother Jones. "Mr. Young is a longtime supporter of Bernie Sanders."

It's far from the first time Young's iconic song has seen appropriation. After it came out in 1989, it became an anthem for the collapse of communism.

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Trump's use of the famously liberal Young's song raised some eyebrows in the music community, leading Young's former Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young bandmate David Crosby to check in with his old chum.

On Twitter Tuesday, Crosby verified that Trump did not have permission to use the song and added, "Trump has picked a fight with the wrong guy ...bad idea."



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