Conflict and the need for power are inherently human nature – some say this is why we go to war. Other theories suggest it’s the evolutionary need for more resources. Either way, war has been an integral, if devastating, part of human history, and since it’s part of history, it’s part of culture and music.
Below I have compiled a list of 50 Songs About War. From army anthems to songs calling out warmongers and demanding pacifism, this list is filled with songs that reflect on the various themes of war.
Here are the 50 Songs About War
- Masters of War — Bob Dylan
- American Soldier — Toby Keith
- The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down — The Band
- Safe and Sound — Taylor Swift
- War — Edwin Starr
- Love and War — Neil Young
- Civil War — Guns n’ Roses
- No Man’s Land — Eric Bogle
- Gimme Shelter — The Rolling Stones
- Fortunate Son — Creedence Clearwater Revival
- With God on Our Side — Bob Dylan
- Fun and Games — Barenaked Ladies
- I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag — Country Joe and the Fish
- Where Have All the Flowers Gone? — Marlene Dietrich
- How Does The Grass Grow? — David Bowie
- One — Metallica
- Oliver’s Army — Elvis Costello And The Attractions
- Stoned Love — The Supremes
- Vietnam — Jimmy Cliff
- Bring The Boys Home — Freda Payne
- There is a War — Leonard Cohen
- Lyndon Johnson Told the Nation — Tom Paxton
- The Unknown Soldier — The Doors
- Bullet In The Blue Sky — U2
- People Have The Power — Patti Smith
- Give Peace A Chance — Plastic Ono Band
- Bombs Away — The Police
- Ballad Of The Green Berets — Barry Sadler & Robin Moore
- The Dogs Of War — Pink Floyd
- Draft Morning — The Byrds
- War is Over — John Lennon
- This Is War — 30 Seconds to Mars
- War — Bob Marley
- Soldier’s Poem — Muse
- Over There — George M. Cohan
- What We’re Fighting For — Dave Dudley
- Army Dreamers — Kate Bush
- The White Cliffs Of Dover — Vera Lynn
- Devils and Dust — Bruce Springsteen
- Vietnam Blues — Kris Kristofferson
- Orange Crush — R.E.M.
- 19 — Paul Hardcastle
- Games Without Frontiers — Peter Gabriel
- Brothers in Arms — Dire Straits
- The Letter — The Box Tops
- Spanish Bombs — The Clash
- The Band Played Waltzing Matilda — Eric Bogle
- War Pigs — Black Sabbath
- Rooster — Alice In Chains
- Zombie — The Cranberries
1. Masters of War — Bob Dylan
Masters of War is a powerful anti-war anthem written by the legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, as a critique of government officials and leaders who make decisions that lead to wars and the loss of countless lives. Originally written during the Vietnam War era, “Masters of War” goes beyond its time, becoming a symbol of protest against the consequences of war.
2. American Soldier — Toby Keith
This song was written in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack and received its fair share of criticism from pacifists who thought war wasn’t the solution. The song tells the story of a reservist who must bid farewell to his family as he answers the call to duty.
Still, It reached number one on the Billboard U.S. Hot Country Songs chart, keeping the top spot for four weeks, since the song was also seen as a tribute to the men and women who risk their lives in service
3. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down — The Band
Written about the American Civil War and its devastating consequences on the average citizen, the song is a powerful anti-war anthem featuring the tale of a poor Southern family’s experiences during the time and the emotional turmoil they went through.
The Joan Beaz version of the song went to number 1 on the Adult Contemporary charts in both the U.S. and Canada.
4. Safe and Sound — Taylor Swift
Even though this song was written about a fictional rebellion for the “The Hunger Games” movies, its lyrics can resonate with individuals stuck in war-stricken areas everywhere. With Taylor’s enchanting vocals and poetic lyrics, the song is an attempt at finding solace during times of war, offering a contrast to the other war-themed songs.
The song also won a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
5. War — Edwin Starr
This is a powerful protest song written against the Vietnam War and its line, “War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!” has become an iconic anti-war slogan. The song’s energetic, soulful sound amplifies its message of how war only brings about destruction and the popularity of the song led it to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970.
6. Love and War — Neil Young
Love and War is a heartfelt reflection on the human cost of conflict. While Young says he ‘doesn’t really know what he’s saying’, the lyrics convey a sense of longing, loss, and the toll war takes on relationships, and how we all desperately turn to the Divine in the face of uncertainty.
