[2025] Anti-war songs in Western music: Songs that pray for peace

Games Without FrontiersPeter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel – Games Without Frontiers

Peter Gabriel is an English artist known as the original lead vocalist of the rock band Genesis.

His song “Games Without Frontiers” is one of his signature works.

It’s an anti-war track laced with biting irony, likening war to a children’s game, and it gained popularity with a realistic music video focused on the theme of war—something rare in the music scene at the time.

While anti-war songs in Japan often center on singing about peace, many anti-war songs overseas lean into sharp irony, so be sure to check them out.

Bulls on ParadeRage Against The Machine

Rage Against The Machine – Bulls On Parade (Official HD Video)

Rage Against the Machine is a rock band with an original sound often described as a fusion of Led Zeppelin and Public Enemy, leaving a strong impression.

In Japan, they’re affectionately known as “Rage.” Among their songs, one anti-war track I especially recommend is Bulls on Parade.

The song contains critical commentary that throws a stone at—or challenges—the methods of their own country’s warfare.

It was released in 1996, and knowing the military context of the United States at the time will help you grasp the essence of the work more deeply.

Empty WallsSerj Tankian

Serj Tankian – Empty Walls (Official Music Video) | Warner Vault

Serj Tankian, the charismatic frontman of System of a Down, released his solo debut single “Empty Walls” in 2007, delivering a raw message rooted in his Armenian-American heritage that shocked audiences around the world.

Aggressive yet thoughtful, his shape-shifting vocal prowess gives his music immense persuasive power.

“Empty Walls,” which continues to confront listeners with the deep scars of war, emphasizes the lessons of history and resonates as a cry imbued with a prayer for peace.

Be sure to watch the music video set in a kindergarten and think about what it signifies.

WarEdwin Starr

Edwin Starr- War (HQ)

Edwin Starr’s antiwar song “War” is a classic that delivered a powerful message in the United States in 1970, amid the turmoil of the Vietnam War.

Originally intended to be sung by The Temptations, the song is also known in Japan by the title “Kuroi Sensō” (“Black War”).

Starr’s version of “War” was a massive hit, reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy Award in 1971.

Its repeated, straightforward questioning of war and Starr’s commanding vocals remind listeners of the enduring importance of opposing war.

Mama ŠČ!Let 3

Let 3 – Mama ŠČ! (LIVE) | Croatia 🇭🇷 | First Semi-Final | Eurovision 2023

Since its release on January 20, 2023, “Mama ŠČ!” by the Croatian rock band Let 3 has sparked reactions around the world.

Their shocking performance at the Eurovision Song Contest powerfully underscored their anti-war message.

Challenging those in power and sounding the alarm against folly, hunger, and stereotypes, the song resonates deeply with listeners.

By setting their protest against the realities of war to music, Let 3 continue to convey their wish for peace.

Provocative yet empathetic, this track is a superb example of music’s power, and I highly recommend it to listeners from all walks of life!

Gimme ShelterThe Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones – Gimme Shelter (Official Lyric Video)

Gimme Shelter by the British rock band The Rolling Stones was created in response to the Vietnam War.

It is included on the 1969 album Let It Bleed.

The lyrics vividly depict the tragedies caused by war.

A conflict that can break out over something trivial ends up taking lives, robbing people of their homes, and destroying their livelihoods.

The song conveys a powerful condemnation of war, declaring that a world without love is unacceptable.

CrushedImagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons – Crushed (Official Video)

Imagine Dragons, one of the world’s leading alternative rock bands.

They consistently release entertainment-packed songs that fire up their listeners, but they’ve also put out serious work with an anti-war theme.

That’s the track Crushed.

Included on an album released in 2022, the song drew renewed attention when its music video was released in May 2023.

The content is shocking: the MV was filmed on the front lines in Ukraine.

They must have had a message they wanted to convey to the world so strongly that they were willing to take such risks.

Be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.