Eugene Raging Grannies Turn Protest Into Song

The Eugene chapter of the Raging Grannies writes and performs political parody songs on issues ranging from climate change to immigration enforcement.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Singing

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of an ochre knit scarf on a wooden chair beside a felt hat and brass bell against a pale sage wall. — Eugene's Raging Grannies rehearse political parody songs every other week at the United Methodist Church, then sing them at the federal building and downtown library. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Eugene Raging Grannies write and rehearse political parodies of popular tunes at the United Methodist Church every other week. The group wears sweaters, scarves and sewn hats, and has performed at the federal building, the Saturday Farmers Market and in front of the downtown library.

Why it matters

The group uses music as a way to stay engaged in civic life and speak out on public issues. Its activism reflects a long-running tradition of civic participation that began with the movement's start in Canada.

The Eugene chapter started in 2013, and the movement traces back to Canada in the 1980s. The group rehearses biweekly at the United Methodist Church, and the number of active members is not specified.

The players

Raging Grannies

A movement of older women activists that began in Canada and uses protest songs and costumes to advocate on political and social causes.

The details

The group sets new lyrics to familiar, royalty-free tunes, with recent parodies sung to "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and "When the Saints Go Marching In." Recent lyrics have focused on climate change, health care and immigration enforcement, and the group kept meeting after Election Day.

2013: The Eugene chapter of the Raging Grannies is founded.
1980s: The Raging Grannies movement traces its origins to Canada.
After Election Day: The group continues meeting and practicing.

Season Trajectory

The Eugene chapter extends a protest-song model that originated with the Canadian Raging Grannies movement of the 1980s. Its 2013 founding places it within the movement's later spread into American communities.

Residents of Eugene can encounter the group at the Saturday Farmers Market, the federal building or the downtown library, where it performs. Its biweekly rehearsals are open in the sense that the group publicly performs its songs in these locations.

The takeaway

Music can be a low-barrier way to stay engaged in public issues, and groups like the Eugene Raging Grannies show how familiar tunes and shared costumes can carry political messages to a wide audience.