01-05-2025
Neil Young's New Song Sparks MAGA Backlash: 'Bitter Old Liberal'
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Neil Young has taken aim at Elon Musk in a new song, and quickly sparked backlash from MAGA, who in turn branded him a "bitter old liberal."
Newsweek has reached out to a representative for Young outside of regular working hours via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Young is a legendary music artist, known for songs like "Rocking in the Free World," and "Old Man." The 79-year-old Canadian has often spoken about politics, having criticized Joe Rogan, President Donald Trump and recently endorsed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the recent federal election.
Neil Young performs onstage during the Light Up The Blues 7 Concert celebrating Autism Speaks' 20th Anniversary at the Greek Theatre on April 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Neil Young performs onstage during the Light Up The Blues 7 Concert celebrating Autism Speaks' 20th Anniversary at the Greek Theatre on April 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, has become an ever-prominent presence in both U.S. and global politics; a staunch ally of Trump, he has been appointed by the president to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and has used his X, formerly Twitter, platform to push right-wing political movements globally. Musk is a "special government employee," and is set to leave his role at DOGE at the end of May.
What To Know
In clips from the Light Up the Blue benefit concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, Young performed the song with lyrics that included, "If you're a fascist, get a Tesla / It's electric, it doesn't matter / If you're a Democrat, taste your freedom / Get whatever you want, taste your freedom."
"Come on Ford, come on GM / Come on Chrysler, let's roll again," he continued. "Build something special that people need / Build us a safe way for us to meet / Build something that won't kill our kids / Runs real clean."
The Daily Beast reported that the song is titled "Let's Roll Again," but the title has not been officially confirmed yet.
Musk's involvement in the U.S. government has sparked widespread protests, including some directed at his car company, Tesla. Musk has called for the prosecution of anti-Tesla protesters and said in response to the protest that he has "never done anything harmful," when speaking on Fox News, describing the backlash against Tesla as "shocking."
Young recently shared concerns on his website that he could face a U.S. ban over his criticism of Trump. "When I go to play music in Europe, if I talk about Donald J. Trump, I may be one of those returning to America who is barred or put in jail to sleep on a cement floor with an aluminum blanket," Young wrote. "That is happening all the time now."
And while Trump himself has not responded to these remarks or Young's latest song, Young has drawn the ire of his supporters online. Many of whom have quoted the Lynyrd Skynyrd song "Sweet Home Alabama" (1974), which was written in response to Young's song, "Alabama"(1972) and includes the lyric, "I hope Neil Young will remember, a southern man don't need him around anyhow."
What People Are Saying
Ian Miles Cheong, co-host of The Other View Podcast, on X: "Neil Young has lost the plot."
Oli London, a news personality, on X: "Neil Young sings bizarre song attacking Elon Musk."
One user, who self-describes as an "American conservative and proud PATRIOT. Supporter of Donald Trump," on X: "This hippy NEVER grew up."
Another user who states they are a Trump and MAGA supporter on X: "Just another bitter old liberal crying for attention."
What Happens Next
Young is set to tour in Europe in June and July this summer and will headline Glastonbury festival, before returning to the U.S. in August.