7. Civil War — Guns n’ Roses
This rock classic delves into the complexities of conflict and human cost, talking about how war is only a farce for political propaganda that makes the rich even richer at the cost of the poor man and the soldiers on the front. The song was originally released in 1990 when it peaked at number four on the US Album Rock Tracks.
8. No Man’s Land — Eric Bogle
Also known as “The Green Fields of France” or “Willie McBride”, this folk ballad takes you on a journey through the trenches of World War I, with the narrator’s reflection by the grave of a young soldier who died in these trenches. It’s one of the most popular anti-war anthems and has been covered by quite a few artists.
9. Gimme Shelter — The Rolling Stones
Rock music has always been vocal with its anti-establishment message. This opening track for the 1969 album Let It Bleed delves into the turmoil, unrest, and brutality that come with war. This song is considered an allusion to the Vietnam War and is ranked at number 13 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.
10. Fortunate Son — Creedence Clearwater Revival
Another prominent anti-war song, Fortunate Son confronts the socio-economic inequalities and injustices of the Vietnam War era. The song highlights how the elite could escape the draft, leaving the burden of war on the shoulders of the lower classes.
The song was added to the National Recording Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” as it became a symbol of the opposition to U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War.
11. With God on Our Side — Bob Dylan
This ballad challenges the notion of divine support for the United States throughout its history since politicians often use divine approval and twisted religious philosophy for morally ambiguous decisions. The song quotes incidents like the Spanish–American War, the American Civil War, World Wars I and II, The Holocaust, the Cold War, etc as examples, and questions how God could condone or allow these events
12. Fun and Games — Barenaked Ladies
I personally find this is a whimsical take on the serious topic of war very interesting. The song utilizes satire and a light-hearted approach to convey the absurdity and futility of conflicts, and how if you keep people poor enough, they’ll do just about anything, even sign up for war.
13. I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag — Country Joe and the Fish
I love a song that uses humor to cope with the gravity of the situation, and satire to make a powerful statement. This satirical protest song highlights the nonchalance of the U.S. government when sending individuals off to war, particularly the Bush administration
14. Where Have All the Flowers Gone? — Marlene Dietrich
The song’s gentle melody and lyrics touch the heart, asking a question that resonates throughout history: Where have all the flowers gone?” It mourns the loss of innocence, love, and hope in the face of war. There have been countless versions of this folk song throughout history, but it was popularized by Marlene Dietrich.
15. How Does The Grass Grow? — David Bowie
Bowie explores themes of war and violence with lyrics delving into the psyche of a soldier, grappling with the experiences of combat, having turned apathetic from the atrocities he committed.
16. One — Metallica
This harrowing song features yet another stark reminder of the effect war has on soldiers, this time narrating the story of a WW1 soldier who is trapped in his own body after losing his limbs and mouth to a landmine. The music video features scenes from a movie with a similar theme, making one think twice before glorifying war.
The song also won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.
17. Oliver’s Army — Elvis Costello And The Attractions
Another satirical commentary on the socio-economic aspects of war, the song is centered around the idea of always getting a ‘working-class boy’ to do the killing. This was Costello’s most successful single in the United Kingdom, spending three weeks at number two on the UK Singles Chart.
18. Stoned Love — The Supremes
I find this a soulful anthem that, while not explicitly about war, captures the spirit of unity and love during difficult times. Released in the 1970s, the song’s lyrics and catchy melody reflect the political climate of the era.
This was a chart-topping hit, reaching number 1 on the U.S. Hot R&B Songs Chart, and U.S. Record World R&B Singles charts.
19. Vietnam — Jimmy Cliff
In another song protesting the war, Jimmy Cliff writes about a narrator whose friend is a soldier fighting in the Vietnam War. He receives a letter from this friend at first, only to later announce the same friend’s death to his mother.
The funky, upbeat lyrics are completely at odds with the mood of the lyrics, making for an interesting listening experience.
20. Bring The Boys Home — Freda Payne
The R&B hit is a desperate cry for the return of soldiers from the Vietnam War. Released during a time of deep divisions over the conflict, the song conveys the pain of families and their desire for the safe return of their loved ones.
It reached number four on the Billboard Soul Singles chart and spent 13 weeks on the Hot 100, peaking at number 12 there.
21. There is a War — Leonard Cohen
Though this isn’t necessarily about a global conflict (despite its release during the political climate of the 1970s), the song speaks of the inherent nature of war and conflict in human history, picking on themes of racial and socio-economic disparity.
22. Lyndon Johnson Told the Nation — Tom Paxton
A protest song that doesn’t hold back! Capturing the feelings of those turbulent times during the Vietnam War, it criticizes President Lyndon B. Johnson’s war policies. Paxton’s lyrics express the doubts and skepticism people had about their government and its role in the conflict.
