John Mellencamp: Rain on the Scarecrow (1987)

John Mellencamp wanted to shed light on the plight of American farmers. "Rain on the Scarecrow" recounts the trials and troubles of farmers in the modern era. Decreased profits, foreclosures, and empty farmhouses riddle the country. Mellencamp took his efforts a step further when he helped found the Farm Aid charity. The song reached #21 on the charts. Something like this probably would not sniff the Hot 100 today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joNzRzZhR2Y