Neil Young Calls Out Elon Musk in New Song: “It’s About Power, Not the People
Rock legend and social activist Neil Young is no stranger to using his music as a platform for protest — and in his latest track, he sets his sights on one of the most polarizing figures in modern tech: Elon Musk.
In a scathing new release titled “Power Play”, Young derides Musk, accusing the Tesla and SpaceX CEO of putting political ambition and influence ahead of genuine care for the public.
“It ain’t rockets or electric rides, it’s backroom deals and ego tides,” Young sings, with unmistakable references to Musk’s growing political involvement and social media dominance.
A Protest in Melody
The track, layered with distorted guitars and Young’s signature raw vocals, doubles as a cautionary tale about billionaires blurring the line between innovation and manipulation. While not naming Musk directly, the lyrics pull no punches, referencing a figure who “bought the town square,” an allusion to Musk’s acquisition of X (formerly Twitter), and who “flies too high to see the ground below.”
“This isn’t about progress,” Young said in a statement. “It’s about power cloaked in promises. We’ve got to start asking who’s really benefitting — and who’s just watching from the clouds.”
From Tech Messiah to Political Power Broker?
Musk’s transformation from visionary entrepreneur to political influencer has drawn criticism from various corners — and Young’s song amplifies that sentiment. Critics have accused Musk of using his platforms to push agendas under the guise of “free speech,” while benefitting from government contracts and tax incentives that support his growing empire.
In “Power Play”, Young questions whether Musk’s ambitions truly serve the people, or whether they’ve become a carefully constructed persona to maintain control and sway public discourse.
“Selling freedom like it’s stock / While silencing the honest talk,” the song warns.
Not the First Time
This isn’t the first time Neil Young has clashed with tech billionaires. In the past, he pulled his music from Spotify in protest of misinformation, and he’s long criticized the monopolistic behavior of Silicon Valley elites.
With “Power Play”, Young rekindles his legacy as a musical truth-teller — and fans are already hailing it as his most daring protest track in years.
Neil Young’s message is clear: progress without purpose isn’t progress at all — it’s just another power trip dressed up in innovation.