23. The Unknown Soldier — The Doors
The fact that radios refused to play this song because of its themes tells you all you need to know. The song is yet another critique of war, this time highlighting all those ‘unknown soldiers’ who laid down their lives, while everyone celebrates the end of war with no thought given to their sacrifice.
24. Bullet In The Blue Sky — U2
I found the song a very dark and unique listening experience, with Bono’s vocals and The Edge’s distinctive guitar work creating a sense of anxiety, reflecting the title. The song is one of the bands’ signatures, often a part of their live sets, and is said to be a protest against the U.S. interference in South America.
25. People Have The Power — Patti Smith
This is an empowering anthem that emphasizes the strength of collective action. It’s a call to action and a reminder that we have the power to create change. The song was most likely inspired by the anti-war protests Patti and her husband attended during their youth.
26. Give Peace A Chance — Plastic Ono Band
The song quickly became the anthem of the anti-Vietnam-war and counterculture movements, with a strong message of pacifism wrapped in a catchy tune. It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the British singles chart.
27. Bombs Away — The Police
Even The Police didn’t hide their anti-war commentary with a single like this. Sonically, this is one of my favorite songs on the list, especially with how lyrics criticize the higher-ups benefiting from war, while destruction and despair lie in the wake of the bombs they dropped.
28. Ballad Of The Green Berets — Barry Sadler & Robin Moore
The song pays tribute to the United States Army Special Forces, known as the Green Berets. Written during the Vietnam War era, the song compliments the dedication and bravery of ‘honorable soldiers’, conveying support for the military during the anti-war movement.
It was also a crossover hit, reaching Number 1 on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart and Number 2 on Billboard’s Country survey.
29. The Dogs Of War — Pink Floyd
This isn’t just another brilliantly composed rock song. It’s like a peek behind the curtain, showing the shady world of politicians who wage secret wars while staying hidden in the shadows, mostly driving war for financial gain.
30. Draft Morning — The Byrds
A psychedelic folk-rock reflection on the draft and the Vietnam War, the song captures the sense of unease and uncertainty that many young men faced as they awaited their draft notices. In a way, this song reminds me of the reaping from “The Hunger Games”.
31. War is Over — John Lennon
A timeless peace anthem (and Christmas song) with a simple yet profound message – an end to conflict and a return to peace. It was first released as part of John Lenon’s anti-Vietnam War campaign and has since become a symbol of hope and unity. The song has since then been covered by huge names including Maroon 5, Miley Cyrus, and John Legend.
32. This Is War — 30 Seconds to Mars
The song’s protagonist delivers a powerful message about the importance of standing up for what’s right, even if it means risking your life. It’s a call to be courageous in a world filled with challenges. The music video features soldiers deployed to Afghanistan and the song reached number 1 on the US Alternative Airplay chart.
33. War — Bob Marley
The reggae song is inspired by a speech made by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I before the United Nations General Assembly, calling for the end of oppression, discrimination, and the division of people based on race, creed, or nationality. War is not just a song but a recipe for a more harmonious world.
34. Soldier’s Poem — Muse
A melancholic reflection on the experiences of a soldier during the war, the song discusses the emotional toll of war, focusing on a soldier’s hopelessness on a battlefield. With its gentle melody and Bellamy’s emotive vocals, the song reminds me of just how futile war is.
35. Over There — George M. Cohan
A popular hit amongst soldiers during both WW1 and WW2, the song was composed to boost morale and encourage support for American soldiers serving overseas. It became a rallying cry to defeat the “Huns” (the Germans), capturing the patriotic fervor of the time.
36. What We’re Fighting For — Dave Dudley
Through powerful storytelling, Dudley recounts the spirit of patriotism through a soldier’s narration. None of the soldiers ‘like the war’ and yet fight for the honor and prestige of their country and “the old red, white and blue”
37. Army Dreamers — Kate Bush
The war-themed song sheds light on the devastating effects of war on mothers who lose their young sons. Sung from the perspective of a grieving mother, it narrates the tragedy of teenagers sent to war, their dreams and potential left unfulfilled.
Notably, the BBC banned the song during the Gulf War in 1991, highlighting its anti-establishment message.
38. The White Cliffs Of Dover — Vera Lynn
Another famous WW2 anthem, this one was sung to boost the public morale and remind them that peace will prevail and the soldiers will make it home. With the old-timey, grainy quality of this, along with Vera Lynn’s warm, comforting voice, I can see how this song brought comfort to troops and families alike.
39. Devils and Dust — Bruce Springsteen
Just like Bob Dylan’s “God on Our Side”, this song also features the spiritual conflict that comes into play during war, even featuring a similar lyric; “I got God on my side…” Written about the Iraq war, it delves into the soldier’s struggles as they witness the horrors of the battlefield, raising questions about faith and the true cost of war. The song was widely played on the radio and even snagged a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year.
40. Vietnam Blues — Kris Kristofferson
Another song about the Vietnam War, though this one has little to do with the conflict itself and more to do with the division in public sentiment and the socio-political climate in America at the time. I think it aptly portrays the psychological toll of the conflict on both soldiers and civilians.
41. Orange Crush — R.E.M.
The song is more than just a catchy tune about a drink. It’s actually about the harrowing legacy of Agent Orange, a harmful herbicide used by the U.S. during the Vietnam War. Agent Orange’s devastating impact on both the environment and the health of those exposed to it makes the destruction caused by war a central theme in the song.
42. 19 — Paul Hardcastle
Even though it is an electronic dance track with an infectious beat, the song actually addresses the PTSD of the Vietnam War on young soldiers who were drafted at the average age of 19. The song received staggering chart success, peaking at number 1 on charts all across Europe, along with the UK and the U.S.
43. Games Without Frontiers — Peter Gabriel
The lyrics explore the dehumanizing and destructive nature of war, comparing politicians and higher-ups to children playing with toys – except it’s not toys. It’s soldiers as ‘pawns’ and human lives. The song became Gabriel’s first Top 10 Hit in the UK, peaking at number 4.
44. Brothers in Arms — Dire Straits
This deeply emotive ballad reflects the experiences of soldiers during war and the camaraderie among soldiers in times of conflict. It captures the sense of unity and brotherhood that emerges on the battlefield, emphasizing the sacrifice and solidarity of those who serve, which is why it’s often played at military funerals.
45. The Letter — The Box Tops
Even though the song was written in the context of a long-distance relationship, it gained popularity during the Vietnam War as it captures the emotions of longing and separation often associated with wartime.
The song reached number 1 on the record charts in the U.S. and Canada and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame added it to the list of the “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll“. The single was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
46. Spanish Bombs — The Clash
The punk rock song mentions the Spanish Civil War, with political and social commentary, capturing the conflict’s tragic and historical aspects. it gives you a raw and unapologetic portrayal of war’s impact on individuals and society.
47. The Band Played Waltzing Matilda — Eric Bogle
Yet another anthem with a strong anti-war sentiment by Eric Bogle on the list, Bogle tells the story of a young Australian soldier who is sent off to fight in World War I. Bogle’s beautiful voice vividly captures the horrors of war and the scars it leaves behind.
48. War Pigs — Black Sabbath
Lyrically, this is one of my favorite songs on the list, mostly because of the Divine and mystical references. While most anti-war songs talk about how politicians and higher-ups in the military get away with using soldiers and people as pawns in their game, this song is a reminder that their actions do have consequences as these people face judgment from ‘the devil’ who laughs at them when they beg for forgiveness.
49. Rooster — Alice In Chains
This was written by their vocalist Jerry Cantrell as a tribute to his father, Jerry Cantrell Sr., who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was known as “Rooster”. It’s a reminder of the lasting impact of war on veterans and their families.
50. Zombie — The Cranberries
Ending this list with one of the most famous songs associated with war, this is a powerful and emotional song that was written as a response to the conflict in Northern Ireland. The lyrics convey the profound pain and suffering caused by violence and conflict.
Zombie topped the charts in eight countries, including the US Billboard Alternative Airplay chart where it spent twenty-three weeks.
FAQs
Did any singers or musicians serve in the military?
Many famous singers and musicians served in the military, including Toby Keith and Kris Kristofferson, who are on this list. Other famous names in the military include Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, and Willie Nelson.
What incident is the song “Zombie” written about?
The song is written about the 1993 IRA bombing in Warrington, England. The bombing resulted in the deaths of two young boys, Johnathan Ball and Tim Parry, and injured many others. The event had a profound impact on the band, and the song’s lyrics convey the pain and suffering caused by violence and conflict, emphasizing the need for peace and reconciliation.
What is ‘Counterculture’ in terms of the Vietnam War?
The counterculture during the Vietnam War was a movement of young people who opposed the war, challenged traditional values, and promoted peace and social change. This was just one facet of the culture, as it included a lot of other socio-political reforms as well.